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If your existing windows are very old with crumbling frames and single glazing or are constantly covered in condensation, then you’re probably considering getting new ones fitted.
But before you leap in and order new windows, it’s important to take a bit of time to think about the type of windows that will work best for you. Making sure you weigh-up all of your options will prevent you from having any regrets after they’re fitted. It will also ensure you get all the benefits that new windows can bring in terms of kerb appeal, flexibility and energy efficiency.
Here’s some of the most important things to stop and think about.
Consider the window openings
As well as letting in light, windows serve an important role in your home’s ventilation. So, it’s important to consider two things – how many openings you want the windows to have and what type.
Windows can open outwards, inwards, slide up and down or tilt at an angle. Some types can do more than one of these things. For instance, some modern sash windows can slide and tilt while tilt-and-turn windows typically have panes that can both tilt and fully open inwards.
Not only does this give you more ventilation options but this flexibility can make it easier for you to clean your windows. Tilt-and-turn windows with fully openable panes can also work as fire escapes.
With traditional sash windows, you can only slide the two panes up and down. However, this still enables you to open them at the top, bottom or at both ends.
Casement windows are the type with openings that are hinged on one edge – usually the top or side. These windows tend to come with a mix of openable and fixed panes. But there are plenty of design options to choose from. So, if you’re going with this type, do make sure you’ve weighed up all your options. Although it can be more cost-effective to have fewer openings, this can limit their functionality. If your windows have a mix of small and large panes, you might like to go with both top and side opening options.
Photo by Sieuwert Otterloo on Unsplash
Should you get double or triple glazing?
It’s also important to consider the glazing itself when you’re choosing new windows. Should you get double or triple glazing?
Well, this depends on your circumstances. For starters, triple glazing is a more expensive than double. This means, your budget and the number of windows you need replacing could determine whether you can afford triple glazing. However, if you live on a busy road or there’s other noise you want to block out, triple glazing might be worth finding the extra money for.
Triple glazing is said to be 30% to 40% more thermally efficient than double glazing. So, you might think it’s always superior. But double glazing is better at making solar gains. That means for homes getting a lot of sun, double glazing might be just as good or better than triple glazing. On the flip side, if you live somewhere exposed, you’re more likely to benefit from triple glazing.
And there’s more at play than how many layers of glass you have, such as whether you go with thermally-efficient glazing like Low-E glass. So, how can you tell if a window will perform well? Well, one thing you can do is look for a product with a high BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) rating. The highest score for windows is A++ but any product with an A-rating or above is said to be positive in terms of efficiency.
Think about colour and style
Aside from the practical considerations, you might also want to spend some time thinking about the colour and style of your windows. Although it might not be as important as energy efficiency and function, it does play a big part in the overall appearance of your home.
It’s worth thinking about matching your windows to your front door or to the style of your home to improve kerb appeal. For example, if you have a Victorian house, you might want to go for traditional sashes with horn detailing or if you have a country cottage, you might prefer to go for flush casement windows with pastel blue or green frames and monkey-tailed handles. Now would also be a good time for you to consider ordering some new custom blinds, to match the color of your new windows.
However, choosing custom frame colours can increase your overall costs. For instance, if you need three new medium-sized casement windows, going with a black or sage green frame instead of standard white, can add an extra £250 to £300 to your uPVC windows cost.
Don’t leap into your purchase
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about before you get new windows fitted. That’s why it’s important not to rush into your purchase.
Once you’ve decided on the design, glazing and style, you should take just as much time finding the right installer. The quality of the installation is equally as important as the quality of the windows. An incorrect fitting could leave you with the same amount of condensation and draughts as you had with your old windows.
Go with a local installer that has a good reputation. Ask family, friends and other local trades for recommendations. Then have a check to see whether they’re approved by a relevant trade body such as FENSA.