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Four Good Reasons To Get uPVC Doors – Other Than The Price

by Premier Plastics No comments

If you’re considering replacement doors for an existing home, or even new doors to finish off a recently built property, then you’re bound to have come across uPVC doors whilst considering your options.

You may even already know that uPVC doors are an affordable choice for homeowners – after all it’s a fact that’s certainly well publicised.

Yet, the benefits of choosing uPVC doors extend beyond the price tag. With manufacturers upping their game in terms of style and versatility, uPVC doors are becoming a real contender for any property-owner who is looking to either improve or complete their home.

Want to know four other good reasons to invest in UPVC doors for your home other than the price?

Read on to find them out…

1. Low maintenance:

UPVC doors are made to be fade resistant and can be easily washed clean, which means they are a time-saving dream for busy households and homeowners.

They do not need to be sanded down or repainted to stay in good shape – like wood doors for instance – meaning installing them could end up saving you money and precious hours in the long-term.

2. Environmental friendliness:

Contrary to popular belief, uPVC doors make an extremely environmentally-friendly option for you home and there are a couple of reasons why:

Firstly, uPVC can be re-cycled up to ten times with no material degradation. This means that, through recycling, your uPVC doors could be kept out of landfill for more than 350 years!

Secondly, UPVC doors have an A+ rating for energy efficiency meaning they retain heat. Choosing them for your home may mean you are able to cut back on expensive fuel bills and prevent wasting precious energy, as opposed to aluminium or wood.

3. Security:

You no doubt want to do everything you can to detract unwelcome visitors from breaking into your home and fitting a uPVC door is a step in the right direction.

UPVC is an extremely durable material, which cannot be split or forced like wood. If fitted with multi-point security locks and double glazing, a uPVC door provides a secure barrier between you and the outdoor world so you can relax and rest assured that your property – and everything in it – remains safe inside.

4. Style:

So you now know about some of the practical benefits of fitting a uPVC door, but what about its aesthetic appeal?

Style-conscious home owners will be pleased to know that uPVC doors come in a wide range of styles and designs and it’s even possible to choose your own specification in terms of colour, style and frame.

From various opaque and woodgrain effects to choose from, uPVC doors provide a versatile option whether you are after a contemporary design that is fresh and modern, or a more traditional style to complement an older façade.

The gateway to your home

The doors you choose for your home will be the gateway to your domestic lives – and they have a number of functions to perform because of it.

With so much at stake you’ll need to do some careful research before you make your choice. But, just remember: A uPVC door is able to tick all of the boxes when it comes to versatility, efficiency, affordability and aesthetics.

Contact us today to find out more about adding a uPVC door to your home. Call Premier Plastics on 01344 304761.

Choosing The Right Front Door For Your Home

by Premier Plastics No comments

Even though front doors come in a range of materials, it’s more than likely you’ll end up opting for one of three types made from either wood, uPVC or composite.

To make your job of choosing between them easier we’ve honed our knowledge to identify the material type that stands out as the best across four main categories.

Want to know which type of front door comes up trumps in terms of durability, security, style and price? Read on to find out more…

Durability

Wood doors are hard-wearing but are prone to splitting and warping. To avoid problems, you’ll need to complete regular maintenance in terms of sealing and painting your door if it is to last.

UPVC and composite doors, on the other hand, require minimal upkeep and have a longer predicted lifespan than those made out of wood. However, as composite doors are solid and generally thicker than plastic, our winner of the durability category is composite.

Winner: Composite.

Security

The potential to keep out would-be intruders is usually high on everyone’s list when it comes to choosing a front door for their home. UPVC and composite doors are both good options for security because – unlike with wood – they retain their shape and won’t end up receding away from the doorframe to create problematic gaps and cavities.

Both composite and uPVC doors are very strong, yet composite doors are made to twice the thickness and are finished with a polyurethane outer coating that gives a rock-hard exterior. Considering this, we think composite has to win the security category overall.

Winner: Composite.

Price

A good quality wood door can be expensive to buy and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best, meaning its cost can add up over time. Whereas composite doors may not need any ongoing maintenance they are a more expensive option from the outset than a uPVC alternative.

As well as being an affordable product, if fitted properly, uPVC doors have a long lifespan. This makes uPVC front doors an attractive choice if your budget is tight and they therefore top the list for us in terms of price.

Winner – uPVC.

Style

If you want your front door to make a great impression then there are really only two main contenders for the style category: wood and composite.

