Windows buying guide for Sheffield & South Yorkshire

Avoid common new window pitfalls

It’s interesting to note that three of the most common problems caused by poor window installation are:

1. Opening and closing issues
2. Fogging between the glazing panes
3. Drafts / water damage

Quality double glazed windows are a substantial investment, potentially adding around 10% to a property’s resale value if done right. Of course, it stands to reason that potential home buyers are going to be much more likely to buy a home with new windows than one where they’re going to have to replace them at a later date. Your new windows should be airtight, secure, and energy efficient, whilst complementing interior and exterior stylings.

So start as you mean to go on, by researching the following before going ahead with purchasing replacement windows.

Window material

Today, window frames are most commonly available in three materials: classic timber, modern aluminium and versatile uPVC. Often the most expensive of the three, timber windows are typically chosen in areas where window replacements must be ‘like for like’, e.g. conservation areas. Naturally insulating, timber windows require the most maintenance. Aluminium windows are renowned for their contemporary, slender, robust frames, often chosen to enhance more modern properties.

uPVC remains the most widely used window frame material, thanks to its high performance and low maintenance qualities. Versatile, efficient, durable, and affordable, uPVC windows can achieve some of the highest Window Energy Ratings around. Thanks to advances in the manufacturing process, uPVC is also a viable ‘timber alternative’; able to seamlessly mimic the look of traditional timber frames, so they can be considered in conservation areas too.

Window glass and glazing

Laminated glass – Made by bonding two sheets of glass together, laminated glass features an interlayer that holds the glazing together even if its broken. Laminated glass could be considered for homes or businesses at higher risk of break-in or low-level windows, as mentioned above.

Acoustic glass – Made in a similar way to laminated glass, the bonded internal layer reduces external noise by absorbing sound and vibrations. Acoustic glass is ideal for areas located near busy roads, schools and airports.

Self-cleaning glass – Featuring an ultra-thin coating of titanium dioxide on the outside, self-cleaning glass conveniently breaks down dirt by reacting with the daylight.

Obscure glass – Obscure glass reduces visibility, which is why it’s often used in bathrooms. Gauged on a privacy rating scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the most private), there are a range of patterns available, from classic right through to contemporary.

Decorative glass – Decorative glass is used to create unique glass features in the home and is available in textured, etched, stained and sand blasted designs, as well as colour film overlays.

Window style

It’s essential to choose a window style that complements and enhances your Yorkshire home. However, this doesn’t mean having to stick with the same style of window. At Global Windows, we have a wide variety of styles to choose from:

Casement windows – Typically opening from the side like a door, casement windows work well with any kind of home.

Flush sash windows – Unlike typical casement windows that slightly overlap the frame, flush sash windows sit ‘flush’ against the frame to provide a neat, flat exterior appearance, synonymous with traditional timber window frames.

Sliding sash windows – Historically found within period architecture and traditionally styled homes, sliding sash windows feature one or two moving panels that vertically slide open and shut using a counterweight or spring balance mechanism.

Tilt & turn windows – Operating on a two-way functioning system, tilt & turn windows tilt from the top or bottom for secure ventilation and fully open inwards from the side for easy cleaning.

Bay & bow windows – Originating from English Renaissance mansions and very fashionable in Victorian times, bay and bow windows are multi-panel windows that project outward beyond the external wall of the property. Bay windows typically feature 3 windows fitted at angles of 90,130 and 150 degrees, whereas bow windows are fitted at an angle of around 10 degrees to create a curved protrusion that usually features 4-5 windows.

Window security

Often the main reason for upgrading windows, don’t forget to consider:

Is the glazing internally beaded? (the part of the frame that holds the glass in place)

Internal beading is positioned behind the glass, preventing intruders from removing it and gaining access.

Is there multi-point locking?

Multi-point locks bolt the window into the frame, locking it at multiple points.

Are key lockable handles available?

Have they passed PAS 24 security tests?

Are opening restrictors available?

Do they have night vents?

Night vents enable secure ventilation throughout the night.

Building regulations for windows

Controlling the quality and safety of a structure, replacement windows will always need to comply with current building regulations. When it comes to building regulations for windows, bear in mind:

Energy efficiency
Replacement windows must achieve a minimum WER of band C to comply with Building Regulations.

Safety glazing
Windows below 80cm from floor level, windows 30cm or less from a door and windows up to 150cm from floor level must be fitted with toughened or laminated glass to comply with Building Regulations.

Ventilation
Areas that experience excess steam production will require additional ventilation, e.g. trickle vents for windows.

Fire safety
e.g. picture windows will limit the spread of fire between properties.

Means of escape
e.g. the width and height of an egress window (emergency escape window) must not be any less than 450mm, with a Clear Openable Area of no less than 0.33m², and the windowsill height should be no more than 1100mm above the floor area.

When you use a CERTASS registered installer (like us!) we will take care of all of this for you.