Mr Misty answers frequently asked questions about glass and glazing based on years of from customers, including types of high performance glass and sealed double and triple glazed units.
A: It is common practice to install obscure glass to outside windows in bathrooms, cloakrooms and WCs, so that the room gets natural light without allowing people to be able to see in. If the property is not overlooked by any neighbouring house or building, then clear glass may be an option.
Regulations state that windows beside a shower or bath must be safety toughened glass or safety laminated glass. This is to prevent any serious injuries should anyone fall into the glass.
Decorative options available for obscured glass I Find out more »
Secondary double glazing is suitable for most homes in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, especially if you want to improve insulation or reduce noise without replacing your windows.
Secondary glazing is a great option for listed buildings, period properties or homes in conservation areas where keeping the original windows is important. If your windows are in good condition, secondary glazing can be installed easily.
Contact us for advice.
No, secondary glazing doesn’t affect ventilation in that you can still open your primary windows - clearly when you do this it will have an impact on the noise reduction efficency of your secondary glazing though!
Many secondary glazing systems include vents for airflow.
Take a look at our product range I Secondary Double Glazing Types
A. Regulations state that any glass below 800mm from floor height must be safety toughened glass or safety laminated glass to prevent serious injury should anyone fall onto the glass.
Toughened glass and laminated security glazing I Find out more about »
Window maintenance professionals like the team at Mr Misty in Suffolk and Essex have the expertise, the tools, an understanding of the materials and access to appropriate parts, materials and accesories to fix issues safely and effectively.
Attempting DIY repairs can lead to further damage or void warranties.
Often a repair can be a simple one. At Mr Misty we have a reputation for getting the job which needs doing efficiently and at a fair price. We are always happy to discuss concerns about your windows, take a look and give advice during a service call, but it is always best to flag that up in advance if you can so that we ensure that have adequate time between our calls to help you with a thorough appraisal and appropriate advice.
See what our customers say about our service I Read our Check a Trade reviews
Yes, secondary glazing can be custom-made to fit uneven or non-standard window shapes, making it an ideal solution for timber-framed or period properties.
Mr Misty has installed secondary double glazing in heritage properties around Suffolk and Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
Read our blogs about secondary glazing types popular with heritage home owners in Suffolk and Essex:
Vertical Sliding Sash Secondary Glazing Blog
Horizontal Sliders Secondary Double Glazing Blog
It's a good idea to have your uPVC windows checked every 2–3 years, or sooner if you notice problems like leaks, misting, or difficulty operating the windows.
If you would like us to schedule a regular maintenance check on an annual or 2 / 3 year basis, do give our team a call.
Regular windows maintenance checks Essex and Suffolk I Contact us
Regular maintenance, keeping the frames clean and ensuring seals are intact can help to prevent blown glazing.
It is always a good idea to avoid putting stress on your windows by slamming or over-tightening locks too.
Yes! Repairing faulty double glazing improves insulation and can help to reduce energy bills. Above all though, taking action prevents costly damage in the long run. A modicum of maintenance and regular check over of your windows and their moving parts is a smart investment in both comfort and efficiency.
The rule of thumb has to be if you spot a symptom like draughts or sticking hinges, don't leave it to get worse. Give Mr Misty a call for a quick diagnosis and swift remedial action!
Why replacing misted windows saves £££ I Read our Blog
Patio door maintenance I Get Mr Misty's our top tips
‘Low E’ (low emissivity) glass is a type of window glass designed to reduce heat loss. It has a special coating that reflects heat back into the room while allowing natural light to enter. This helps to improve insulation and energy efficiency.
Mr Misty Replacement Energy-efficient Glazing Brentwood I Low-e Glass Explained
Yes, upgrading to energy-efficient glass, such as double or triple glazing, can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs by improving insulation. It can help to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, lowering energy bills.
At Mr Misty, we offer a range of energy-efficent glazing or 'low-e' glass solutions plus warm edge technologies> These can make the real differences you will be looking for - just ask our experts to take a look at your property and recommend the best solution for you.
Mr Misty Replacement Energy-efficient Glazing Essex I Low-e Glass Explained
U-values measure the rate at which heat is lost through a window or building material. The lower the U-value, the better the material is at insulating. A lower U-value indicates better energy efficiency.
Window Energy Ratings, U Values & Low-e Glass Explained I Find out more
Acoustic laminated glass is specially designed to reduce noise transmission. It’s ideal for properties located in noisy areas, offering a quieter living environment by blocking external sounds.
At Mr Misty we can help you choose the right acoustic glass option or secondary glazing set-up to reduce external noise from disturbing you in your home.
Mr Misty Noise Reduction Glazing Colchester Find out more
Acoustic glass is effective for blocking external sounds - and reducing sounds from within your house reaching the neighbours! Different types and thickness of acoustic glass and secondary glazing can have different levels of impact depending on the sound frequencies.
Acoustic laminated glass is commonly used in homes near busy roads or airports, or other noisy areas to create a quieter living environment.
Noise Control Glazing Explained I Find out more
A. Yes, as long as they are made of safety toughened glass or laminated safety glass.
A: This ensures that any impact with the human body or skin does not cause lacerations or major puncture wounds. Normal annealed or float glass breaks in big shards – the consequences of someone falling into a window and it breaking that way do not bear thinking about.
Watch our video of how safety glass shatters and the security aspects of laminated safety glass here »
PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) glass is a type of laminated glass that includes a layer of PVB plastic between two layers of glass. This gives it enhanced strength, safety, and soundproofing qualities.
Safety Glazing & Security Glass Explained I Find out more
Safety glass - or toughened glass - is highly secure. It is designed to shatter into small, less dangerous pieces if broken, reducing the risk of injury. It can be 4-5 times stronger than ordinary glass of same thickness
Laminated glass has the added bonus that when the glass breaks, broken fragments remain firmly bonded to the plastic PVB (polyvinyl Butyral) interlayer.
Laminated and toughened glass are both considered types of safety glass, offering superior protection.
Security & Safety Glass Options Explained I Find out more