Frequently Asked Questions

Carry out a visual survey of your building assess the structural integrity of your windows and doors, check frames and panels for looseness and damage & that the glazing fits tightly against the frames if you come across any of these problems then you may need new Windows/Doors.

Points to note/troubleshooting:

Using the following guidelines and take remedial action where necessary:

• Do the windows close tightly in the locked position (if not it may indicate a hinge or locking mechanism problem) 
• Check that the door & window handles work properly (Handles can easily be replaced)
• Check that window panes are not fogged up, cracked or broken  (if so the glass needs to be replaced)
• Check the quality of the sealing (has it shrunk or missing)
   

1. A consumer should select a window company who sells A Rated energy efficient products (i.e. meets the recommended U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient in your climate). Here at Crescent Windows & Doors we only carry high end A-Rated quality products from the best suppliers in Ireland.
2. Has a good reputation for service and stability. Crescent Windows & Doors offers the customer service you expect and the quality you deserve.
3. Provides a warranty on the unit. All our work is structurally guaranteed for 10 years giving you complete peace of mind.
4. Has a proven track record - with over 17 years experience Crescent Windows and Doors are window and door experts and you can be rest assured we only hire the very best because we believe that even the best performing window or door is only as good as its installation.

There are several different energy efficient features in new glazing units. The main elements are:

1. Low-emissivity glass is commonly referred to as 'low-e' glass. The low-e glass has a very thin metallic layer on it that prevents the transmission of infrared radiation, i.e. heat from the warmer inner pane to the cooler outer pane and thus more heat is retained. This should be the first thing you ask for when specifying a new window unit.
2. Argon (or Krypton) filling - The air between the panes of glass in double/triple glazing is acting as a layer of insulation. Argon is a better insulator than air and so windows with argon (or Krypton) filling are more energy efficient.
3. Frame with a thermal break - This is where the frame is akin to a sandwich, i.e. it is split into internal and external halves and the two halves are joined together by a material of lower conductivity. This reduces the amount of heat lost by being conducted outwards through the frame 
    

Low-emissivity glass (or low-e glass as it is commonly referred to) is a type of energy-efficient glass designed to prevent heat escaping through your windows. Low-e glass has an invisible coating which reduces the emissivity of the glass, which reduces heat transfer and reflects heat back into your home.

If the frames are still in good condition then yes in most cases it is possible to replace the glazing units. Re-glazing consists of replacing existing low thermal performance glazing in the existing window frame with higher performance low emissivity or low-e type double or triple glazing panes. This can improve U-values significantly at a cheaper cost rather than a full window replacement. Remember the lower the U-value the better the product is at reducing heat loss.  

Condensation appearing on the outside of the windows typically occurs on new windows with low-e glass and actually means that the windows are performing as they should be. The low-e coating reduces heat conduction through the glass so there is less heat warming the outer pane of glass. In certain weather conditions, i.e. raised humidity, moisture in the air will condense on the glass. If it occurs, homeowners should not be too concerned as it will not happen regularly and is not indicative of a problem with the windows.

Condensation on windows is a result of a difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature and the internal humidity. When warm air hits a cold surface, moisture in the air condenses on the cold surface. The more moisture there is in the air (i.e. higher humidity) the greater the level of condensation. Condensation on windows will typically be more prevalent in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

By installing more energy efficient windows with a lower U-value, the inner pane of glass will be insulated from the colder outdoor temperatures to a large degree, so the window will not be as cold a surface and there is less likelihood of condensation forming.

However, in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms where a lot of steam is generated from cooking and showers/baths, it is important to provide sufficient ventilation also in order to prevent condensation forming on windows.
 

The primary ways to address condensation in the home are to (where possible):

• Eliminate the source of the moisture at source.
• Ensure that there is adequate ventilation throughout the house.
• Properly insulate the home to bring up the internal temperature of the house.
• Additional heating will also raise the internal temperature reducing the likelihood of condensation, but adequate ventilation would also be required.

Triple glazed windows are typically more energy efficient than double-glazed windows and can achieve a U-value as low as 0.6 W/m2K versus a U-value for a good double-glazed window of 1.2 W/m2K. However, it is not always the case that triple-glazing has a lower U-value than double-gazing.

Investing in triple glazed windows with a low U-value is best suited to a situation where there is a high level of insulation, e.g. new builds or refurbishments with a very good Building Energy Rating, i.e. an A-rating. If a a house has a lower level of insulation, the investment in triple glazed windows with a low U-value would not be cost effective as it would be offset by the heat loss through the other fabric elements of the house.

Unlike other materials used to manufacture windows and doors A rated PVC performs extremely well providing an outstanding barrier against heat loss even in the most extreme weather conditions All our A rated PVC windows and doors also offer the highest level of security being steel reinforced and routinely tested complying with the highest specifications and requirements. Our multi point locking systems will also improve thermal insulation. Virtually maintenance free. 

French doors are a style alternative to Sliding patio doors. They are a great way of opening up a room to the garden, providing additional light and space. Choice of inward or outward opening doors. Optional Aluminium low threshold for Wheelchair access/prams or buggies. Double or triple glazed options providing thermal and sound insulation. A Sliding Patio door can have a single side opening or a double opening from the centre with panels depending on the size. 

Windows with a high thermal performance and air-tightness seals provide improved sound reduction. Double or Triple glazing will provide more sound insulation than single glazing and triple glazing should provide more sound insulation than double glazing on account of the greater thickness of glass and two air gaps.

Yes, you don't ever have to worry... we never leave a mess. We will remove and dispose of all your old Windows & Doors and all the packaging of all your new ones.

You can rest assured that all the finishing touches are complete and exactly as they should be including the plaster reveals etc.