Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Suffolk
Double Glazing / Replacement Windows
It is quite amazing what benefits it is possible to achieve by replacing the windows on your home with double glazing. It is more than possible to reduce your energy consumption but it can also make a big difference to your comfort transform and enhance the visual appearance of your home.
Most of today’s quality double glazing manufactures have designed their ranges to offer practicality and insulation but also with style so that they are capable of fully complimenting the features of your house. It is therefore important to make the right choice in order to add that additional flair and elegance and not simply to rush in and make the wrong choice.
It is a big decision and the choice you make today should still be around in at least 25 years time so:
- Consider with care,
- Make your decision on what you want, and listen to the experts if needing advise
- Look at other installations.
- Select approved suppliers and installers
- Don’t simply select on price
Approved installers and suppliers in Suffolk
Start by knowing that the people who will advise, supply and install the replacement windows are approved by an organisation such as FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) – By selecting an approved installation company you know the work will comply with building regulations, you don’t have to register the installation with the local authority (which could save you up to £250), where appropriate it should offer deposit protection, and insurance backed guarantees..
Anyone can place an advert and anyone can misuse a logo of a recognised trade body – if you are not using a well known national company then do not take someone’s word for it – either go on to the FENSA website or phone them and ask about the company you are thinking of using.
Energy rated replacement windows
Before purchasing the product ask about energy rating and check for a BFRC label and rating – The BFRC scheme is the national system for rating the energy efficiency of the windows. It’s a bit like the ratings we get today with white goods and in this case there is a scale which goes from A to G where A is the most efficient energy saving window.
The measures also shown simply determine things such as:
- How good it keeps out wind
- How much heat it will conserve
- How resistant to condensation it will be
- How much it will contribute to improved sound insulation
If you find yourself on a tight budget then from a personal view I would suggest that you don’t drop to a lower rated window but that you conduct the work in stages as and when you can afford it – starting with the most used rooms first.
Which style of replacement double glazed window suits you best?
Picking the right style of replacement windows can make a really positive impact to the look and feel of your house; will enhance its security, and will add resale value and probably make it easier to sell.
If you want to retain the same type of windows as you currently have, then in most cases this should be possible. Surprisingly, there are not as many types of windows as I thought there might be, and these mainly comprise of the following:
Double glazed Sash windows.
What most of us have seen on older or period properties where one opens in front of the other and they move up and down. In the older home the originals tend to rattle and stick but this is not the case with the double glazed versions.
Double glazed casement windows
These most of us have had at some stage in our lives - these open outwards with either a left hand or right hand opening – simple and straightforward and tend to make rooms fairly bright and airy.
Tilt and Turn replacement windows
Often based on the casement style of windows but have made full use of technology –this will tilt to give ventilation and turn to help with cleaning – ideal for emergency exits when easy egress could be a requirement.
Tilt and turn are also helpful where it is not a good idea to open outwards – perhaps directly onto a pavement.
Double glazed bay windows
Quite often a great way of adding greater character and “depth” to a property is to replace a “flat” window with a bay or bow window. There can add a complete new dimension to any room and a face lift to the house exterior. It is worth noting that if you are replacing a “flat window” with a bay or bow window, you may need to check with the local authority first.
Choose your window frames with care
The area which may really compliment your current style or change it altogether is in your choice of frames.
There are fundamentally four types of frames that I am aware of, that are popularity and available to slightly differing degrees.
Hard wood frames can look superb and if you are based in conservation area may be the only choice you have. There tend to be a natural selection of the traditionalists and for those who require bespoke solutions, but remember they can be expensive and will require maintenance, so you have not waved goodbye to the sanding, filling and painting routine.
Aluminium frames are very secure and strong and almost maintenance free have since the 1960’s declined in popularity, which has pushed up the price and made them less easily available. They may not be allowed in some conservation areas or on period properties so do check first.
The UPVC / PVC-u replacement windows are now the most popular which has driven down the price so that they have become one of the most cost effective solutions.
They require almost no maintenance which for me is a great benefit. When they were first introduced they did suffer from being only available in a stark white but constant improvements in technology have meant that the styles and designs have become elegant and complimentary to property styles, and the choice of colours is now much greater including wood grain effects. They are durable and long lasting and excellent insulators –If purchasing replacement windows for conservation areas or listed properties, UPVC frames have become a more acceptable option since the introduction of the wood grain finishes but do check first.
Composite frames are the final option – these tend to be a combination of timber frame on the inside with an aluminium or UPVC casing on the outer surface – These tend to be excellent insulators but are not so common as yet so the price still tends towards the expensive end of the market.
Search for an approved supplier in Suffolk – We cover all the following areas:
Aldeburgh, Barton Mills, Beccles, Bungay, Bures, Bury St. Edmunds, Clare, Culford Park, Debenham, Eye, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Framsden, Hacheston, Halesworth, Haverhill, Holbrook, Ipswich, Kesgrave, Lakenheath, Lavenham, Leiston, Long Melford, Lowestoft, Mildenhall, Nayland, Needham Market, Newmarket, Otley, Saxmundham, Sizewell, Snape, Southwold, Stanton, Stowmarket, Stratford St. Mary, Sudbury, Wherstead and Woodbridge.
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