There are a number of reasons why you would want to consider replacement windows. But whether you’re looking for a fresh new look for your home, or you want to reduce your heating bills, there are a lot of things to consider.
Luckily Spire Glass are here to help you cut through some of the jargon and get to grips with what you need to know when buying replacement windows.
Why Replace Your Windows
As we said, there are a number of reasons you may wish to replace your windows, but there are a few you may not yet have thought about. Here are some of the reasons you may want to consider replacement windows:
- Sudden spike in heating bills. If you’ve noticed your heating bills rising unexpectedly, it may be that you have damaged windows that are allowing the heat to escape. If your windows are still in warranty, you will benefit from speaking to the installers to have them repaired or replaced. But if they are older, it is almost certainly time to replace them.
- Large areas of rot. Wooden frames, particularly if they are not properly cared for, tend to succumb to the elements over time. One ailment suffered by wooden frames is rot. Small areas of rot can be repaired, but in the case of larger areas, it may be better to simply replace the window altogether.
- Security. If your old windows are damaged, you may find it difficult to close them properly or even be unable to lock them. You will certainly want to consider repairing or replacing these windows for the sake of the security of your home.
- Increased energy efficiency. Because of advancements in technology, newer windows offer increased energy efficiency in your home. So, if your windows are more than ten years old, even if they’re not damaged, you may still benefit from replacing them and enjoying further reductions on your fuel costs.
What to Consider When Choosing Your New Windows
Once you’ve made the decision to replace your windows, there are many options to choose from and it’s important that you make the right choice for you and your home. Here are some of the things you need to bear in mind when choosing your replacement windows.
Material
There are several materials to choose from, each of which offers its own unique set of benefits and a distinctive look for your home.
- Timber. If you want a classic look for your home, timber windows are the perfect choice. You can still enjoy the benefits of double glazing while maintaining a traditional appearance for your home. On the downside, timber frames tend to be more costly than alternatives and are more difficult to maintain as they require regular painting in order to protect them from the elements.
- Aluminium. Aluminium is stronger and more durable than other materials. It also allows for a greater area of glass as the frames are thinner than timber or uPVC frames. Because of their appearance, they create a strong contemporary look that is a perfect fit for modern homes.
- UPVC. uPVC is by far the most common window material and with good cause. It is durable, easy to maintain and offers excellent security. It also slightly more effective than Aluminium when it comes to energy efficiency, which makes it the perfect choice for those wishing to reduce energy bills. What’s more, you can now buy uPVC windows in a range of styles and finishes, so you can still get timber effect, with the benefits of uPVC.
Style
As well as the material, you also need to consider the style and find the look that is right for your home. Replacement windows are available in a wide range of styles to complement the look of your property.
- Casement Windows – Casement windows are characterised by the fact that they open outwards. They are incredibly versatile and can be installed in almost any home, in a wide range of materials and finishes.
- Flush Sash Windows – The operation of a flush sash window is the same as a casement window, but they have the look of traditional sash windows, making them a good fit for older properties.
- Sliding sash windows – These look and operate the same as traditional sash windows and are the perfect fit for older homes.
- Tilt-and-turn windows – These are a good choice for windows which are high up, in the upper reaches of a property or on a high flat as they can be opened to 90 degrees, enabling them to be cleaned from the inside.
If you would like to discuss your replacement windows, or to talk through your options in greater detail, contact Spire Glass today and speak to a member of our team.