It is a standard requirement that all windows in new-build homes are double glazed. However, if you live in an older property you may not have double glazing and, although it is an investment, the home improvement benefits are huge. These include heat retention, which in turn will reduce heating bills, noise reduction, and improve the security of your home.

In this article, we will look at how long double glazing lasts, how to pick the best double glazed windows, and signs that it may need replacing.

What is the lifespan of double glazing?

On average double glazing can last 20 years. And double glazing that is installed nowadays can even last up to 30 years. This depends on a few factors though such as;

• the standard of the installation
• the quality of the double glazed units – high-quality units will last longer
• the location of the windows – exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause them to expand and contract.

How to pick the best double glazed windows

When upgrading your windows, whether from timber windows to double glazed or replacing your old double glazed ones, how do you know what makes a good quality window?

There are several things to consider including;

• the style of your property
• the material of the window frame
• the type of glass

Choosing the right windows for your property is something that we can advise you on. We will offer you a full survey, templating, correct glass specification, delivery, and installation in one quote. There will be no hidden costs, just a complete price for our products and expertise.

The right windows will not only cut your heating bills but will help the environment too. Installing A-rated double-glazed windows could save you up to £115 per year.

Signs that the windows need replacing

As we mentioned earlier in this article, the average lifespan of double glazed windows can be up to 20 years. But that doesn’t mean they won’t need replacing sooner. There are some things to look out for that will indicate it’s time for replacement windows:

Drafty windows

If your windows are letting cold air in when closed they have become inefficient. This could indicate that the seals around your windows are broken or that there are gaps between the window panes. Not only will this lead to heat loss but the latter is also a serious security risk.

Visible damage

General wear and tear is normal over time as your windows are exposed to the elements. However if you notice damage such as cracks or rotting, this is a more serious problem. This visible damage will not only make your windows inefficient but can also affect the resale value of your home.

Condensation

Condensation on your windows and between the panes of glass is a common complaint for homeowners and isn’t something that you should ignore. Not only could it lead to health risks, due to mould developing around your window frames, but it can also cause your window frames to rot.

If any of the signs above sound familiar in relation to your windows, or you would like to discuss replacing or upgrading your windows, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for advice.

Patio doors provide easy access to your garden and being able to have them open during the warmer months is a big advantage. However, as they are in regular use this can cause wear and tear, resulting in problems over time.

If you find that your patio doors are proving tricky to close or that the bottom of the door catches on the floor, it’s likely they have dropped and the hinges need adjusting. This is a common problem but easy to fix.

In this article, we’re going to look at how to determine if your patio door is out of alignment, the different types of uPVC door hinges, and how to adjust them.

Determine if door is warped or out of alignment

Firstly, determine the reason that your patio door needs adjusting. Is it letting cold air in? Is it getting stuck when you try to open or close it? Begin by assessing where your door is out of alignment.

To do this, use a spirit level to check the level of the door. Then look at the corners of your door to see if they are lined up with the corners of the door frame.

Lastly, look at the gap on the lock side of the door, between the door and the frame when the door is slightly open. Is this consistent from the bottom to the top?
When the door is closed, is there a gap in the middle? If so, your door is warped and is likely to need replacing. However, if there is a gap at the bottom of the door it’s likely that it just needs adjusting on the hinge side.

Types of hinges

If your hinges do need adjusting you will need to work out what type of hinge your door has. There are three types:

1. Flag hinge

Modern uPVC doors usually have a flag hinge and are the easiest to make adjustments to. It is vertical, lateral, and fine-tuning for compression, moving the door closer to the door jamb.

2. T-Hinge

A T-hinge is very similar to a flag hinge, which can be adjusted laterally and vertically.

3. Butt Hinge

Butt hinges are usually found on older styles of uPVC doors and may have a lateral adjustment, lateral and vertical adjustment, and sometimes no adjustment.

