Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Derbyshire
It won’t be long before spring is here and as winter reminds me of the draughts and cold air that my “older” property seems to specialise in, I am reminded that it is now time I gave serious thought to double glazing / replacement windows and doors.
I have been reading about possible payback periods and the pro’s and con’s of energy saving windows but the reality for me, is that it isn’t just about investment – its also about having my home look presentable again, being comfortable, feeling warm and generally keeping the noise of the street out and my sanity intact.
I am aware, as there is enough publicity about, that I do lose a fair bit of heat out of the existing windows and that even standard replacement double-glazed windows will reduce a good percentage of my energy losses plus that if I also have the UPVC double glazed doors installed that will also help my case, not only in terms of comfort but also in terms of energy saving. If I want to go the whole 9 yards then I also understand that I could really do with getting someone to look at the loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (if appropriate), but the big job I need to organise is getting these replacement windows sorted.
What style of double glazed windows will suit my property?
As stated, my house is not “new” by any means but I don’t really feel that it should be regarded in the true sense of a “period property” – I know that at some time in the past the windows have undoubtedly been replaced but they really could do with taking out again – the wooded frames having been patched, filled and repaired so often that I guess there is now more filler than timber, and for some reason, they don’t seem to want to retain the putty any longer which I am sure cant be helping the draught problem.
Casement Windows
Having looked at a few brochures and websites I now know that the windows I have at present are Casement windows – these are what most of us have grown up with – the kind that have a handle on usually open outwards being either left or right-hand hinged.
I may opt for a straightforward replacement i.e. having double glazed casement windows. My initial thoughts were that it seemed a bit boring, with just big expanses of glass, especially with the energy saving glass installed, but having been informed that I could add some design interest by adding in leaded to lights or coloured motifs etc, I think that this could look really smart and make my home just stand out a bit more that the run of the mill.
Some types of bay windows are made up of a series of casement windows, so I may yet even decide to break up the level frontage of the house and add a bay window.
Tilt and Turn windows
I think this was what I was expecting to see as I know a few friends who have had double glazing installed and this is what they went for. I am led to understand that it is a pretty popular style of replacement window mainly because of convenience as it’s usually at least a duel action window. It can tip inwards to allow ventilation or it can be turned fully inwards for easy cleaning. For those amongst us with a nervous disposition I understand that this style of window is pretty good for escaping out of during a fire or other emergency.
Sash windows
Sash windows or sliding sash windows have been around for many years, most often seen in period homes, such as Victorian or Georgian style houses.
These open upwards and downwards with one window operating in front of the other.
Today’s double glazed sash windows do not suffer from the original problems of sticking or rattling and the old requirements of weights and cords have gone.
I would have instantly said that these would not be for me but with the modern design and choices of frames, I think any of the above styles would work for me, so it gives me lots of choice depending upon where they fit within my budget.
Searching for Suppliers in Derbyshire
Replacement window frame styles
Almost ready to move forward now – all I have to do is decide upon what style of window frame to opt for and of course, find out what the availability is of each of the styles.
Most of the bigger suppliers and double glazing installers will offer the main type of windows as discussed above, but the bit that will show the most styling (in my view anyway) is the style of frame used, and not all of the suppliers offer a choice.
Aluminium replacement window frames
When double glazing first became popular, aluminium was considered to be the best material (and often, the ONLY material offered) – It is slim, very strong and has high level security ratings but is not seen very often today except on commercial business parks and on industrial units. As other materials were introduced, its popularity started to decline and this resulted in it becoming one of the more expensive options. It does not apply in my case but it is also sometimes not allowed to be used in conservation areas or on some listed period properties.
Timber framed replacement windows
Often the choice of the traditionalist and until recently, it was the most common choice for period style properties. Some conservation areas insist upon timber frames but since the introduction UPVC styles offering Woodgrain finishes it is not always the case now.
Undoubtedly timber frames look impressive and are ideal where bespoke designs are required but they can be expensive and will require what I am trying to escape from - They require maintenance. Personally I want to get away from sanding, painting and filling every few years.
uPVC / PVCu / UPVC window frames
Most often nowadays this is the most popular choice and surprisingly is often the least expensive of the frame options.
Not only are UPVC window frames one of the best insulates, there are also very durable, are strong and have a lengthy lifetime, and are recyclable.
UPVC will NOT require maintenance other than a wipe over occasionally with a damp cloth, it does not rot or flake, rust or fade and I understand that discolouration also rarely occurs.
It is usually thought of as white but as technological has progressed, the choices has also increased as well as options such as Woodgrain finishes in Mahogany and Oak.
u-PVC frames, PVC-u frames or UPVC frames are very secure as they are difficult to break or damage.
Search for an approved supplier in Derbyshire – We cover all the following areas:
Alfreton, Allestree, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Belper, Bolsover, Buxton, Buxworth, Caldwell, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Chatsworth, Chesterfield, Crich, Derby, Doe Lea, Draycott, Dronfield, Duffield, Glossop, Hatton, Heanor, Holbrook, Hope, Ilkeston, Littleover, Long Eaton, Mapperley, Matlock, Melbourne, Morton, New Mills, Newbold, Repton, Ripley, Somercotes, Spondon, Stonebroom, Swadlincote, Tansley, Whaley Bridge, Willington and Wirksworth. |
