This year marks a remarkable milestone in the journey of Donwood Glass as we proudly celebrate 40 years since our incorporation. Over these four decades, we’ve evolved from a small local enterprise into a thriving cornerstone of the community, all while staying true to our values of quality, reliability, and family ownership.

Our current owners, who took the helm 20 years ago, have carried forward the legacy of growth and innovation. Under their leadership, the company has expanded its footprint and capacity significantly, with several premises expansions reflecting our steady rise. Most notably, in 2016, we acquired a neighbouring business, transforming it into a dedicated administrative hub to better serve our operations and customers.

Reinvestment has always been at the heart of our business strategy. Over the past ten years, we’ve reinvested into the company, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry. This commitment to growth and innovation has allowed us to stay competitive, modern, and resilient in an ever-changing market.

However, our success is about more than just buildings and equipment—it’s about people. As a family-owned business, we’re deeply proud of the role we play in supporting the local community. For 40 years, Donwood has been a reliable source of employment in the area, creating opportunities for individuals and families while fostering a sense of community within our team.

As we reflect on these achievements, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our customers, suppliers, and employees—past and present—who have contributed to our story. Each pane of glass, every new project, and each satisfied client is a testament to the dedication and skill of the people who make up Donwood Glass.

Looking to the future, we remain committed to upholding our values while continuing to grow and innovate. Here’s to the next 40 years of excellence, community, and opportunity. Thank you for being part of our journey.

—The Donwood Team

As winter approaches, window condensation becomes a more visible issue in many homes across the country. With over 35 years of industry experience, Donwood Glass understands how condensation can impact your comfort, health, and home efficiency. Whether it’s harmless fogging on a cold morning or signs of seal failure in your double glazing, we can address your concerns and ensure your windows are optimal.

Condensation on windows occurs when water vapour cools and turns to liquid on cooler surfaces like glass, more common in colder months due to the temperature differences between inside and outside. There are three main types of condensation: interior, exterior, and between-pane, each affecting your home differently.

What’s normal condensation?
Condensation can be normal in homes, especially in certain conditions. For example, exterior condensation typically forms outside of the glass on cold mornings and is a sign of good thermal insulation. It indicates that the glass is effectively preventing indoor heat from escaping. Another type of condensation that is generally not a cause for concern is minor interior condensation. This type is often seen in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms and can be managed with proper ventilation to maintain a comfortable home environment.

Signs of problematic condensation
Not all condensation is harmless. Condensation between the panes of your windows could indicate a seal failure in your double-glazing units, which can significantly reduce the insulation effectiveness of your windows. Persistent interior condensation, especially if it leads to water damage or mould growth, suggests inadequate ventilation and indoor air quality. These issues require immediate attention to prevent further damage and ensure the structural integrity and warmth of your home.

If you’re experiencing issues with condensation, Low-E glass, featuring a low-emissivity coating, can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce condensation. Additionally, insulated glass units with durable seals prevent moisture from entering your home, keeping windows clear and functional.

Managing condensation effectively involves adopting good ventilation practices, particularly in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also important to perform regular maintenance checks on your window seals and the overall integrity of the glass. Seasonal inspections can help catch and address issues early, preventing potential complications. 

With the right products and maintenance, you can manage condensation effectively. If you’re dealing with persistent issues, consider exploring the options available at Donwood Glass. 

For more information or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us on 0191 438 6558 or visit our website. We’re here to help you ensure your home remains a comfortable and secure environment throughout the year.

As the UK approaches the upcoming election on July 4, 2024, all major political parties are pledging to maintain and advance the nation’s climate goals. Their commitments promise a continued focus on energy efficiency and home insulation, making it an ideal time for homeowners to invest in these improvements. Donwood Glass can support these efforts with our high-quality insulated glass units (IGUs).