Steps on how to adjust the error

Once you’ve determined which hinge your patio door has, you can adjust them. To do this you will need:

• a flat-headed screwdriver
• a Phillips head screwdriver
• allen keys (5mm)

Steps to adjust your door:

1. Understand what the separate screws on the door hinge do. The top screw is for adjusting the height, the screw at the side adjusts the door horizontally, and the screw at the door adjusts the depth.
2. Correctly identify how your patio door needs adjusting – vertically, horizontally or depth. Pick the correct screw to adjust. If the screws have a cap over them, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen this, and a flat-headed screwdriver to remove the cap.
3. Turning the allen key, turn the screw a few times, and adjust until the correct position is reached.

If your door has a butt hinge there might be a screw in the middle of the hinge that you will need to loosen first, before you turn the adjustment screw.

Before making any adjustments, be sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions beforehand. If you don’t feel confident identifying the type of hinges your doors have, or in adjusting them yourself, feel free to contact us for help and advice.

Adding curtains to your windows is a great way to tie together the look of a room, as well as keep your interior warm and cosy. And there are many styles to choose from, including floor-length to create a glamorous feel and pencil pleat curtains that will suit many window designs.

In this month’s article, we’re going to look at how to choose the right ones for your space and how to take accurate measurements. Read on to find out more.

Where is the curtain being put up?

The style and type of curtains that you choose for your home will firstly depend on the room they will be hung in, the size of your windows, and the style of the rest of the space.

If you are choosing curtains for a nursery, for example, you may want to consider a blackout layer to ensure your little one sleeps soundly during the summer months, when the sun rises earlier.

If your curtains are going to be hung from floor-to-ceiling windows or patio doors, consider the thickness of the curtain material. As this is a large window area, you will want to keep the heat in during the colder months. Good quality lined curtains will make your home more energy-efficient by reducing heat loss.

When deciding on colour and pattern, consider the style and tones of the rest of your room to create a cohesive theme. And most importantly choose ones that you like, as they are likely to stay in your room for a long time.

What is the width?

Before you begin taking any measurements, first fit your curtain track or pole above the window where the curtains will hang.

If you are fitting a new track or pole, a good guide for positioning is:

• 15cm (6 inches) above the window top
• 15-20cm (6-8 inches) either side of the window edges

Pencil pleat curtains can be hung from a curtain track or curtain pole however, if you opt for a pole you will need to use curtain rings.

Next, measure the total width of the track/pole excluding any decorative parts at each end. This applies when measuring for eyelet curtains or pencil pleat curtains.

What is the height?

The next step is to take measurements for the height (length) of your curtains.

Eyelet curtains

Measure from the top of the curtain pole to where you want the curtains to drop to.

Pencil pleat curtains

When measuring from a curtain pole, begin measuring from the bottom of the eye (the small metal ring at the bottom of each curtain ring) to where you want your curtains to drop to.

When measuring from a curtain track, begin measuring from the top of the track to where you want your curtains to drop to.

Below are some examples of where you may want your curtains to drop to and how to measure for this:

• measure to the bottom of the window ledge and add 2-4 inches
• measure to the top of the radiator and add 2 inches
• measure to 1 inch above the floor.

Custom curtains

If you would rather have your curtains custom-made than buying ready-made curtains, take your measurements as detailed above. Discuss this with your chosen supplier and they will be able to determine which size of curtains you need.

Ready-made curtains

There are a wide variety of ready-made curtains available at affordable prices. Simply take your measurements as detailed above and select the size you need at your chosen retailer. If you’re unsure, discuss this with the sales team in-store or email them to make sure you select the right size.

We hope that you will find this a useful guide to selecting the right curtains for your home. If you would like any advice on a good match with windows that we have fitted or are due to fit for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The countdown to Christmas has officially started and it’s safe to say we’re all looking forward to celebrating this year more than ever, especially after the past 18 months or so.

It’s likely that you’ll have travel plans, be staying with family or visiting friends over the holiday season. With this in mind, it’s important to think about how to keep your home safe and secure while you’re not there. We’ve put together some security tips to protect your home and give you some peace of mind.

