Prior to purchasing new windows, you must decide upon several issues. It is critical to determine whether any special planning permission is required prior to starting the job. If your property is listed or in a historic preservation district, you may not be able to perform certain activities and permission may be necessary to do so.
Knowing your options and how the procedure is done, among other things, can help you when you’re replacing your windows at home. Here, window professionals provide a list of things you should know before you get started:
Do not DIY!
You should always hire an expert contractor rather than attempting DIY window replacement projects, no matter how skilled you might be at home improvement. While you may be competent in handling and undertaking home improvement tasks, you never know what might occur.
Choosing the right material
Consider carefully what material you want your new windows to be made of. Plastic windows are often the least expensive option in the short term, and they require little maintenance. However, they can reduce the value of vintage buildings and are difficult to repair, requiring frequent replacements. In addition, plastic windows are not allowed in certain conservation areas in order to protect the environment.
Contemporary style homes favour metal windows because they are low maintenance and popular, but they are not as thermally efficient as wooden windows and cost more than plastic windows.
The benefit of using timber windows is that they can be repaired and maintained rather than replaced, which is ideal for period properties. Despite the fact that they are more expensive than plastic windows in the short term, metal windows are similar in this respect.
Choosing to install timber windows, you must decide on the type of wood to use. Make sure the wood you choose is stable and durable.
Glass
Consider where the window will be placed (kitchen, bathroom, living room or office space) when choosing what type of glass to have. You may want to have patterned or privacy glass if the window is in a bathroom or a room with a lot of foot traffic. If you are replacing a prominent window, you may want to include sections of coloured or stained glass to make an impact.
Double glazing or single glazing may be a choice for replacement windows in your home. Remember to check if double glazing is permitted in conservation areas or listed buildings first.
Style
There are many varieties of windows to pick from. Sash windows, which slide up and down, and casement windows, which open outward, are among the most common. There are, in addition to sash and casement windows of numerous varieties, fixed windows and bay windows, for example. The quantity of glazing panes can also vary amongst different windows, depending on the age of the building.
Sash windows are lovely to have, but you should think about whether you want sash window horns. Sash window horns are protrusions at the top or bottom of the sashes that were first included with sash windows to strengthen the joints. There are several types of horns you may select from.
Selecting the right company
Make sure the company you choose is knowledgeable about your needs and can design a window to suit them when making your window replacement. It can be an expensive venture, so you want to be sure you get it right the first time. If you are using a credit facility, make sure you understand the impacts on your personal credit reporting.
Prior to employing them, request to see examples of their work, and, if possible, take a tour of their facility to see the windows being produced. It is crucial to verify that they are registered with FENSA or a similar organisation. Since April 2002, complete new windows must comply with Building Regulations. When you want to sell your property, you will need to provide a certificate to prove that the work complies with the requirements.