All major party manifestos place significant emphasis on environmental policies, including targeting zero-carbon energy systems by 2030. Labour aims for a zero-carbon energy system by 2030, with significant investments in renewable energy and home insulation. The Conservatives target net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, focusing on a balanced energy mix and market-driven solutions. 

Home insulation is crucial for reducing energy consumption and utility bills, maintaining comfortable temperatures year-round, and lowering environmental impact. Given the political consensus on the importance of home insulation, now is an ideal time for homeowners to take action. Properly insulated homes not only contribute to national climate goals but also offer long-term economic benefits by reducing energy costs and enhancing property values.

Why Now is the Time to Act

Regardless of the election outcome, homeowners should take matters into their own hands to ensure their homes are energy efficient. Insulating your home can lead to significant savings on energy bills, improve indoor comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint. With energy prices expected to rise, the cost savings from insulation will become even more valuable over time.

Donwood glass, with almost four decades of experience, is a leading producer of high-quality flat glass products. Our IGU’s reduce heat loss and maintain indoor comfort. In tandem with the latest window profile systems, noise can be reduced and home security can be improved

For more information on our products and how we can assist you in insulating your home, visit our website or contact our team today at 0191 438 6558.

We are pleased to announce that Donwood Glass are now a proud sponsor of Newcastle Eagles Academy’s Under-14 Girls. 

As a family business rooted in the North East of England,  we are dedicated to giving back to the local community and the surrounding areas through reinvestment. The partnership between Donwood Glass and the Newcastle Eagles Girls Academy exemplifies how local businesses should support their communities. 

We understand that running an academy can be quite expensive, so we hope our support will make a real difference in the programme and the girls’ sporting journey.

Andrew and Darren, Managing Directors of Donwood Glass, have a personal connection to this sponsorship as they are both proud fathers of daughters. Promoting women’s participation in sports holds a significant meaning to them, and it is one they hope their clients share. 

The Academy, operated by the Eagles Community Foundation, is the Eagles player pathway’s performance level of junior basketball. Every summer, hundreds of young players train weekly and participate in the Central Venue League competition.

We look forward to seeing the amazing things the team will achieve in the future and wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

Photography by Reece Alderson.

With the holiday season in full swing, and 2023 approaching quickly, let’s take a look back at the wonderful accomplishments of the past year. 

Here at Donwood Glass, we’ve had a fantastic year, and we wanted to reflect on our success before taking some well-deserved time off for the holidays. 

Throughout the year, our team has continued to dedicate their time to providing our customers with top-quality products, exceptional service, and highly competitive lead times.

To celebrate all that we achieved together as a team this past year and begin our Christmas festivities, we hosted an amazing Christmas party at Newcastle Race Course on the 10th of December, complete with food, drinks, music, and games! A small gesture for their hard work. 

We want to extend our thanks to the Donwood Glass team, who kept things moving and showed incredible dedication over the course of the year.

Lastly, all of us at Donwood Glass would like to wish you Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Thank you,

Donwood Glass.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE CLOSING OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD, FROM 1PM ON 20TH DECEMBER 2022 AND RE-OPENING AT 8AM ON 4TH JANUARY 2023.

Like most homeowners, you may constantly be seeking new ways to lower your energy bills. Installing double-glazed windows in your home is one way to achieve this. With double glazing, you can keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In this blog post, we’ll examine double glazing in more detail and discuss how it can help reduce your energy costs. 

If you’re searching for a solution to your money-saving problems this winter, read on to find out more!

Why should you invest in Double-Glazing?

Double-glazing refers to a window with two glass panes instead of just one. In between the panes is a gas-filled space that acts as an insulator. The most common type of gas used in double-glazing is argon, but an alternative is a krypton or xenon. Low-E (or low-emittance) glass, which reflects heat into the room rather than allowing it to leave, is frequently used with double-glazing.

One of the main reasons why double-glazed windows are so popular is because of the improved insulation they provide. The two panes of glass create a barrier against heat loss, meaning your home will be better able to retain heat during winter. In fact, studies have shown that double-glazed windows can help to reduce heating bills by up to £165 per year. This makes them a great investment for any homeowner looking to save money on their energy bills.