Top tips to keep your home secure this Christmas

1. Don’t leave Christmas gifts on display

If your Christmas tree can be seen from outside your house, make sure any presents are hidden from view under the tree. Wrapped presents are tempting to a potential burglar, so make sure to keep your gifts safe.

2. Set up lights on a timer

If you are going to be away over the Christmas period or will be home late after it has got dark, set up your lights on a timer. A dark house is a clear sign that there is no one home, especially over the festive season when many houses are usually lit with Christmas lights and decorations.

3. Secure your doors and windows

Before you leave the house, double-check that your doors and windows are fully closed and securely locked.

All of our windows:

• use Yale hardware locks and hinges
• have multi-point, espagnolette, or shoot-bolt locking handles

Our PVCu windows are reinforced with steel and internally glazed ensuring that the glass cannot be removed from the outside.

All our doors:

• have Ultion high-security cylinders
• Fuhr multi-point locking systems
• are made with reinforced steel and are fully welded
• are internally glazed
• use toughened glass

to keep your home secure and lower the risk of break-ins.

Remember –  never leave your door or windows keys in the locks or in view.

4. Install smart security systems

There are many options on the market now for smart home security systems – from doorbells with security cameras, to alarm systems and motion sensors that connect to your smartphone..

If you’re not ready for a full system yet, why not consider starting with a smart camera in your home over Christmas to give you extra reassurance.

5. Don’t tell people online that you are out

Many of us love sharing photos during the holidays on social media but think twice. Never tag your location or make it obvious you aren’t home to those online. Why not wait until you are home to share what you are up to.

Merry Christmas and a big thank you

As this is our last article of 2021, we want to take a moment to wish all of our customers, partners, and suppliers a very merry Christmas and say thank you for being a part of our year.

It’s been another one of uncertainty but we are looking ahead with positivity to 2022. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year!

Holidays are coming and we’re delighted that Christmas events are back in full swing this year. There are some exciting activities happening across Surrey, from Christmas fairs to glorious light displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best so you can take your pick of how to spend the festive period.

Curated by Dapper & Suave BIG Christmas Market

Date: Sunday 14th November, 11 am – 4 pm

Entry: Free

In this pop-up department store at the Dorking Halls, curated by Dapper & Suave, you’ll find a variety of products on display, from artwork to candles, and food items to jewellery. You’re sure to find a gift for all your loved ones. You can book tickets via the Dorking Halls website or just turn up on the day.

Guildford Cathedral Christmas Market

Date: Friday 19th and Saturday 20th November, 10 am – 4 pm

Entry: £3 per person

This two-day Christmas market is one not to be missed, with a range of artists, crafters, and makers you’re sure to find something unique and wonderful. No need to book, just turn up on the day.

Glow 2021 at Wisley

Date: Friday 19th November – Tuesday 4th January 2022

Entry: Non-Member Adult – £16, Non-member child (5 – 16) – £11, Under 5s – Free, RHS Member – £8.95, RHS Member Guest – £8.95, RHS Member Guest Child – £4.50

The yearly light spectacular at RHS Wisley is back. Wander through the magical trail including Seven Acres, the Rock Garden, and Wisteria Walk. See the website for full details and to book tickets.

Denbies Santa Express

Date: Weekend dates between Saturday 27th November – Sunday 19th December. Week day dates Wednesday 22nd – Friday 24th December.

Entry: Adults – £7.25 (includes a mince pie), Children – £12.95 (including a gift from Santa)

All aboard the Santa Express at Denbies! Ride with Santa through the vineyard with a gift from Santa’s Elves at the end of your journey. A magical experience. See the Denbies website for further details and to book.

Box Hill Christmas Fair

Date: Sunday 28th November, 11 am – 4 pm

Entry: Early Bird Ticket – Free (Sales end 1st November), Children and Adults (Over 12) – £1.50 + £0.71p fee per ticket

If you like getting a head start on your Christmas shopping the Box Hill Christmas fair is a good place to begin. Shop at a selection of stalls in the magnificent Tithe Barn at the foot of the beautiful Box Hill in Dorking. Get tickets here.

