Homeowners

You are probably considering replacement windows and doors as your existing frames are probably due for; repair, painting, they may be draughty or they simply don’t suit the property.
There are so many options and considerations you need to investigate before you make your final choices including; configurations, material, location, colour and budget.

The style and configuration of a window will make or break the appearance of your home. Remember kerb side appeal, as one day you will move.
Most often the original design when your home was built is the most suited, Although you may need to compromise, as modern frames often have larger frame sections to house the sealed glass units and locking systems fitted in modern windows and doors. The Option of slim 18mm astragal glazing bars will transform any window into a traditional appearance.
Doors do not need to match your windows; they are a focal point and therefore can be different in material, design and colour.

Different people have different lifestyles and demands. Some people like fresh air and small opening fanlights that they can leave open, others like large open panes of glass for more light and open views. Kitchen worktops will make reaching high opening windows impractical. Slim profile frames lack strength, so you will have limited opening sizes.

If you live in a coastal location, you really need to consider corrosion. So consider issues with hardware as well as the frame material. Then the prevailing weather in your location, especially if you live in an exposed location. Here in the Southwest rain and high winds are the key elements to consider. Traditionally windows were designed as outward opening casements at around 2 feet wide. The more the wind blows, the casement simply pushes tighter on the seals and smaller size casements won’t drag out of your hand in a gale and more likely to blow closed.

Available in all materials,timber can be painted in any colour and with the availability of new finishes, these can be translucent or opaque with better and longer lasting materials timber is still a popular choice. Aluminium can be painted in any RAL colour; some are textured or even metallic. There is the option of dual colour, so you can have colours inside to match your decor of each individual room. PVCu is now available in a host of colour foils including; chart well green, cream, black, smooth grey, textured grey, wood grains and white. Again these are mainly available as dual colour. As mentioned doors can be of a different colour to your windows as they are often the focal point of the facade.

• A range of coloured foil options, including smooth grey to compete with the aluminium market.
• High insulation values
• High security locking
• Double or triple glazed
• Low maintenance and ideal for coastal locations

• Consider hardware options in coastal locations, especially door handles
• Weaker profile, so limited opening sizes.

• Strong & durable.
• Range of colour, glass and panel designs
• Low maintenance

• Natural warmth
• Traditional appearance
• High insulation values
• Strong and durable
• Choice of timbers.
• Can be machined to any profile

• On going maintenance

• Slimmer profiles, but strong enough to allow good size openings.
• Modern appearance
• Colour options, any RAL colour.

• High insulation values

• Limited warranties in extreme marine conditions.
• Poor insulation values

Always a key factor, but simply considering the cost is a mistake and a false economy, as you could reduce your homes future value.
PVCu offers by far the best value; coloured foils will add around 30% to the frame and glass cost, but fitting charges will obviously be the same. Timber is probably the next in line but with a substantial increase of around 25% above that of a foiled PVCu, with an additional increased fitting charge to also consider. Lower cost aluminium systems will then be fairly similar with high end aluminium being around an addition 30%+
Composite doors are a good practical solution, more expensive than PVC, but strong, durable in a vast range of colour and design options.