Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Cornwall
What type of Double Glazing?
So we finally got there – we agreed that we needed to replace most of the windows and the exterior doors and that we are going to have double glazing. Firstly we need to decide upon which style of the replacement window frame is best suited for us.
There are a few minor details like cost and when it can be done, and how long it will take, and if it exceeds our budget can we do some now and the rest of it later etc, but in essence we have at long last agreed upon what we will do with our home.
Whatever style and type we go for as replacement windows and doors we know enough to know we will avoid most of the pitfalls if we get ourselves a FENSA approved supplier and installer – so we can look forward to some peace of mind once we have “agreed” about the type, style and colour of the windows.
What types of replacement windows are available in Cornwall?
So the burning question now remains as to the window type and to be fair, what most of us mean by this is really, the replacement window frame type.
There are really not too many window types to select from such as casement windows, sash windows, tilt and turn windows, and bay / bow windows, and the latter of these tends to be an extension of the others as for example, many bay windows as are series of casement windows.
Each type of replacement window can be made to look individual by choosing different glass types such as leaded top lights or maybe privacy glass; and these will produce that final touch of your style once you have selected the frame type.
Things have moved on a lot since double glazing was first commonly seen in the UK so that now, today’s replacement window frames offer a vast choice of styles colours and window types as well as the manufacturing materials from which they are made. Unless your home is situated within a conservation area or is perhaps a listed property which may govern the building materials you are allowed to use, most of the frames now will enhance any style or period style of home.
What type of frame to select in Cornwall?
In the 1950’s when double glazing was first introduced to the UK, everything was the new prestigious Aluminium frames which were strong, needed almost no maintenance and looked very trendy.
Things have, as always moved on, and albeit that you can still get aluminium frames, they are more often seen today on commercial buildings and where additional security may be regarded as a requirement. As firstly, timber frames were introduced, followed by UPVC / PVC-u window frames, the popularity of aluminium frames started to decline and the prices rose, so they can now be seen sometimes as a little expensive and not to everyone’s taste.
Timber frames / hardwood frames can look superb on the right property and lend themselves well to bespoke designs. If your home is a listed or period property (which mine isn’t), then check with the local authority first as you may have to install wooden frames to remain in keeping with authority regulations.
The biggest down side to timber replacement window frames is that they require maintenance and again, can be expensive to purchase. Buyers should beware if offered these cheaply, as you need to check then that quality timber has been used as cheaper materials may be prone to warp or split.
You can get composite frames which are most often a timber frame inside an aluminium sleeve (sometimes UPVC sleeve) – these are high on insulation benefits but again, can tend to be on the expensive side.
The most popular by far today are UPVC / PVC-u double glazing window frames which also tend to be least expensive option.
UPVC replacement window frames are strong and durable; difficult to break or damage, and have a long life span. One great benefit is that, similar to aluminium, they require almost no maintenance, which to those of us not graced with being overly practical, is a great boon. UPVC frames don’t flake or rust and may be purchased in a good range of colours or wood grain effects, which allows them to complement almost any style of property.
Search for an approved upvc windows supplier in Cornwall – We cover all the following areas:
Bodmin, Boscastle, Bude, Callington, Camborne, Camelford, Chapel Amble, Coverack, Davidstow, Falmouth, Fowey, Gunnislake, Halsetown, Hayle, Helston, Herodsfoot, Launceston, Liskeard, Lizard, Looe, Lostwithiel, Marazion, Mevagissey, Mousehole, Mullion, Newquay, Padstow, Par, Penryn, Penzance, Perranporth, Polperro, Polzeath, Port Isaac, Porthleven, Redruth, Saltash, St. Agnes, St. Austell, St. Blazey, St. Columb Major, St. Germans, St. Ives, St. Just, St. Keverne, Tintagel, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge and Whitstone.
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