Double Glazing Replacement Windows - Finding an approved supplier in Middlesex
Going for Double Glazing
Having finally decided that it would be a good thing to get double glazed replacement windows, (both in terms of energy saving but also added value to the house), the time had come to try to decide which would be the most suitable type of windows and who to get to do the double glazing installation.
As I don’t want to find myself having to justify to the local authority that the installation meetings with all the building regulations, I have already read enough to know that I am probably better off going for a FENSA approved supplier and installer.
Types of replacement double glazing windows available.
So the burning question now remains as to the window type and to be fair, what most of us mean by this is really the replacement window frame type.
There are really not too many window types to select from such as casement windows, sash windows, tilt and turn windows, and bay / bow windows, and the latter of these tends to be an extension of the others.
These windows themselves can look different from one another by selecting different glass types such as coloured motif top lights, leaded windows, privacy glass etc, but these are still what I may call enhancements, to be selected once I have chosen the frame type which will, in my view, govern to some extent, the style of glass I may select.
One of the great benefits that I have found with today’s double glazing replacement windows is that as the technology has moved on, so has the look and style of the window frame, and also what can be offered in terms of colour etc. Unless you are living in say a listed property or protected area lost of the frames now will enhance any style or period style of home.
So what to choose and why?
When double glazing first became popular within the UK, we saw then that the most common type of frame was Aluminium which was strong, required little maintenance and looked very new and modern.
It’s not that common now to see aluminium replacement window frames today on domestic properties but they are still popular on commercial premises particularly for security reasons. The popularity declined with the introduction of wooden replacement window frames and the now ever popular UPVC / PVC-u window frames, partly because they did not necessarily complement every style of home, tended to be declined (at that time) around listed and period properties and also suffered sometimes with condensation problems.
As you would expect, technology has also moved forward with Aluminium window frames but regrettably as popularity declines the price has risen so they tend to be a little on the expensive side, and my own view is that it may not be to popular taste when or if I get around to trying to sell my house.
Wooden frames or hardwood frames can look, especially on the right property absolutely devastating and are more likely to lend themselves better to bespoke designs if you have say very unusual window types. If your home is a listed or period property (which mine isn’t), then check with the local authority first as you may have to install wooden frames to remain in keeping with authority regulations.
There is of course a down side one being that wooden replacement window frames can be expensive and in my view, buyers should be wary if offered these cheaply. You need to be confident that the base timber used is sound as cheaper materials may be prone to warp or split and check those joints out.
The other thing, which is a big consideration, is that unlike the UPVC frames or indeed aluminium frames do require maintenance – so bear in mind that the cost or effort does not stop once purchased – they will still require sanding down from time to time, priming and painting – at the very least, it is time consuming.
Finally the most popular today are UPVC / PVC-u double glazing replacement window frames and probably due to their popularity, are now almost always the least expensive of the replacement window options.
So why are UPVC / PVC-u window frames the most popular now?
They are incredibly strong and durable, are difficult to break or damage, and have a long life span, requiring almost no maintenance other than a wipe over with a damp cloth. They do not flake or rust so there are lots of practical reasons but the reason why so many also head in this direction is that as technology has moved forward the choice of colours has increased inclusive of wood grain effects so that they can complement almost any style of home.
Search for an approved supplier in Middlesex – We cover all the following areas:
Edmonton, Enfield, Monken Hadley, South Mimms, Tottenham, Cowley, Cranford, Greenford, Hanwell, Harefield, Harlington, Harmondsworth, Hayes, Hillingdon, Ickenham, New Brentford, Northolt, Norwood, Perivale, Ruislip, Uxbridge, West Drayton,
Edgware, Great Stanmore, Harrow-on-the-Hill , Hendon, Kingsbury, Little Stanmore, Pinner, Heston, Isleworth, Twickenham, Acton, Bloomsbury, Bow, Bromley, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clerkenwell, Ealing, Finchley, Friern Barnet, Fulham, Hackney, Hammersmith, Hampstead, Minories, Hornsey (Harringay), Kensington, Mile End, Addington, Poplar, Ratcliffe, Shadwell, Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Holborn, St Pancras, Stepney, Wapping, West Twyford, Whitechapel, Willesden, Ashford, East Bedfont, Feltham, Hampton, Hampton Wick, Hanworth, Laleham, Littleton, Shepperton, Staines, Stanwell, Sunbury and Teddington.
|
Request an Approved Supplier
|
