We get hundreds of questions each and every year from customers asking what they need to look for when buying new windows and how to go about getting the best deal.
If you have noticed a rotten frame, an increase in condensation, or a sharp rise in heating bills you may well require new window installation but with so many different products on the market, how do you know which window to choose?
Here are some of the most important things to think about when picking your new windows.
Number 1: What window type do you want?
Windows come in all shapes and sizes and whilst the type of property you live in will narrow down your options you will still need to a decide between a raft of different windows types.
From traditional sliding sash windows updated with the latest in smooth operating technology and the latest energy efficient features to the classic casement window or a timeless French window, you have a lot to think about.
Consider the aesthetic that you want to achieve with your property, and how your window will be used and go from there. If energy efficiency, durability, and functionality are your primary concerns, casement windows will set you up nicely for decades to come but it may be that your property would look better with a more traditional looking French or sash window, especially if you live in a period home.
To learn more about the different window designs that are available, contact your local double glazing East Kilbride window installation company today.
Number 2: What is your budget?
You can get perfectly solid efficient double glazed windows at a pretty affordable price these days but if you are looking for a custom design, triple glazing, or a more complex window type, you will have to pay slightly more for the privilege.
In order to avoid disappointment it is a good plan to work out what your budget is for your new windows at the very start of your search and go from there. In order to get the best price, get a quote from 2 or 3 respected installers in your area.
Number 3: What warranty does the window come with?
The longer the installation warranty you get with your new windows the better. The warranty that you get with double glazed windows between manufacturers and installers but as a rule of thumb you should look for windows where the glass at least is covered for as close to 20 years as possible. Bear in mind that the installation warranty is not the same as the manufacturer’s warranty so make sure to find out the length of both and exactly what is included before committing.
Number 4: What is their energy efficiency
Windows come with a U-Value, the measurement used to determine an objects energy efficiency. Look for products with as low a U-Value as possible, meaning that as little heat as possible is able to escape from your home during the winter months.
Any window you install should be A-rated for energy efficiency.
Number 5: What type of glazing do you need?
Double, right? Well, not necessarily. Modern double glazing is excellent in terms of security, energy efficiency, and noise reduction, but there is now a new kid on the block in triple glazing that offers an additional boost in each of these key areas.
Whichever option you end up choosing, look for windows that feature an Argon gas filling between the panes of glass within the frame, adding an additional level of insulation and improving efficiency rates by over 5%.
Number 6: Do you need to have your windows retrofit or fully replaced?
Window installation takes two different forms, retrofitting and full frame replacement. Retrofitting involves the removal of only the glass within a window frame whilst full frame replacement, as you probably guess, includes removal of the frame itself.
Retrofitting can be attractive to some as it allows them to keep the frame that fits in with the aesthetic of their property and avoid seeking a similar replacement. The problem is that frames are integral to preventing draughts and water leaks and failing to replace them along with the glass can lead to an increase in these two issues.
With so many frame colours and designs out there now, your best decision is probably to replace the entire unit at the same time as failing to do so will only lead to you spending more in the long term. It is a lot more difficult, sometimes impossible for an installer to replace a frame after new glass has been installed than it is to replace the unit completely.