uPVC Windows Guide

There is no doubt that uPVC windows are now the most popular type of window above all other windows on the market today.  If that is a fact, then the question has to be asked why it is so.  In this article we will outline five reasons why homeowners are choosing uPVC double glazing above a timber or aluminum window or any other window type that is available on the market.  By the time you have finished this market, we hope that you will have an understanding of why double glazed uPVC windows are leading the world in window production.

1. Energy efficiency:  Nowadays the sight of a monthly fuel bill arriving through your mailbox is enough to cause tremors of fear in many people.  Fuel cost are rising constantly and on top of that there is continual talk of ‘polluter paying principles’ and ‘carbon taxes’.  It is very important for all of us to have houses that are as energy efficient as possible.  Older type wooden window frames simply do not have the proper ‘U-factor’ capacity to seal your residence properly.  The ‘U-factor’ is a measurement of the rate of transfer of heat through a material.  Quality double glazed uPVC or vinyl windows with a low ‘U-factor’ are highly energy efficient and these windows will assist you greatly in slashing fuel costs in your home.

2. Range of styles and colours available:  There used to be a standard joke regarding a PVC window that it was available in two colours – white or white!  While that joke may have had a certain ring of truth to it about ten years or so ago, things have changed dramatically in the production of these products since.  They are now freely available from most established window manufacturers and double glazing window installers in a large variety of styles and colours.  One of the most popular choices by homeowners presently are the wood-grain finish windows, which can look like light or dark timbers and are very hard to distinguish from real timber at any distance.

3. Home Security:  Not that long ago security in the home was not top of a homeowners agenda – in fact many people were quite comfortable with leaving keys in their doors at night, or leaving their front door unlocked.  All of this has changed unfortunately and homeowners require now that their doors and windows are secure at night- time and when they are away from their property. uPVC double glazing doors are very strong and durable and quality windows have excellent uPVC window handles and window locks built into the framework of the window unit, which gives them added strength.  In addition to this double glazing is much more difficult to break through than older windows with single glazing, so most homeowners are going for the more secure option.

4. Window maintenance: One of the main advantages of uPVC as a material is that it requires very little maintenance from the time it is installed in your home as a window frame, until the time that you decide to change your windows again.  A uPVC double glazing window requires cleaning, as any window does, but other than that there is very little maintenance needs to be carried out.  On the other hand, if you want timber windows to last, they need regular re-painting and maintenance and even this may not be enough to stop them warping and leaking if you are living in a damp climate.

5. Re-sale value of your property:  Many homeowners are not thinking about selling their property when they install their uPVC windows.  However there may come a time when for work reasons you want to change location, or maybe you simply will want to downsize, and this is when you will be glad if your have installed uPVC double glazing windows.  Over seventy five percent of people questioned in a survey, when asked to rate the important points they looked for when they were purchasing or renting a home, put the fact of the home having uPVC windows as one of the main factors.  Having uPVC double glazed windows installed in your home will help you to sell or rent it and will help you to obtain a better price.

These are five of the top reasons why homeowners are continuing to make the change to uPVC double glazing windows.  Some homeowners who have construction or home improvement consider the options of fitting cheap uPVC windows themselves.  These windows are not cheap in the sense that they are of inferior quality, but if you are willing to install DIY double glazing in you can make considerable savings.  So if you are considering changing your windows, or if you are in the process of planning or building a new residence, get a double glazing quote and weigh up the uPVC double glazing cost against the many benefits that these windows could bring to you and your home.

uPVC is a very durable material and with proper maintenance and repair can have a life in excess of 20-25 years.  There are many differences between windows with wooden window frames and uPVC windows.  Compared to products such as timber windows no matter what type and style of window , uPVC windows do not need high volumes of time consuming maintenance and painting / treatment.  There are disadvantages to uPVC double glazed windows but this is definitely one of the many advantages.  Simple twice-yearly cleaning and inspection and quarterly lubrication is most likely adequate.

• In broad general terms, any part of the uPVC double glazed window that is visible when the windows are closed should receive a wash twice yearly.  This can be done with a warm soapy solution, taking care not to use abrasive materials such as scouring pads, or abrasive cleaning solutions such as ammonia based cleansers. It is always a good idea to remove such items as jewellery and watches, before commencing cleaning work on uPVC double glazed windows as this avoids unnecessary damage (to the jewellery and to the windows!).
• here are also the options of installing windows with self-cleaning glass, such as ‘St. Gobain Bio Clean’ and ‘Pilkington Activ’.
  

  WD-40 Spray Applicator (click on image for details)

• When the windows are open, the remaining parts such as double glazed uPVC window locks, that you can then see should receive a wipe to remove dead insects, cobwebs, old oil or lubricants.  The use of a vacuum cleaner can be helpful in these situations.
• Always keep any drainage holes clear as this will ensure that any build up of condensation inside will be removed.

• All hinges and locking points should be kept clean.  This applies to uPVC double glazing windows and doors also. As with any metal moving mechanism, regular application of a light lubricant oil will help to keep these parts in good working order.  WD-40 spray is ideal for such tasks.  A light application of a product such as petroleum jelly to hinges and moving parts after lubrication will help ensure their protection.  Perhaps avoid heavier grease lubricants and avoid too much application that can result in grease oozing to the frames. It is always a good idea while cleaning to check the tightness of any visible screws at this time. Avoid getting grease or oil on curtains or window valances when you are carrying out this work.
• Clean the gaskets, weather strips and seals regularly with mild non-abrasive detergents.  While you are cleaning, inspect to ensure that all seals remain correctly fitted to the frames.  Many gaskets and seals can be removed and replaced without the complete removal of the window.  If seals or gaskets do need to be repaired, the task should probably be carried out by a trained maintenance person.
• If your frames of your windows suffer a small mark or scratch, repair kits can be available from upvc windows online suppliers, however it is best to avoid damage of the frames, as larger marks cannot be repaired.  Special care is needed if you are installing uPVC double glazed windows yourself.