Windows are a very important part of any house. Not only are they incredibly important for keeping unpleasant weather at arms length, but they are also important for ensuring your home stays looking attractive on both the outside and inside. It is important to take a few moments to think about your windows before rushing out to start buying them because there are some considerations to be made. First it is important to think about budget. Security is another factor, appearance is important too and finally the functionality should be considered. How you would like your windows to open and close can affect the type you select.
An increasingly popular type of window across the UK are those made from uPVC. This is a material that combines durability and versatility with an attractive finish - and all for much less than wooden equivalents. Although uPVC appears similar to plastic, in fact it is made of non-toxic materials that are completely recyclable. It has other "green credentials" too however. It has a very high level of thermal insulation, and this means that heat is effectively retained in winter, and the sun and heat are kept at bay during summer. This results in lower heating bills during the winter months and the diminished need to use additionally cooling tools such as fans of air conditioners during summer.
Wooden frames are the traditional material used to make window frames and although they are attractive to look at, they do pose several problems. Wood tends to start to rot when excess water has been soaked in, and in the sun wood can swell, warp, crack and fade it without the necessary attention. Varnishing and other maintenance tasks are often needed to keep wooden frames looking good which is something totally unnecessary when it comes to uPVC. Being outside, window frames need to bear up well against tough weather conditions, and sometimes wood can fall short. Perhaps not right away, but eventually wood will start to feel the effects of everyday wear and tear and the effects will be unsightly fading at best, to security threatening rotting and splitting at worst.
UPVC is a very low maintenance material. It will withstand the elements well, lasting many decades in fact. There is little to be done once they have been installed. They are also resistant to UV light in a way that wood is not, so with an occasional wipe with a damp cloth the frames stay as good as new for years. They provide a good layer of security too in the home as they are reinforced with advanced locking systems and impact resistance making them practically impossible to break into. It is a good idea for this reason to have all windows and doors made from uPVC.
Another excellent feature of uPVC windows is their high level of acoustic insulation. When living in a busy street or town it is very important that your house stays quiet so it remains as your private haven. Traditional windows were often designed with this overlooked, but with uPVC in particular double glazed windows keep the noise and general hustle and bustle out of your house.
With so many different styles of windows available in uPVC material, all styles are accommodated. There are casement windows available, sliding sash windows, reversible options and even tilt-and-turn windows that can all be manufactured from uPVC. It is also possible to have doors made from this material so a patio door or uPVC back door are certainly possible. The frames can be completed with a wood effect finish too so the traditional design and look of your house need not be lost when opting for a uPVC window or door instead of a traditional wooden variety.
An increasingly popular type of window across the UK are those made from uPVC. This is a material that combines durability and versatility with an attractive finish - and all for much less than wooden equivalents. Although uPVC appears similar to plastic, in fact it is made of non-toxic materials that are completely recyclable. It has other "green credentials" too however. It has a very high level of thermal insulation, and this means that heat is effectively retained in winter, and the sun and heat are kept at bay during summer. This results in lower heating bills during the winter months and the diminished need to use additionally cooling tools such as fans of air conditioners during summer.
Wooden frames are the traditional material used to make window frames and although they are attractive to look at, they do pose several problems. Wood tends to start to rot when excess water has been soaked in, and in the sun wood can swell, warp, crack and fade it without the necessary attention. Varnishing and other maintenance tasks are often needed to keep wooden frames looking good which is something totally unnecessary when it comes to uPVC. Being outside, window frames need to bear up well against tough weather conditions, and sometimes wood can fall short. Perhaps not right away, but eventually wood will start to feel the effects of everyday wear and tear and the effects will be unsightly fading at best, to security threatening rotting and splitting at worst.
UPVC is a very low maintenance material. It will withstand the elements well, lasting many decades in fact. There is little to be done once they have been installed. They are also resistant to UV light in a way that wood is not, so with an occasional wipe with a damp cloth the frames stay as good as new for years. They provide a good layer of security too in the home as they are reinforced with advanced locking systems and impact resistance making them practically impossible to break into. It is a good idea for this reason to have all windows and doors made from uPVC.
Another excellent feature of uPVC windows is their high level of acoustic insulation. When living in a busy street or town it is very important that your house stays quiet so it remains as your private haven. Traditional windows were often designed with this overlooked, but with uPVC in particular double glazed windows keep the noise and general hustle and bustle out of your house.
With so many different styles of windows available in uPVC material, all styles are accommodated. There are casement windows available, sliding sash windows, reversible options and even tilt-and-turn windows that can all be manufactured from uPVC. It is also possible to have doors made from this material so a patio door or uPVC back door are certainly possible. The frames can be completed with a wood effect finish too so the traditional design and look of your house need not be lost when opting for a uPVC window or door instead of a traditional wooden variety.
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