Brockham Christmas Craft and Gift Fair

Date Sunday 28th November, 11 am – 4 pm

Entry: Free

Featuring stalls with unique gems by local artists, the Brockham Christmas craft and gift fair is the perfect place to find a special gift or two. Held in Brockham Village Hall, you can also treat yourself to a slice of homemade cake while you shop.

The Nativity Journey at Wintershall

Date: Wednesday 15th – Monday 20th December

Entry: Adults – £20, Children (3 – 18) – £10, Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) – £55

Journey to Bethlehem with Mary, Joseph and their Donkey in this Nativity performance at Wintershall in Guildford. A magical experience for the whole family and a great way to start the Christmas period. Book your tickets here.

Enjoy your Christmas in Surrey

Whatever you’re doing during the Christmas period in Surrey, enjoy your time with friends and family making up for lost time after last year’s lack of events.

If you are looking to upgrade your home in time for the festive period this year, don’t forget to check out our energy-efficient windows. Designed to keep the warmth in so you can have a cosy Christmas. Get in touch to talk about upgrading your windows.

After a disappointing lack of fireworks displays in 2020, this year’s Bonfire Night looks set to be full of sparkle with many events planning to go ahead in November in Surrey.

Although some of the usual events still won’t be running until 2022, there are still some great opportunities to wrap up warm and see fantastic fireworks in 2021. Here are the ones that are confirmed:

Bramley Bonfire

Date: Saturday 6th November

Entry: Free but donations welcome on the day

This year’s Bramley Bonfire promises to be bigger and better than ever. Bonfire construction has started already so keep an eye on the official Facebook page for updates and to get involved.

Chiddingfold Bonfire

Date: Saturday 6th November

Entry: Free

Chiddingfold Bonfire is more than just fireworks, with a great variety of stall holders selling hot food and a procession of 400 torches to light the magnificent bonfire. Visit the official website for more information.

Cranleigh Fireworks and Bonfire

Date: Saturday 6th November

Entry: Donations welcome

The fun begins in the afternoon at this year’s event in Cranleigh. From 1pm enjoy the fun of the fair on the common, take part in the Make-A-Guy competition in Stocklund Square at 3pm, and hold your torch aloft in the procession at 5.45pm. Fireworks set to music begin at 7.30pm.

See the official website for the full schedule of the event.

Epsom Fireworks and Funfair

Date: Saturday 6th November

Entry: £10.00 during October, £12.00 online in November or on the gate on the day. Under 5s – Free

Epsom’s event will take place at Hook Road Arena. A low noise display will start at 6.30pm for children, with the main show starting at 7.30pm. This is a ticketed event and you can buy yours online or on the gate of Hook Road Arena from 5.30pm.

See the event website for further details.

Guildford Lions Fireworks Fiesta

Date: Saturday 6th November

Entry: Adults – £11.00, Children (Under 16) – Free

Experience Guildford’s Stoke Park full of music and a selection of food and drink stalls from 6pm, with the fabulous fireworks taking flight at 8.30pm. Tickets available from See Tickets.

Farnham Fireworks and Torchlit Procession

Date: Saturday 6th November
Entry: Advance Tickets: Adults – £8, Children (under 16) – £4, Under 2s – Free, Family ticket (2 adults, and 2 children) – £20

On the Day: Adults – £10, Children (under 16) – £5, Under 2s – Free, Family ticket (2 adults, and 2 children) – £25

This year’s event in Farnham Park will open from 5pm. Experience a new look Food Village, live music and the torchlit procession leaving Central Car Park at 6pm. Fireworks will follow a countdown led by local key workers at 7.45pm. Buy tickets here.

However you’re celebrating Bonfire Night this year, do so safely. If you’re staying in, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot some through your windows. Enjoy!

