Best choices for windows in 2022

Monday, 21 February 2022

Thinking of new windows in 2022? If you’ve noticed invasive noise, draughts over the winter period, or problematic condensation then it may well be time for an update to your windows. Or indeed you may be refurbishing an old home and want to plan the best choices for windows for your project. We go through the different aspects of high quality window ranges to guide you to make the right choices for your circumstances.

Frame Material

As you browse ranges of new windows for your home, you’ll notice that they vary in frame material. Different materials have different practical and aesthetic benefits. It’s therefore worthwhile understanding the differences between them.

uPVC

As the standard for many new double and triple glazed windows, it can be easy to assume that all uPVC windows are equal. However, the different ranges using this material vary significantly in quality, appearance and cost. It’s incredibly high performing in all conditions required by building regulations. So uPVC frames are thermal and UV efficient, they have great soundproofing properties and are extremely secure. While colour choice is limited to white in basic ranges, more sophisticated uPVC products offer elegant heritage colour choices and timber finishes.

Aluminium

This fantastically durable material benefits from the sustainability of being a recyclable material and low maintenance requirements. It’s lightweight but super strong. So it will support large areas of glass with no trouble. In this way, it gives you stunning contemporary slim sightlines. It’s also great for bespoke projects as it’s such a workable material. Thermal break engineering means that aluminium frames meet high standards of energy efficiency. With minimal maintenance required, these windows can last for over 40 years.

Timber

With consistent care, wooden framed windows still have benefits. For period properties, a timber aesthetic is often desirable and even a requirement if a property is located in a conservation area. Wood is a natural and sustainable material which can be either recycled or naturally disposed of at the end of its use. However, remember that you must make a commitment to regular maintenance. Without regular cleaning, treating and painting, wooden frames are likely to suffer warping, rot, pests and disrepair.

Composite

Similar to uPVC, composite windows are an engineered material. These frames tend to be constructed as timber replacement solutions. So they appear to the naked eye like wooden frames. Indeed, highly engineered window ranges have been accepted by local authorities within building restoration projects and conservation areas. As well as looking authentic, these engineered materials require little maintenance, and perform exceptionally. They also offer comprehensive colour choices, including dual tone options.

Glazing Benefits

A minimum of double glazing is required as standard in order to maintain levels of insulation in a home. This makes sense both for noise and thermal protection. So what benefits do multiple glazed windows bring to your home? And when should you go the extra mile with a third pane of glass?

Thermal performance

Double glazed casement windows normally have an inert gas, such as argon, in between the panes of engineered glass. This protects against the transferral of heat between the outside and inside of the building. In this way, double glazed windows are beneficial in both winter and summer.

Noise pollution

Disruptive noise may be caused by train lines, motorways, flight paths, farms, schools, or playgrounds - many parts of day to day modern life. In this way it’s important to be able to make our homes a sanctuary from noise pollution. A good system can reduce noise pollution by up to 35 decibels, which has a huge impact on our general wellbeing.

Security

The reinforcement provided by double glazed windows makes them a crucial way to optimise home security. Toughened glass is almost impossible to break through, and the casements are sealed securely within the building so cannot be lifted out.

Property Value

Many customers view the replacement of their home’s windows with double glazed options as an investment. Property value will always rise with the installation of new double glazed windows. In this way, it is important to balance the cost of your new window system with the good return that it provides.

Triple Glazing

Three panes of glass can be better than two, but not always. The panes in triple glazed products must be of different thicknesses to optimise performance. With an average u-value of 0.8 and some manufacturers achieving as little as 0.5, triple glazed units are incredibly efficient. However, you should balance the higher cost of the product with the sometimes limited difference in energy performance with better quality double glazed products.

Function

For you to make the best choices between ranges of windows, you should keep the function of your windows in mind. It’s no good deciding that you want to have aluminium windows in a 19th century conservation area.

Period Properties

If your home is period, you may or may not be required to replace windows in a manner in keeping with the style of the building. Even within a conservation area, you may consider the Residence 9 range or Ultimate Rose sash window system. Both of these ranges authentically replicate the qualities of traditional windows and look indistinguishable from the original styles.

Energy Efficiency

The great news is that all of our window products perform highly when it comes to energy efficiency. However, this doesn’t help you in making your choices! So if thermal performance is a significant priority for you, the a 0.9 u-value of Residence 9 windows may be a deciding factor.

Contemporary Style

Your project may be all about minimalist lines and contemporary style. For these designs, our Alitherm range of aluminium windows is ideal. Highly performing, these windows house broad glass panels with sleek sightlines. In addition they’re also available in any colour powder coating.

Low Maintenance

All of the window ranges that we offer at Bill Butters Windows and Doors require minimal maintenance. The materials that we use are extremely durable, so you will not need to repaint or treat the casements. Your windows should be an investment your property that continue to support your home long into the future.

To discuss your windows and the options we have available, please just contact us, we’ll be happy to help.