If you are a home owner then no doubt you have heard about UPVC windows, even if it has only been a flyer through your door trying to sell a service. New windows not only mean that a property is more attractive and better weather proofed, it also increases the property's value. If you are thinking about making some improvements to your home in the near future then you may want to consider having UPVC windows installed.
While you may have a general idea about UPVC windows and what they can do for your home, you may want to know more about the product before you go any further.
Are UPVC Windows very durable ?
UPVC windows are designed to be weather proof and storm proofed and more importantly they can insulate your home against excess outdoor noise. In addition to the above these windows are designed to prevent energy loss from your home and UPVC windows do not have the same propensity to let in draughts as older style windows may have done. The materials that these window frames are made of are designed to be non-corrosive and rust proof, unlike wooden frames UPVC windows will not swell or rot with the damp because it cannot penetrate the surface.
What should I look For in UPVC Windows ?
Partly in response to the UK government's push on energy saving, an increasing number of homes around the country have now had UPVC windows fitted in their home. There are plenty of companies to choose from if you are looking to upgrade your home with new double glazing, so it makes sense to have some idea of what you should be looking for before you ask for any quotes.
The first thing that you need to be clear on is just how much money you have to spend on replacement double glazed windows. Just a minimal search will soon show you that the price a company charges for UPVC windows can vary considerably. Make sure that you have a figure in mind beyond which you're not prepared to go. If you are lucky enough to have a large budget for your new windows then ask for A rated windows as these have the highest insulating capacity. If you are looking for the best, then the gold standard in UPVC window installation is a FENSA registered installer.
Whether you have casement windows with top or side openings or sash windows is a matter of personal preference. The type of opening and the number of window openings you have will affect the price. UPVC sash windows are a more recent addition and if this is what you want you should be prepared to pay more for it.
Make sure that the window frames are reinforced and that they can be locked securely. Window security should be a priority in this day and age if you don't want burglars in your home. When it comes to insulation, it's a good idea to talk to some local suppliers to see what options are available to you.
What Type of UPVC Windows ?
When you choose to upgrade your home with new UPVC windows you will find a wide choice of shapes, sizes and patterns. If you live in a Victorian or Edwardian home you can have windows made to suit the style of the building. You can have bay windows. If you want diamond paned windows then you can have those fitted. No longer are UPVC windows made only in white, you can now have them in a wood grain finish or in a range of colours. The windows can also be made to resemble traditional hard wood window frames if that is what you prefer. You can have casement windows, French windows, combination and sliding windows as well as turn and tilt windows for easy cleaning.
You can get extra security features with UPVC windows, which make them resistant to the glass cutters that some burglars use, the windows, can also be designed as crow bar proof. Generally speaking your home is more secure with UPVC windows than it was with traditional window frames. Your new windows will be low maintenance; all that is needed is to wipe the frames occasionally to remove any collected dust and dirt.
What about Double Glazed UPVC Windows ?
Not all UPVC windows are double glazed, but double glazing is more usual than single glazing these days because of the extra insulating properties you get. If you can afford to have your new windows double glazed, it will add a considerable amount of money to the value of your home if you decide to sell in the future. Double glazed windows have a vacuum between the two panes and this keeps the heat in your home and the cold out during the winter. In the summer double glazing will keep the temperature in your home cooler than outside, which can save you a considerable amount of money on heating and air conditioning costs. Double glazed windows are ecologically friendly due to their energy saving properties.
All of the above information will give you an overview of UPVC windows, double glazing and double glazed windows and what they are, what they do, and what styles are available. Window replacement represents a significant investment in your home and this is something that will certainly add value to your home. Whether you decide to have single glazed UPVC windows, or double glazed windows, will depend on your needs and your budget. You should make sure that you have done your research thoroughly before you make any decisions.