A search for small UPVC windows will show that these windows are often equated with double glazing. In fact, it is the glass or the sealed unit in these windows that is double glazed and this part will be made up of two glass panels. Small UPVC windows are in fact windows with glass panes that will be kept apart with the help of spacer bars containing many hundreds of small sized silica balls. These are the same balls that you see when buying an electrical item which is kept in something to keep the item dry and moisture-free. The main purpose of these balls is to soak up moisture which is present in the air gaps between the two glass panels.
Small windows –float glass or safety toughened glass
When selecting small UPVC windows, you will need to decide on whether to go with windows with normal float glass or whether it is better to go with windows which have safety toughened (or tempered) glass. If you are planning on purchasing small UPVC windows, then the glass will normally be normal float glass. The other option, safety toughened glass is normally used in larger UPVC windows.
Insulation
It is also important to address the issue of insulation before selecting your small UPVC windows. The insulation of a double glazed small UPVC window can be affected by factors such as width of the cavity of the sealed unit. In addition, argon which is used instead of air in between the glass panels can also affect insulation as too does the use of coating (low emissivity) that will help in reflecting heat back into the room.
Modern windows
Modern small UPVC windows are designed to provide superior insulation. Compared to traditional small UPVC windows, the modern ones offer much better insulation and in addition they provide draught-proof capabilities as well. This feature helps in reducing the amount of heat that will escape out of the room and this in turn will lead to lower heating costs.
Small UPVC windows are insulated and if you want to know how well the insulation is then you will need to check a chart that provides the sealed unit U value. It is important to understand these figures because after 1/4/2002, all replacement double glazing small UPVC windows have become subject to what is known as Document L of the Building Regulations. In other words, it means that small UPVC windows must not have U values greater than 2.0 W/m 2K.
There is plenty of variety available to those who wish to install small UPVC windows. At the same time, it also means that there needs to be some standards that can be used to assess the suitability of different small UPVC windows. FENSA or Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme has been established to certify that the work is in compliance with all relevant regulations and that when you purchase FENSA products, you will not have to notify any local council.
For a good selection of small UPVC windows, you will do well to deal with a UK company such as the one known as Kent UPVC Windows.