Did you know that getting a new set of double-glazed windows for your home will cost between £3,000 and £7,000? The style of windows and type of materials used could bump your double glazing cost up even more.
So, it’s important to take your time when you’re choosing new windows. Rather than plumping for the cheapest windows, it’s wise to consider how they will affect your home’s kerb appeal and how practical they will be. With this in mind, here’s some top tips to help you choose your new windows wisely.
Style
The style of your windows will contribute to the overall look of your home, so it’s worth taking time to decide what will suit your home the best.
While there’s nothing wrong with standard casement windows, you might want to weigh up all the different options. For instance, sash windows may suit a Victorian and Georgian era homes better. Of course, the number of bars or the size of panes also play a part in how well they match your home’s character. Six-pane windows are considered Georgian style windows while four-pane windows are thought of as Victorian.
Aside from sashes, there are other options to consider too. An oriel style box, bay or bow window is something to consider if you’d like to add more character to your home or make more of a feature out of your window. A picture window is another option. These typically have concealed or low-profile frames, so you can create a seamless connection to the outside.
Finally, if you’re choosing casement windows, you might want to think about whether the standard type is best or whether flush frames will give you a more stylish, high-end finish.
Openings
Casement windows are probably the most popular type of window on the market. These are windows with openings that are hinged on one side. They’re generally affordable and easy to operate. However, you need to consider how many openings you’d like, as this will determine how easy it is to ventilate and regulate temperatures in your home.
Traditional sash windows open at the bottom and top, to maximise air flow while modern versions also tilt inwards, increasing their flexibility and making them easier to clean.
Tilt and turn windows have hinges on both the side and bottom. This enables the window to be opened up completely or by a small amount. As these windows open inwards, it does make them easier to clean the glass and can increase safety as these windows can be climbed out of in the event of a fire. In fact, in some parts of the home such as an upper floor or converted basement, you need to install a window with an unobstructed opening to meet building regulations.
But windows with wide openings do have their downsides. Namely in kids’ bedrooms where there is a risk of young children trying to climb out. So, you may want to consider a different window design or use devices such as restrictors or smart sensors.
Most windows now come with some sort of trickle vent to meet building regulations but it’s worth checking, especially with traditional frame styles, to make sure. Some vents are more visible than others, depending on whether they sit in the frame or are concealed at the top. So, this is something else to consider.
Materials
The frame materials you choose can also make a difference in terms of the look of your windows and the maintenance involved. So, you should take your time decision-making here too.
Some houses such as listed buildings, may need traditional timber frames installing but you might also choose this type of frame to retain the character of your home. Timber frames are easy to paint or stain with the colour you want but this will need maintaining to stop the wood from rotting.
Custom colours are now available for uPVC frames. This means you can go with a contemporary black colour or a sage green or cream for a cottage style. Other colours such as a royal or pastel blue for a coastal cottage can also be achieved. So, this could be a better option if you want a specific frame colour without the maintenance.
Aluminium frames are another option to consider, although colour choices tend to be limited and these can be more expensive to buy. On the plus side, they’re stylish and durable.
Efficiency
Last, but not least, it’s wise to look into the thermal efficiency of the windows you’re considering. The better they perform, the lower your energy bills will be. One of the easiest ways to see how thermally-efficient windows are is to compare the U-values. In simple terms, the lower the number, the better.
But there are energy-efficient features you can look out for too. For instance, low-E glass uses a metal oxide coating to help reflect heat back into the home. And some windows are filled with a gas such as argon, rather than air, to make them more efficient. You can also look for windows built with warm-edge spacers as they increase efficiency further and reduce condensation.
