Graham Lindsay of Weru UK outlines six key areas to think through when considering upgrading and installing new windows
Your windows, along with your front door, often create the first impression of your home. But replacing older, tired, window systems will not only enhance the appearance of your home, it can also impact your monthly bills, increase your home security with burglary deterrent features and improve acoustics through effective soundproofing.
When to upgrade old windows
Almost all UK homes are now double-glazed and with the advent of energy-saving glass, which has been mandatory since 2002, most homes already have that significant benefit. The last decade has seen huge growth in ‘replacing the replacements’ which now offer big kerb appeal with lots of colours and contemporary styles that stand out from the crowd.
Surprisingly, however, this switch has remained on the whole very cosmetic, with disregard to thermal performance. Almost all remain double glazed still even in new homes. It was expected that 2023 changes to Building Regulations would enforce using triple glazing in all new homes and phase-in for the replacement sector soon after. Although this didn’t happen, but the new Future Homes Standard expected in 2025 indicates it will certainly happen thereafter. The message here is to take care, and don’t spend twice.
DIY fixes
If you’re renovating and upgrading existing windows, you should either be upgrading to a true third generation window designed to use effective triple glazing (minimum 40 mm). If you’re not ready to replace, consider DIY or a cosmetic upgrade to get you another few years out of your existing windows. DIY can cover decoration and on older, tired frames, easily applied draught sealing products can make a big impact on room comfort and heating bills. You could also consider retrofit locking devices.
Choosing window styles
Today’s huge choice of window types and materials ensures that even traditional properties can upgrade and benefit from the effectiveness of triple glazing, while making your home more comfortable and secure.
When choosing windows, there is a huge variety of bespoke options to consider – foil or paint finish, light or dark colours or matching your internal colours to your external ones. The colour is really up to you, but we do advise customers to consider the location and environment of their home and look at the other homes in the area. If you are looking for an extremely modern and contemporary finish, your window choices are one of the first components of your renovation which need to reflect this.
Comparing window materials: pros & cons
Over recent years, there has been a drop in PVCu and a significant increase in demand for aluminium windows – which now offer a choice of over 5,000 bespoke shades across the RAL and NCS colour swatches – and hybrid alternatives. There are extremely innovative hybrid solutions available on the market, can deliver superb quality and unrivalled thermal and acoustic properties.
For example Weru UK manufacture a hybrid alternative to aluminium, which is 25% lighter and allows for a 30% increased aperture than PVCu. The system has load-bearing hardware components screwed into the steel at several points, ensuring enduring functionality and long service life of the window. This steel reinforcement, paired with the GFP high-tech material in the sash, is designed to provide outstanding stability and tensional rigidity. For the customer this reinforcement means exceptionally large windows can be installed, allowing up to 30% more daylight to enter the home.
Security considerations
In many cases, window hardware is often overlooked, with a higher focus being placed on the glass itself. However, we are starting to see that built into most of the latest, innovative designs are various burglary deterrent features, with Resistance Class 2 tilt hardware and security corner transmission hardware becoming standard.
This advancement in technology is becoming a staple with homeowners and UK architects, as the remarkable strength and durability provide a greater level of burglary deterrent, ensuring ultimate protection for the home.
Graham Lindsay is managing director of Weru UK