Replacing the windows in your home can make a big difference, whether it’s for aesthetic reasons, to lower energy bills, or for security. However, there are several factors that affect whether you go through with the work. This post looks at what to consider before taking the plunge and answers some frequently asked questions regarding replacement windows. Hopefully, this will relieve some of the stress that comes with home improvements.
Does Moisture Mean I Need to Replace My Windows?
If you have noticed moisture building up on the inside the panes of glass of your windows, this is a sign that your windows are beginning to fail. A small amount is usually fine, but a lot of condensation and the possible development of mould is a reason to be concerned. Moisture will usually show in the form of condensation on the internal panes or as fogging between the panes.
Before deciding to replace these windows, you can try a few ways to see whether the moisture can be combatted in another way:
- Try using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
- Try ventilating rooms which tend to steam up more thoroughly
- Try raising blinds to allow air to better circulate
- If none of these methods makes a difference then it is likely time to replace your windows.
Should I Replace All My Windows at Once?
This point is mostly up to you. It depends a lot on your budget; if you can afford to replace all of the windows at once (or are able to keep up with finance options if you choose this route) then this might work for you. However, replacing one or two windows at a time is also perfectly fine. There is absolutely no pressure to carry out more work than you would like to, so feel free to replace your windows in as many stages as necessary.
How Do I Choose the Right Windows for My Home?
This step may take the longest. There are many things to consider: budget, material, style, colour, furniture, security features. Each option can be chosen to match any existing doors and windows – or you might choose a completely new style to entirely revamp the home. Check out some colour options here.
Material
The main materials to choose from would be aluminium or uPVC. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but these are easy to research and weigh up. Neither material will warp or rot and both are easy to clean.
Insulation – Both aluminium and uPVC windows offer excellent insulation.
Budget
Your budget will be one of the main factors in selecting your replacement windows. The initial outlay for aluminium windows is always more expensive than uPVC. However, over time, aluminium can prove cost-effective as it’s a more robust material than uPVC. Get an instant quote here.
Colour
The material you choose will impact the colour choice: uPVC windows allow for a wider range of colours than aluminium ones, so this may sway you to pick uPVC over aluminium.
Security
Providing you select styles with the ‘Secured By Design’ seal of approval, you can rest assured that either aluminium or uPVC windows will offer effective security. This is a British manufacturing status accredited by the Police and Home Office to minimise the risk of unwanted entry by using robust design practices.
Style
The overall style of a property and its surroundings impact greatly on the style of windows you’ll choose. An older property, maybe a listed building, would require a very different style from a modern, urban property. For example, a modern house or apartment might suit slim aluminium frames, while a cottage-style building might look better with sash windows.
Weighing up these options will be a crucial step in deciding. It’s always a good idea to look at all the options before deciding so try to allow plenty of time to look around and ask family, friends and neighbours about their windows.
When Is the Best Time to Install Replacement Windows?
While you usually feel the effects of failed windows more in the winter, it might be a good idea to wait until late spring for installation. Replacing a window generally doesn’t take very long but having an open cavity in the wall during winter can dramatically lower the temperature in your home for a while. If this won’t be an issue for you, windows can and will still be installed during the winter and will also give you great benefits for the remainder of winter, lasting into the warmer parts of the year.
How Can I Prepare for the Installation of Replacement Windows?
Once you have a date for your installation, you won’t usually need to prepare too far in advance. The main thing is making sure any blinds and curtains are removed from openings to allow for proper access. Creating space in front of the windows is also a must so that windows can be carried in and out without difficulty or damage to surrounding furniture. This can all usually be done the day before or the day of installation if no outside assistance is needed.