As the summer comes to an end and the nights draw in, it’s natural to think more about the security of your home. What you may not be aware of though, is that a third of burglaries actually occur in broad daylight and more than half when someone is at home. This can be incredibly distressing and have a significant impact on homeowners’, from affecting their sleep to inducing anxiety.

On a positive note, according to the ONS (Office of National Statistics), domestic burglaries have decreased by 30% in the past year. This is largely due to the national lockdowns and people staying at home more. However, as things return to some kind of normality, including people returning to work at least part of the week, it’s important to ensure your home remains safe and secure.

This is something that is highlighted every October during National Home Security Month. Now in its ninth year, this event offers weekly themed advice and tips on keeping your home, family, and belongings secure.

National Home Security Month 2021

Every week throughout October, National Home Security Month focuses on a different area of home security, covering subjects from home alarms to the best types of locks and windows, as well as seasonal tips to keep your possessions and family safe.

The month is also sponsored yearly by Yale, who will also be offering their advice alongside some exclusive promotions.

Keep an eye on the National Home Security Month website for this year’s full schedule and in the meantime, check out their Home Security Checklist to get a head start on reviewing your home’s security, including:

• Alarms
• Entry and exit doors
• Indoor and outdoor cameras

One aspect not to be overlooked is security when you’re away on holiday, including posting or ‘checking in’ away from home on social media. Burglars are clever and doing this gives them the green light that your home is empty. Asking a neighbour or friend to check on your home and leaving lights on a timer are just a few tips to give you peace of mind.

How Cosyhomes Windows Can Help

Once again, this year Cosyhomes Windows is proud to support and highlight National Home Security Month.

All of our windows have multi-point, espagnolette, or shoot-bolt locking handles. We reinforce our PVCu windows with steel and internally glaze them to make sure that the glass cannot be removed from the outside.

We can also fit fire escape hinges if needed, which helps to ensure that your home is secure but also maintains its safety for those inside.
All of our doors include multi-point locking systems to keep your home secure, reinforced with steel and fully welded, as well as internally glazed, just like our windows. We also use toughened glass to lower the risk of break-ins.

For support and advice on keeping your windows secure, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Although 2020 has not been the best year on record, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we still can’t believe how quickly 2020 arrived and has nearly gone in a blink of an eye. It seems like only yesterday that we were sitting here writing last months Christmas blog article.

Managing To Get Through The Year

Like many businesses, getting through this year during a pandemic has been tough. But, despite being closed for 3 months and only being able to return on a part-time basis to start with, we managed to get through it.

We would like to thank all our wonderful customers for understanding the strain on our business and the situation we’ve been in with demand and supply chain issues – we really appreciate all your support!

We also know not all businesses have been as fortunate as we have been, with closures and people losing their jobs. We hope that things return to normal soon so that people can find their feet again and our hearts go out to all those affected in any way this year by Covid-19.

Our Latest Ranges

This year, we have added The Period Door Collection to our product range. If you would like to see this range in the flesh, we have the Victorian in our showroom with its beautiful coloured glass. So, make sure you pop in to pay us a visit!

We have also been delving more and more into the world of coloured PVC. With so much choice, it’s no wonder it’s an attractive option to give your property the edge.

Our 2020 Charity Of Choice

This year our charity donation is to Motor Neurone Disease Association who work to improve care and support for people with MND and their families.

Win A £75 Marks & Spencer Voucher

We have a competition running to win a £75 Marks & Spencer voucher. To stand a chance of winning, simply post a review for us on either Google or FreeIndex during December and you will be entered into the prize draw. Post on both for a double entry!

You can leave your reviews via the following links:

https://goo.gl/4FrAZS

https://www.freeindex.co.uk/wr.htm?id=307982&br=1 

Christmas 2020 Opening Times

We would like all our customers to know that we will be closing the Cosyhomes Windows office from Wednesday 23rd December at 3pm and reopening on Monday 4th January at 7:30am.

