With the recent intense cold spells we’ve already had this winter, not to mention the ones that may be yet to come, you may have realised that your windows are getting a little old and perhaps not keeping the heat in and the cold out as well as they used to. If you are thinking that it’s time to replace them, then read on for our guide on what to think about and research before hiring a company to do it for you at the first sign of warm weather.
Replace or repair?
First things first. Do you really need to replace your windows or can you repair them? There is a lot that can be done to repair damaged or draughty frames saving you some money, but be clear on what the lifespan of a repair is compared to a replacement. It would be a false economy to pay for repair or restoration only to find that you have to fully replace them after a couple of years.
Planning permission
If you live in a conservation area or your property is listed you may need planning permission for any work. You can check with your local authority’s planning team or go online to check on the Government’s Planning Portal.
Types of frames
There are a number of frames on the market, each with different advantages and disadvantages. The most popular are vinyl, aluminium, wood, and fibreglass. While vinyl frames are low maintenance and affordable they are limited in terms of colour choices. Aluminium frames provide good insulation and come in a slightly wider array of colours. Fibreglass can be painted any colour you like and require little to no maintenance, but this comes at a higher cost. Finally, wood can also be painted but has higher maintenance requirements as it needs more frequent repainting.
Single or double-glazed? Or triple?
It’s unlikely that you will opt for single-glazed windows as their insulation properties are much lower. However, planning requirements may mean that you don’t have a choice, so do check first. Double-glazing is the standard choice, with triple glazing increasing in popularity as it provides even greater insulation and savings on energy bills. However, check costs first as the payback period may still be quite long and the value it adds to your property in terms of energy savings may not be commensurate with the cost.
Shop around
Replacing your windows is not going to be cheap and there are plenty of cowboys out there so it is worth the time and effort to get four or five quotes before making a final decision. Check last month’s article for full details on what to look for in a double-glazing installer here.
For advice and help or for a quote for new windows talk to our team at 1st Scenic. We have the skills, reputation, and experience to take on any double glazing work and all you have to do is give us a call on 01689 829 600 or drop us a line at info@1stscenic.co.uk.
