How ‘cheap’ solutions can end up costing you money

Apparently we have all just lived through the most severe global economic recession in a century or more. Even with the experts now cautiously telling us that a slow recovery is underway many of us are (rightly) still rather hesitant when it comes to making big purchases or making large financial commitments. Years of economic restraint and being careful with the purse strings have made us a little more open to taking a cheaper option.

However, something else we’ve all learnt is that ‘cheaper’ is not always ‘better’ – and in some cases what looks like a bargain or a great way to save money might actually end up costing us more in the long run.

Secondary glazing is a good example of an area where the DIY enthusiasts or people looking for a cheaper alternative often feel they can get a great deal by doing the work themselves. However, much like juggling chainsaws, what a professional is able to make look easy and straight forward, can hold some nasty surprises for the unwary!

3 simple reasons to be wary of DIY secondary glazing

Glass not included?

One of the prime issues are that sometimes they do not come with any glass included. Hence the cheapness of the price belies the fact that you have to shell out more cash to actually purchase your own glass.

In addition, the type of glass you use can have a dramatic effect on how efficiently your DIY secondary glazing actually works. Simply prising a few panes out of your greenhouse will save you money but leave you with something that isn’t very good at keeping heat in and noise out.

Mind the gap!

By the time we reach adulthood most of us have come to realise that certain things, whilst looking easy, are actually quite hard and best left to the professionals. For example, you might appreciate that it’s important that there is sufficient gap between the unit and window, but did you know exactly the size of gap you need? The ability to keep out noise whilst keeping in heat is critically affected by the size of this gap. What’s more, having too much of a gap is just as bad as not having enough.

Expert fitting and workmanship

Whilst some DIY solutions may have good construction standards they are not ‘bespoke’ units designed to fit your windows exactly. Poor fitting greatly increases the chances of condensation, heat loss and draughts – use trained professionals with years of experience.