A Big Thanks From Us To You

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers, suppliers and partners and wish everyone a happy and healthier 2021! We look forward to working with you all in the New Year!

According to Certass’s most recent member survey, 96% of UK homeowners felt product quality was either extremely or very important. As you can infer, this means that almost all homeowners would rather pay more for top-notch products rather than save a few quid.

Are you interested in hearing more about the results of this survey? Then read on. We’ll discuss what Certass is and the other results of this member survey so you know what it means for you as a consumer.

What Is Certass?

Certass is a certification scheme or Competent Person Scheme (CPS) that’s UKAS-approved. This organisation checks both contractors and home improvement companies for competence.

How do they do this? Through set standards in the industry.

This certification scheme allows both contractors and companies to self-certify their work. This eliminates the inconvenience of either having to submit a building notice or using a local authority inspector for projects.

Members Survey

So you know that 96% of UK homeowners value product quality as the most important thing when it comes to home improvement services. But what else?

Well, apparently 94% felt finish of work was next important, and 91% felt courteousness was the third-most important factor.

What does the weight of these 3 factors mean? It means consumers are more than happy to turn from using large retailers and support smaller businesses instead.

The survey also indicated that window installers are starting to expand their services to better cater to their customers. 38% have taken on extension work and 34% have taken on roofing work.

This means that as time goes on, consumers will find more and more home improvement companies providing all-encompassing services. As a result, they won’t have to hop from contractor to contractor (or company to company). Instead, they can get all their home renovation needs taken care of by one entity, which will provide a world of difference in convenience for consumers.

Cosyhomes Windows Provides Quality Products

Chances are, you’re one of those British homeowners who’d rather pay a little more to get products that’ll withstand the tests of time.

Here at Cosyhomes Windows, we have always believed you get what you pay for so longevity and durability of a product is of utmost importance to us. Certainly, we may not offer the cheapest prices around when compared with other home improvement specialists but our work, reputation and product portfolio outstrips others.

In fact, we offer 10-year insurance-backed guarantee on PVCu and Aluminium windows, doors and conservatories, as well as a 10-year guarantee glass. That’s how much faith we have in not only our workmanship but also the quality of the products we offer you.

So the next time you do home renovations, keep Cosyhomes Windows in mind. We’re sure to have what you need, without you having to pay exorbitant prices.

Plus, our finish of work is fantastic and we’re always courteous! As far as the Certass member survey goes, we’ve hit the trifecta.

Need high-quality products for your home improvement project? Then get in touch with us now.

Well, it is that time of year again and everyone here at Cosyhomes Windows cannot believe that we are almost into 2019!

2018 has been one of our most successful and enjoyable years, with almost 250 installations completed – this is almost an increase of 50 installations compared to last year. In fact, 2018 was our busiest year-to-date and we cannot wait to see what is around the corner in 2019.

A Big Welcome To New Faces

This year we welcomed Ben, our new fitters ‘mate’, who joined our team. We are now pleased to say that Ben is a permanent member of our staff and we are so privileged to have him on-board.

New Year, New Signage

Those of you who follow us on Facebook have probably seen our new signage, which we are incredibly proud of. Those of you who haven’t, check out some of the photos below:

It was an emotional day for us, especially when the original signage was revealed underneath that brought back a lot of memories of ‘the good old days’.

Rehau & Certass

Rehau had a bit of a ‘tidy up’ this year, whittling down their list of authorised partners and we are pleased to say that we are still on their list. This supports the fact that we only use the highest quality products for our installations, ensuring nothing short of the best.

Our team also meets the Minimum Technical Competency (MTC) as required by CERTASS and the Department for Communities and Local Governments. Our company is fully set up under the CE Marking regulations – information is available at our Chessington showroom.

A Big Thank You To You

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers, suppliers and partners and wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2019! Cosyhomes Windows look forward to working with you all in the New Year!

We will be closed from midday on Friday 21st December and will reopen on Wednesday 2nd January 2019.