Another considerable benefit of double-glazing is that it can help reduce noise pollution. If you live in an area with a lot of traffic noise or construction work happening nearby, investing in double-glazed windows is a great way to reduce the amount of noise entering your home. Which often helps you feel more relaxed in your home.

Double-glazed windows also offer increased security compared to single-glazed windows. The extra pane of glass makes it more difficult for intruders to break into your home, deterring would-be burglars from attempting to enter your property. 

Does purchasing double-glazed windows make financial sense?

In these difficult economic times, ensuring that your home is energy-efficient is more important than ever. Double-glazing is one way to do this, and it has the added benefit of making your home more comfortable and quieter. 

If you’re thinking about installing double-glazed glass, please get in touch with us today. We would be happy to answer any questions.

The long-awaited changes to the UK Building Regulations were finally published in December 2021 and will come into force on 15th June 2022. They will not apply to work subject to a building or initial notice or complete plans application submitted before then – provided the work begins on-site before the 15th of June 2023. 

 These changes focus on greater fabric performance and reduced energy demand. The aim is to cut carbon emissions from new homes by around 30%. One of the five new Approved Documents, Part L (‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’), will significantly impact glass and glazing products, particularly for new dwellings. This article will discuss the changes to Part L and how these will affect you.

What has changed?

The 2021 edition of Approved Document L, Volume 1, introduces new minimum efficiency standards (backstop values) for new and replacement thermal elements, windows, and doors. The new SAP 10 (Standard Assessment Procedure) method will assess new build schemes. 

Most new window types, including roof windows and glazed doors, must now achieve an improved U-value of 1.6 W/m2K compared to 2.0 W/m2K. However, the U-value of the glass will have to be much lower than this to enable a new dwelling to achieve its target for primary energy, carbon emissions and fabric energy efficiency rates.

Notional and backstop values in SAP 10

The changes to Part L concern new and existing dwellings. The previous Part L document and the latest version enable house builders to use the same glass to achieve building regulations for existing homes.

For example, we can still use Donwood Super Low-E thermal insulating glass applied to the previous Part L regulations for ‘existing dwellings’ as they meet the new Part L regulations for existing dwellings. An introduction of the following standards for replacement windows, doors and roof lights in existing dwellings are listed below. 

Changes include; 

·     For timber windows, a maximum U-value of 1.6 W/m2K or WER band C is permissible until 14th June 2023. From 15th June 2023, the whole standard of a maximum U-value of 1.4 W/m2K or WER band B applies.

·     For timber doors, a maximum U-value of 1.8 W/m2K or DSER band E is permissible until 14th June 2023. From 15th June 2023, the entire standard of a maximum U-value of 1.4 W/m2K or WER band C / B applies.

·     For external fire door sets, a maximum U-value of 1.8 W/m2K is permissible.

·     WER, Window Energy Rating, is generally considered a better indicator of the energy performance of a window because it assumes a range of parameters, including the good solar heat gain.  The U-value is the total U-value of the window, considering both the glass and frame.

·     The U-value of a roof light should be based on the outer developed surface area, which is often more significant than the roof opening area.

As for new dwellings, the U-value for glazing has been tightened to a notional target of 1.2 [W/m2K], compared to 1.4 in the previous edition. We will now provide products that have a Ug value of 1.0 to meet the new regulations. This is because the complete window system, including its frame, sealant and spacer bar, must be considered when calculating the U-value. To achieve a notional UW-value of 1.2, house builders and architects need to specify glass products with a Ug-value of 1.0 W/m2K. 

Donwood has a range of product options available to meet the requirements of these new and enhanced building regulations. We are prepared for the upcoming changes and can’t wait to move forward with our work. 

