Your Guide to Choosing the Best Window for You

Choosing windows that work best for a space is important to ensure good natural lighting, airflow ventilation and having a nice aesthetic finish. There are several styles, sizes and placements to choose from, so an informed decision is required!

 Types of Window Styles

There are many window styles to choose from:

1. Sliding window – these windows, as indicated by the name, slide from one side to the other in a horizontal motion. These look quite sleek and don’t take up more space when opening them. 
2. Tilt and turn – these windows tilt inwards from the top, and can swing inwards like a door, and this window style is a good option for ventilation but also security.  
3. Skylight – these windows are placed in the ceiling/roof to allow as much natural light as possible. 
4. Transom – these windows are placed right above doorways, also to let in natural light. 
5. Bay window – these windows follow the shape of the room, whereby it curves and follows the brickwork of the building. Bay windows are often a 3+ panel window; one straight facing, and two either side that curve and follow the brickwork. 

Window Frames

Window frames can come in different materials:

• Aluminium 
• Timber
• UPVC

What is UPVC?

UPVC stands for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. It is a type of plastic that is durable, long lasting and very resistant, making it ideal for reinforcing window panels. So, what are the pros of UPVC windows?

• Durable
• Requires little maintenance
• Help to regulate building temperature all year round
• Better for the environment 
• Cheaper than wood windows

UPVC framework and windows come in different colours, including black, white and grey, so you have some choice in customising it to match your house.

Timber Windows

Timber windows are elegant and have many advantages:

• Aesthetic 
• Better for the environment than aluminium windows
• Can be painted any colour of your choice, or even wood-stained
• Last longer than UPVC
• Fairly easy to maintain
• Adds a lot of value to your property

However, there are also cons of timber windows, including that the price is higher than if you were to choose UPVC windows.

Aluminium Windows

These still look good as windows, but can be quite expensive. There are any pros that mean a lot of people go with aluminium windows:

• Lightweight 
• Durable
• 100% recyclable
• Will last 30-40 years
• So many colours to choose from
• Good insulation for properties
• Very low maintenance – simply wipe with a soft cloth or soap and water

However, cons include that you cannot paint aluminium windows, so any scuffs and damages like scrapes need to be professionally repaired, not just painted over. They are also expensive – costing around £400-£600 per window.

Customizing Windows

Many companies will allow you to upgrade to have a choice of handles and hinges, as well as colours to better suit and match the interior of your home, and meet your desires. 

If you choose UPVC windows, you will likely have the choice between white, black and grey options. And if you go for timber windows, you can have it stained for a more timeless look, or even paint it yourself. 

Window Guarantees

Most, if not all window companies will offer guarantees when fitting your windows. This is where the company will state a time period for which the company will cover repairs and costs of the windows, whether they break or need touching up. Often from big window companies, they give a warranty of 5 to 10 years, as they are confident in the quality of the windows and their installation to be long-lasting.

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