Wood not only enhances the look of your home with a natural, elegant finish, it also gives you the option of changing your mind with regards to colour and door accessories at a later date – even after it’s installed.

Although you won’t be able to add accessories such as door knockers or letter boxes once a composite door has been manufactured, they can be created to emulate the beauty of wood in terms of its look and texture. They can also be created to spec to satisfy just about any taste and effect.

So, when it comes to offering timeless style that you can update over a time, wood gets our vote; but for the sheer range of finishes and textures available composite wins hands’ down.

Winner: Both wood and composite.

UPVC – A Great Choice for Replacement Windows

by Premier Plastics No comments

If your house is draughty and cold; or even if you feel the outside of your home could do with some updating, then it may be time to start thinking about fitting some replacement windows.

Replacing old windows can instantly help save on energy bills, increase the security of your home and give it a face-lift that will go a long way to improving the overall style and appeal of your property.

But before getting carried away with the exciting task of browsing window styles and colours, you will need to take care of more practical matters first. One of which is choosing the frames that will best suit your needs.

Depending on your particular requirements, the style of your home and your budget you have three main window frame options: timber, aluminium and UPVC.

Let’s look at each:

1. Timber

Timber frames can add character to a property and are surprisingly durable if looked after properly.

They are easy to maintain as they can be fixed and repaired often without having to replace the entire window. However, to keep them in tip top condition they need constant maintenance otherwise there is a high risk that they’ll end up rattling, rotting or letting in wind and rain.

2. Aluminium

Lightweight and durable; aluminium frames are becoming an increasingly popular option for replacement windows. They can even be finished to look like wood.

Because they are lightweight, aluminium windows are suitable if you have big or unusually shaped frames that would otherwise be heavy and cumbersome to open and close. However, they can be an expensive option and they do not always fare well when it comes to reducing condensation and retaining heat.

3. UPVC

UPVC windows have come a long way in recent years and manufacturers are able to offer a wide variety of styles and colours to suit individual preferences.

In fact, it’s this ability to customise to achieve just about any shape, style or colour you want that often makes UPVC such a popular choice.

UPVC replacement windows are a highly attractive, durable and affordable choice for most homeowners.

They are incredibly low maintenance and do not require painting or sealing.

If you live in a built up area or next to a road, it can be reassuring to learn that as well as being low maintenance, UPVC windows are also resistant to pollution and will lock traffic noise and fumes out of your home, turning your indoor space into a safe sanctuary of peace and calm.

Should your home be old, listed or built in a conversation area such, it’s worth checking if you are permitted to install UPVC replacement windows as there may be some tight restrictions in place from your local Council that make it unfeasible.

However, with the ability to customise UPVC as desired, it’s often possible to configure a window so that meets any necessary regulations and standards.

UPVC replacement window advice

If you would like more information about the versatility and cost saving benefits of UPVC windows, then Premium Plastics is here to help.

We are a FENSA registered windows specialist that has a wide range of replacement UPVC windows in stock at our Warfield showroom. We’d welcome the chance to advise you on selecting right frames for your home whatever your needs, tastes or budget and then visit your property to carry out the installation, when the time is right for you.

Tips for Choosing the Right Window Installer

by Premier Plastics No comments

When it comes to fitting replacement windows or doors, finding the right company to carry out the installation is a must. Failing to select the right supplier may culminate in a number of problems from perilously poor fittings that are downright dangerous; to draft inducing installs that only cause misery and added expense to put right.

The bottom line is that if you want your windows fitted on time, within budget and to a high standard, you may need to do a bit of homework. But this doesn’t mean you have to spend hours trawling through directories and calling would-be fitters to find the perfect match.

Following our five step plan will help you approach finding a reputable and reliable window fitter in a structured way that could end up saving you time and headaches.

1. Ask for referrals

First up, ask your family and friends to recommend the help you are looking for as this is the fastest way to draw up a shortlist of reputable workers. With their ‘seal of approval’ you may even find out about a quality local fitter that could end up saving you money – as it’s not always the case that you’ll get a better service from larger, national company. Learning from the people you know and trust is the fastest and most reliable way of cutting through the spin and finding a reputable supplier sooner.

2. Research online

Once you have asked around, take to the internet to conduct some deeper research and aim to draw up a list of around five or six local suppliers that claim to offer the service you are looking for. Visit their websites – what does their brand image tell you about the company? Do they have case studies that showcases they are capable of doing the work you want them to do? What type of accreditations and trade certificates do they own, if any?