Please contact us further to discuss this and any other glass requirements you may have.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, businesses across the UK have been dealing with unprecedented challenges. Despite the obstacles presented by the pandemic, here at Donwood Glass our key focus has been to deliver an exceptional service to our customers as well as investing in our infrastructure to ensure we will thrive in the future.

Notwithstanding the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continually invested to ensure that we can deliver the best possible service to our customers.

Earlier this year, we bought an additional specialist glass drill to accommodate the increase in processed glass work as well as investing in a new stamp for automated laser stamping of the laminated glass we produce. The new laser stamp leads to increased quality with higher efficiencies in processing the product resulting in a better product for our customers.

During our temporary closure between 8-30 September, we are also taking the time to ensure our staff are fully up-to-speed with the latest practices. For the majority of colleagues at Donwood, they will be going through our industry-renowned specific manual handling training as well as topping up their knowledge through several refresher courses.

Coupled with the training, quality is at the forefront of everything we do.  Continuing a relationship with BSI that goes back for almost two decades, we have just undergone auditing in July for our BS EN 1279 Kitemark and ISO9001:2015 certification. Once again, BSI’s assessor was able to see at first hand our excellent quality system in operation. Indeed, he singled out our unit manufacturing team for special praise for the level of detail that they bring daily to their inspection regime.

Throughout September, our engineers are implementing a preventative maintenance plan that will allow the team to service our equipment – ensuring they are fully operational for the busy weeks ahead.

Despite the challenging times, we are still making great strides forward and ensuring we are continually investing in our staff and infrastructure to enable us to thrive in the weeks, months and years ahead.

If you would like to discuss any of these exciting changes and how we can help you, then please contact the team on the email address below.

Email: info@donwood-glass.com

Donwood Glass has always been dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and we continue to invest in new technology that will help us support our customers even better.

Inevitably the Covid pandemic posed a number of challenges to the way we do business, but it also presented an opportunity to identify new ways to facilitate more effective communication and improve our processes. For that reason, we invested in a cloud-based telephone system that will allow for more efficient internal communications and a better telephone experience for all our customers.

We are always a phone call away.

By deploying a cloud-based phone system, our customer service team will always be available for a call at any time during office hours, no matter where we are located.

A cloud-phone system will allow us to minimise any downtime and if connectivity goes down, calls can be transferred straight to our mobiles, meaning that all-important calls would still be reaching us. 

Ensuring crisp and clear calls

Good customer communication is fundamental to our business’ success. With our new cloud-based phone system you will enjoy consistent crystal-clear sound quality when you speak to our team.

Better customer engagement

Our cloud-based phone system will be integrated with our business systems, which in turn, will allow us to better engage with our customers at every touchpoint and create more efficient ways of working. We’ll be able to introduce productivity and performance improvements, resulting in much faster response times.

Reducing our carbon footprint

Adopting a cloud-based phone system also contributes to doing our bit for the environment as a cloud service doesn’t require the energy-draining infrastructures that premise-based phone systems do.

With 2021 creeping up on us, we would like to thank all our customers, suppliers and staff for supporting us during this tough year.

The last few months have been a challenging time for all of us. In a short space of time, we not only had to significantly change the way we work, but also the way we live and socialise.

Our main priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was and still is to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers. While we work to prevent the spread of the disease, we also work diligently to maintain seamless operations and fulfil customer orders in a timely manner.

As always, our team are working tirelessly to continue to deliver the same high quality of service and keep you fully informed about product availability, lead times and delivery.

We want to extend our thanks to the Donwood Glass team who kept things moving and have showed incredible dedication over the course of the year.

We do not know how long the current situation will last, but we know that with the hard work of our team and the exceptional loyalty from our customers, we will continue to deliver outstanding and uninterrupted service throughout 2021.

Lastly, from all of us at Donwood Glass, we would like to wish you Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Thank you,

Donwood Glass

Please note that we will be closing over the Christmas period, from 1pm 23rd December 2020 and re-opening at 8am 7th January 2021.