Windows

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.

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.