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When you begin your search, you’ll probably start by assuming that every double glazed window product is much like another. However, as soon as you get into the detail, you’ll find that there is a great deal of variation and a number of important considerations when picking the right product for you. Modern grade uPVC windows have now been in use for over four decades. During this period, there have been significant advances in production standards and technologies, with engineers constantly improving products to meet ever increasing environmental standards, and evolving aesthetic expectations.
The ‘green’ angle is certainly important. The EU and UK Government are committed to cutting carbon emissions through the achievement of challenging energy targets, and steps to make households more energy efficient are a cornerstone of this commitment. For customers, this equates to lower energy bills, as well as a reduced carbon footprint.
It is often surprising just how different customer’s needs, tastes and overall requirements are when buying double glazed windows, and a number of factors will need to be weighed up when considering the right product for your needs. Our ethos is to provide you with as much useful and technical information as possible to help with your decision making process, allowing you to choose the right product that will serve to keep your home warm, safe and happy for many years to come.
This handy guide covers everything that you need to know and provides a useful reminder checklist at the end.
Get A QuoteTimber Windows
This offers the lowest level of conductivity from a thermal perspective. It also looks wonderful, but this high end finish is reflected in the cost. This material performs well and offers excellent natural insulation that absorbs the sun’s heat and retains it. The material is also ethically sourced and highly desirable for its aesthetic qualities. Bear in mind, however, that, as well as paying a premium for natural timber, you will need to commit to a regular programme of care and maintenance to keep these windows looking their best.
Timber window frames can be constructed from either hard or softwood. The former is slow growing and extremely durable. It tends to be more costly for these reasons. Softwood grows more quickly and is more readily available as a result.
Timber frames are also flexible in terms of the finish you choose. They can be painted or stained in any number of colours, so that the resulting effect will be personalised to your home.
These are highly durable and are easy to maintain, offering an overall solution which performs extremely well and offers excellent value for money. The material is smooth and looks great. It will never rust, flake or rot and also needs next to no maintenance. For this reason, it is very popular in modern homes because it offers excellent value for money. For some customers however, it doesn’t embody the charm of natural wood frames. The majority of uPVC window products are white in colour and it is essential to seek a product that will retain its bright white finish, and which has a guarantee to protect against any discolouration.
If you are choosing a colour finish then there are one or two tones from which to choose. This means that you could elect for one colour on the building’s exterior, and another inside – or vice versa. A well constructed uPVC window will also offer the same level of energy efficiency as wood. With the latest finishes and technology, this material can also be made to appear very similar to timber; so much so in fact that many people will struggle to tell the two materials apart.
Get A QuoteThis type of window offers the potential for particularly slim frames and thus may let in the greatest amount of light. This type of window is easy to maintain and won’t rust, flake or rot. It looks good and offers considerable strength but it also has the highest thermal conductive properties. As a result, aluminium frames tend to have a lower energy rating than other materials. In terms of finish, it is possible to enjoy a wide selection of colour options thanks to modern powder coated finishes.
Now that you understand the key components and attributes of a new window, you can think about your personal needs before you short-list some products. Spend time thinking about the following questions before you become involved in detailed conversations with suppliers. This will ensure that you are clear about your needs and how your new windows will work with your home and lifestyle.
We hope this guide has helped you to begin an enjoyable window buying journey. For any queries or for further information, please contact our friendly expert team in Nottingham who are always happy to help.
Get A QuoteIf you’d like to find out more about Lifestyle Windows, come along to our Ilkeston showroom and conservatory village. We provide on-site parking and are open six days a week during normal working hours. You can even book an appointment with one of our friendly advisors for an evening or Sunday visit to our stylish showroom. Browse our extensive range of high quality products and speak to our knowledgeable team about the best solutions for your home improvements.
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