3. Check accreditations and evidence

Looking for a FENSA approved window installer is the first step to guaranteeing a quality window fit. FENSA is a trade body that assesses a fitter’s ability to install replacement windows in according to relevant Building Regulations. It’s a seal of approval and hiring a supplier that is approved will go a long way to giving you the peace of mind you need before, during and after the work is undertaken.

4. Agree everything in writing

After you have shortened your list of potential suppliers, you are now in the position to whittle your list down to just two or three choices. This is the time to pick up the phone and speak to potential suppliers and fitters personally – to check their availability and rates.

Get quotes and proposals sent to you in writing so you can compare a contrast and read through any small print carefully.

5. Check insurance and evidence

At this next stage, you’ll be close to deciding on a favoured supplier. But, before signing any agreements or contracts, ask to see the fitter’s insurance details and – to be really on the safe side – ask for references from happy customers and follow them up.

If the supplier in question is unable or unwilling to supply you with the proof that you ask for, then you may want to go back to your shortlist to find an alternative firm. All companies no matter how big or small should be in a position to back up the claims they make so failing to provide the evidence you ask of them should really be a deal-breaker.

If you are planning a home improvement project that involves replacement doors and windows, then call Premier Plastics today. We are a FENSA registered supplier (no. 20211) that can provide you with the proof you need to show we have what it takes to meet or even exceed expectations every time.

How to Keep Cool with South Facing Bi-fold Doors

by Premier Plastics No comments

When it comes to modernising our homes, bi-fold doors are a popular choice. They invite more light in during the darker months and give us beautiful, framed views of our gardens once spring has sprung.

Yet, if you’ve already fitted south facing bi-fold doors into your property then you’ll know that your living space can at times heat up to unbearable proportions on sunny summer days.

So, why exactly does this happen and what can be done about it?

Solar gain explained

Windows let in short wave radiation from the sun and this phenomenon is called ‘solar gain’. You may already know about the greenhouse effect. Well, solar gain is the same thing.

Short wave radiation from the sun passes through the glass in your bi-fold doors, trapping the heat inside and not letting it escape. As well as creating an uninhabitable living environment in your home, the UV rays can actually melt floor adhesives and the intense light can even fade your carpets, wallpaper and dyed furnishings!

Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the effects of solar gain even if you already have your doors installed.

Here are the most popular options:

Solar film

Solar film is an inexpensive product that is designed to block out more heat than light. It reflects the radiation and literally bounces the heat back off the windows and out of your home. It’s easy to install. Just cut the film to size, wet the glass and then apply the film to the window before smoothing out any air bubbles. Simple.

Overhangs

Building an overhang will shade the sun’s rays in mid-summer when it’s at its highest in the sky, whilst still letting in enough of the sun’s glow in the winter.

You can also buy retractable awnings and pergolas, which allow you to create the shade you need when you most need it by easily rolling out a weatherproof fabric covering. Very versatile.

Curtains and blinds

There are a vast range of blinds, panels and curtains to choose from, to suit all interior design tastes.

As well as cutting out heat and light, curtains and blinds also have the added benefit of offering complete privacy at night. Great if you want to create a more homely feel inside.

Ahead of your installation

Yet, if you are still in the planning stages of your bi-fold doors, then now is the best time to really think ahead:

Triple glazed glass

For instance, you can temper the effects of the sun with your south-facing bi-fold doors by opting for glass that is triple glazed rather than double. This can reduce solar gain by a further 10%.

Tinted glass

Otherwise, opting for a tinted glass will reduce both heat and light into your property. As well as reducing heat build, tinted glass also helps avoid the premature fading of soft furnishings, keeping the colours you choose for your home fresher and more vibrant for longer.

Between glass blinds

Finally, doors come with ‘between glass blinds’. This involves the manufacturer installing blinds of your choice between the two panes of glass in your double glazed doors. They are a genius solution for cutting out light and injecting state-of-the art style into your home.

All the benefits of bi-folding doors

It pays to know how to manage solar gain, whether you already have – or are planning to install – south facing bi-fold doors.

Managing excessive UV light will mean you’ll be able to modernise your property with a cutting edge look and enjoy an ‘outdoor in’ atmosphere within your home all year round – whichever way your garden faces.

For help with selecting and customising the bi-fold door of choice for your home, call Premier Plastics. As Berkshire’s premiere supplier and installer of high quality, cost effective uPVC and aluminium bi-fold doors we’ll be happy to provide you with our expert advice and free no-obligation quote.