If you’re thinking of replacing your windows the variety of options can be overwhelming, with so many different styles and materials on offer. We’ve had a chat to Jill McLintock, from window specialists Everest, for her top tens tips on getting a new set of windows.
1) Choosing the right materials
Think about the age of your property. If you have a period home, then a timber sash or timber casement window will strike the balance between retaining warmth, keeping noise out and complementing the property. Alternatively, modern aluminium or uPVC windows suit contemporary houses.
2) Finding the best style
Generally speaking, your options fall into five categories here. They include casement, sash, cottage, tilt and turn and dual turn. Casement windows, which open outwards from hinges at the sides or top, are one of the most popular designs and offer a classic look to suit all types of home. They are the most adaptable in terms of style, layout and offer flexibility in the different ways they can open. Georgian and Edwardian properties lend themselves to sash windows as they go a long way to preserving the home’s classic charm. Cottage style windows are mostly suited to older properties (or just older-styled homes), with their Georgian bars mirroring the design of the window that would have been fitted originally. Tilt and turn and dual turn allow you to open the window wide to enjoy the fresh air, and are suited to both ultra-modern and traditional homes respectively. These windows also make it easier to clean the windows – as they open and tilt inwards.
3) Colours
People think windows and think white, but there are more and more interesting colours being introduced to the market, such as greys, greens and neutrals. So, open your mind to different colour combinations – in the future we think they’ll be increasingly common.
A popular choice is to have one colour on the outside to complement the home’s exterior, while a second colour is used for the inside of the window; allowing it to blend seamlessly into the room’s décor.
4) Secondary Glazing
If your home is listed or in a conservation area, there are lots of rules to adhere to, but secondary glazing should be high on your consideration list. They’re a perfect solution for cutting out noise, cold and draughts. There’s no need to replace single glazing, as the secondary glazing is fitted inside the original window. Air is trapped between the two windows, creating a form of double glazing.
5) Glass Options
The type of glass you choose is largely dependent on personal preference and can be suited to your individual needs. You can use strengthened glass for increased security, decorative glass for added aesthetics, or even glass specifically designed to reduce excessive noise. It’s totally dependent on your home and the environment you live in or want to create.
6) Energy Efficiency
Windows are rated in terms of energy efficiency using a basic traffic light system from A-E. This is important as building regulations stipulate that replacement windows must be C rated or above. A-rating makes sure your home doesn’t lose any energy, because the windows only let out as much energy as they let in from the outside. Some companies offer this as standard but others don’t, so make sure you check this when you’re shopping about.
7) Cost-saving
Having energy efficient windows is about keeping the energy you’ve paid for in your home. Depending on the type of window you have in your home at the moment, you could see your energy bills drop very quickly when you install high-performance windows! Not only are you saving pounds in your purse, you’re also doing your bit to cut carbon emissions.
8) Flexible payment
Most companies offer flexible payment plans and finance offers so you don’t have to front the cost of replacement windows in bulk. Just make sure your provider explains these to you, so you fully understand the cost implications. Look for a finance package that’s backed by a well-known bank or insurer for complete peace of mind.
It’s also worth investigating the Green Deal. This is a government scheme that helps you make energy saving improvements to your home without having to pay the costs up front. Their website walks you through this and contains a lot of useful information.
9) Guarantees
Be careful when it comes to comparing one window with another – the guarantees offered are usually the main difference. An option that appears cheaper in the short-term may not be the best route longer-term. Windows should come with a 10 year guarantee as standard, or dependent on which window you choose, a lifetime guarantee. However, be careful to check what this guarantee covers. It should be fully comprehensive and cover installation as well as materials.
10) Security
If security is high on your agenda, make sure you invest in windows with multi-point locking systems. For peace of mind ensure the windows you intend to have fitted meet (or exceed) the British security standards.
