Top 10 facts you didn’t know about windows
In the 21st century, our double glazed windows, whether they open or not, are certainly something we can’t live without. While they give our homes kerb appeal, as well as a great source of energy-efficiency and thermal insulation, we usually take them for granted. But because windows do play such a big part in our everyday lives, when you stop and think about them, there are probably more than a few questions raised about their history, origin, or style. So, here are our top 10 facts you didn’t know about windows.
1. Roman Egyptians were the first known people to use glass for windows
Around the world, and through the ages, different civilisations used materials like paper, cloth, animal hide, or even thin slices of marble as window coverings. but it was the Roman Egyptians who were thought to first use glass in around 100AD. Once they’d mastered the art, using glass for windows fast became normal around the world and the process has evolved into what we know today.
2. Double glazing originated in Scotland in the 19th century
It’s accepted that the Scots originated double glazing in the 19th century in an effort to tackle the perpetual cold of the harsh winters. Having only thin glass in their windows, icy blasts and low temperatures would easily make their way into the home, and a central fire in the kitchen powering their basic heating system was no match. Fortunately, a determined Scot invented a ‘double glazing’ system which proved, unsurprisingly, very successful.
3. Up to 25% of a home’s heat is lost through poorly insulated windows
Depending on the size of your home and how many windows you have, together with their age and what they’re made of, could mean you’re losing up to 25% of your home’s heat. Older, wooden frames that can rot and warp, plus thin, single-glazed glass all add up to poor insulation, higher energy bills, zero efficiency – and a cold home. Double glazing will slash this figure, keeping you energy-efficient and warm, while saving you money.
4. Windows account for an average of 15% of a home’s wall space
While it doesn’t sound like much, it gives plenty of opportunity for heat loss and higher energy bills if your windows aren’t double-glazed to the highest rating. While giving you much needed natural light into your home, that 15% should be working for you to save money at the same time. Luckily all Majestic Designs uPVC double glazing is rated A+14 for efficiency.
5. Replacing your home’s windows can add to its value
When it comes to selling your home, there are plenty of superficial changes you can make to increase its kerb appeal, and therefore, its value. But one of the biggest changes you can make is to install double glazing. Due to its energy-efficiency, double glazing is now considered to be essential by buyers, and adding it, or replacing it if it’s old or worn, is the key to adding value.
6. There are 760 windows in Buckingham Palace
Throughout its 775 rooms, consisting of staff bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, staterooms, and royal and guest bedrooms, Buckingham Palace has a huge 760 windows – and costs over £1m a year to heat. But even though huge amounts of heat are lost through the windows, double-glazing can’t be installed because of its Grade I listed status.
7. An online search for ‘windows’ gives results for Microsoft Windows before house windows
An example of how the software giant rules the world. A simple web search shows that Windows software is the first thing Google assumes you want to know about. But with around 88% of home PCs running a version of the Windows operating system, you can understand why. So when you’re looking for uPVC double glazing, try searching for Majestic Designs to get all the information you need.
8. Astragal bars were used to support separate glazing panels in sash windows
In the 17th and 18th centuries, large, single panes of glass were difficult and expensive to manufacture, so the Georgians created astragal bars (or glazing bars). To give them the larger overall window sizes they wanted, sash windows were created using these astragal bars, with their sole purpose being to hold lots of smaller panes in place. Alongside other sash window styles, glazing bars have kept their popularity ever since.
9. uPVC windows are virtually maintenance-free and will look like new for over a decade
Using the highest quality materials, all uPVC windows require little or no maintenance over their lifetime and can give you around 20 years hassle-free enjoyment. Whether you choose standard white or coloured uPVC, they’ll stay rot-free and warp-free – and the colour won’t peel or fade. Strong and durable windows from Majestic Designs are certainly worth the investment.
10. uPVC is an environmentally-friendly material
As a plastic material used in window manufacturing, uPVC is incredibly common. But it’s generally misunderstood and many people think that using it is bad for the environment. Actually, uPVC is completely recyclable and can be repurposed up to 10 times without losing quality. So whenever you’re replacing your old uPVC double glazing, there’s minimal environmental impact.
Contact Majestic Designs
At Majestic Designs, uPVC windows are our most popular product. With over 19 years’ experience, we place great emphasis on making sure that every window we design, manufacture, and install gives high performance, high efficiency, and is built to last.
And as all our uPVC windows are rated A+14 for energy efficiency, feature totally secure Yale locking systems, and will give you many years of maintenance-free service, now’s the time to use Majestic Design for your new or replacement uPVC windows.
For more information on our extensive range of uPVC products and services, contact the team at Majestic Designs. Call us today on 01934 741 294 or send us a message through our contact page and our expert team will be happy to offer advice and answer any questions you have about the best windows for your home improvement plans.
