uPVC Windows

So you have decided to improve your home cut down on your fuel bills and have uPVC windows fitted.

Below you will see various uPVC window designs which we hope you will find of help. The majority of people have replacement uPVC windows fitted before any other home improvements. Why? Because uPVC windows adds value and improves the look of your property.

When you have double glazing fitted the value of your property increases why? Double glazing will always make your property look smarter, so when you come to sell; your investment in uPVC windows will allow you to ask that little bit more.

uPVC Window Styles

One of the most important factors when having uPVC windows fitted is to keep the design of the windows in character with your house, and your neighbors, nothing looks worse than when you see a house that has had uPVC windows fitted thats not in keeping, it stands out like a sore thumb.

Double glazing unequal site lines

When buying double glazing for your home, there are a number of double glazing design features that are seldom discussed, but are worth considering ensuring the finished installation matches your expectations.

One significant issue is sight lines. In the manufacture of double glazing windows, it is quite normal for there to be a smaller panes of glass, this is the part of the double glazed window that opens, the larger glazed panels will be the non opening part. This is known as unequal sight lines and is quite normal and is generally acceptable.

Double glazing equal site lines

However, you may wish to have all parts of your double glazed window to be equal you can see the in the picture on the left, the double glazed area will be smaller by approximately 90mm in height and 90mm in width and is more costly. Fitting 'dummy sashes' or 'dummy openers' into the double glazed frames create an 'equal' sight line. As shown here, the windows can have a considerably different appearance depending on whether or not the sight lines are equal.

Although not everyone appreciates the bulkier appearance that comes with equal sight lines on double glazing frames, there are some designs for which this approach is ideal. such as Georgian and Leaded Light double glazing designs as it allows you to have rectangles or squares that are equal in size.

Another possible alternative is to consider having horizontal equal sight lines in which opening windows are always above fixed windows or fixed windows are above opening windows.

In the long run, having equal sight lines will add to the overall cost to your double glazing and many people do not feel the extra cost is worthwhile.

Another feature of double glazing is whether to use black or white gaskets on your double glazing. Black gaskets are the standard choice of most double glazing companies. In the past, white gaskets were not chosen, as it was not possible to match the white of the double glazed windows, Nor was it possible to offer a 'colour fast' guarantee. Today, technology has moved on and more double glazing companies now offer both alternatives with confidence. White gaskets are a good option, when used on white double glazed 'panel' doors.

An alternative to white gaskets are 'low profile' black gaskets which are very slim and inconspicuous.

Finally, think about your neighbours when having double glazing fitted. It is sometimes worth considering the effect of your new double glazing on the overall appearance of the road or area where you live, for instance, if you and your next-door neighbor both agree on a style for your double glazing the overall effect can be considerably enhanced if you both agree to use similar designs. It doesn't matter if you don’t use the same double glazing company or even have the work done at the same time. It’s the look that matters.

Special note: We will be looking at other design aspects of double glazing from time to time. If you have a tip to share or a point you feel we should make, please e-mail us by clicking here.

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