The surge of double glazing truly began in the 1970s, with more homes opting for aluminium windows, sliding patio doors and secondary (double) glazing. Things in the window industry would never be the same after this, so keep reading this blog if you want to know the full history of double glazing.
UPVC WINDOW MANUFACTURERS
When the 1980s rolled around, property prices had increased. ,uPVC windows were introduced to the UK from Germany and windows were being replaced left, right & centre. Aluminium windows were on their way out, as it was cold material and therefore the thermal efficiency was poor. It led to condensation being a real problem in the colder months.
uPVC was a warmer alternative, but outward-opening uPVC windows were externally glazed and therefore had poor security “cock-spur handles. Georgian window styles were slowly coming into fashion also. A white bar in between the windowpanes lead to a rifer design.
The introduction of moulded uPVC doors also took off in the 80s, as a wider selection of jelly-moulded type copies of wooden/timber door styles. As well as this woodgrain options were introduced which allowed people to change the look and aesthetics of their home. Let’s just say that there were some ugly homes in the 1980s!
uPVC windows had fully taken off in the 1990’s, and when the year 2000 came around, most uPVC window manufacturers were offering internally glazed windows with better security options and softer shaped frames. The gaskets were predominantly darker colours during this time, until the introduction of white gaskets. When they hit the market, they were greeted with enthusiasm but quickly became a hassle to keep cleaning due to the dirt and stains that shows on white. So, the 2000’s began with a balance of white, brown & black gaskets throughout UK homes.
GEORGIAN STYLE DOUBLE GLAZING
External Georgian windows were also available for those that wanted a more rustic, realistic Georgian appearance. Again they were difficult to clean with the internal bars, but uPVC windows were starting to resemble a more traditional window.
When 2010 came, there was another revolution in the glazing industry. There was a high demand for high quality, maintenance free window that performed alike to uPVC, but did not have the same appearance. Timber windows were hassle to maintain and clean but looked smarter than uPVC. So, when these look alike windows came into effect, with the same properties as uPVC but looked like timber – they became massive.
COLOUR DOUBLE GLAZING WINDOWS
Nearer to the present, uPVC profiles became available in grained finishes and a variety of colours. Precision manufacturing created neater corners and mechanical joints. This essentially meant that a uPVC window could look identical to timber in many different colours.
DOUBLE GLAZING CWMBRAN
In the last decade, we have seen a re-birth of the replacement window. Design is now the main focus for replacing windows. You have the choice of flush, storm casements or even traditional sliding sash windows in almost every colour. Whether it’s soft white, trendy greens or contemporary greys, they are all available for any property thanks to the advancements in the glazing industry.
If you require any more information on double glazing or window services, contact The Window Doctor on 01633 868585