Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Leicestershire
UPVC / PVC-u Double Glazed Replacement Windows
Albeit that it is easily possible to have double glazed replacement window frames made in timber (which requires regular maintenance) or in aluminium (which is no so easy to find today), I want to concentrate today on UPVC or PVC-u replacement windows as this is bar far now, the most popular material.
Why so popular?
UPVC is a durable, tough and long lasting material which has excellent insulating benefits which is largely the point of double glazing.
It has become so popular that, due partly to economies of scale; it has become often the least expensive option when considering window replacements.
Most companies that specialise in double glazing will supply UPVC so you are by no means limited in choice of supplier and has been used for long enough now that there are numerous test results for you to consider if you wish to check the benefits for yourself.
One of the main benefits for me is that is it almost maintenance free – No 5 yearly rubbing or sanding down timbers, no filling, repairing, priming, undercoating and top coat painting – simply wipe over with a damp cloth.
It can not rust and does not flake and discolouration is virtually unheard of today and with the impact of modern technology today, the old thoughts of white or white as a full colour option are in many cases, long gone. Indeed not only are colours available but UPVC is now offered in Woodgrain effects.
Many of us still rather like the crisp white finish which can be very sleek and elegant so the suppliers also now offer many different glass options such as leaded or coloured motifs or top lights etc so that the design and styling aspects can be enhanced or add further character in this way.
I always suggest that you check out your supplier and double glazing installers and try to ensure that they are approved by such means as being FENSA members. I want the security of knowing that the merchandise is thoroughly tested and energy rated and that the installers also are qualified to ensure that the installation complies with the building regulations – For me it is not only peace of mind but it means that I don’t have to get involved with local authority building regulation inspectors and such like, which always worries and confuses me and if it that level of security costs me a little more – then so be it.
Different Types of double glazing windows in Leicestershire
I have heard people discussing their thoughts on the benefits or otherwise of installing double glazing in the past and would have to disagree strongly on one argument which was limitations on window types – no they are by no means limited – indeed it is my view that they now reflect just about every type normally available in non-double glazed windows.
No longer are the windows simply designed to offer heat benefits, sound insulation, reduced energy costs, reduced condensation etc The suppliers and manufacturers realised some time ago that they needed to also offer panache and style so that the elegance of the installed double glazing complimented and enhanced the design features of the existing home.
Sash windows
Usually seen on the older / period properties these are the windows that most often are seen to open upwards and downward with one window in front of the other. Still a very popular design and simply “look right” in the older properties – Window replacement suppliers now offer double glazed sash windows which are designed to match the style of the older properties without the sticking, rattling and draughts normally associated with old sash windows.
Casement windows
In most tradition houses this is probably the best known window in terms that it is the style that has either left hand or right hand opening and most often simply opens outwards. These windows can allow in a great deal of light into a room and it can have top lights – it is idea for styling so that one can add coloured motifs or leaded panes etc if required. Casement windows may be single or double and it is usual for the double casement windows to share the same full window frame.
Tilt and Turn windows
This is a type of window which many of us think of when we imagine double glazing installations – a modern style which is quite clever in that it combines style and convenience with the windows capable of doing pretty much as the same implies.
They are especially useful where it is not a safe or practical option to have a standard casement window opening outwards say perhaps onto a busy walkway and they are so much easier to clean.
With such easy opening methods they are also very useful in regard to egress in emergency situations such as a house fire.
Bay or Bow windows
These were very popular styles especially in Victorian and Edwardian style properties but are now as popular to install into modern houses (indeed I had two fitted when my own home was recently double glazed).
This style of window protrudes outwards from the home, it is considered to increase the amount of light entering into the room and gives an appearance of increased space both inside the room and from the outside looking inward.
There are many different styles to select from – we chose a bay because we have an estate home and it makes the house seem a little more elegant and that little bit different from the rest – and the cat adores surveying the world from her new window space!
Search for an approved supplier in Leicestershire – We cover all the following areas:
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Barrow-on-Soar, Blaby, Broughton Astley, Castle Donington, Charnwood, Coalville, Countesthorpe, Fleckney, Groby, Hinckley, Kegworth, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicester, Loughborough, Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Measham, Melton Mowbray, Mountsorrel, Narborough, Newtown Linford, Oadby, Quorn, Ratby, Shepshed, Stoneygate, Whetstone and Wigston. |
