uPVC Windows Guide

One of the major benefits of replacement sash windows is that they allow so many owners of old period houses to join their fellow homeowners in making their properties warmer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.

This may be considered a tongue in cheek comment, but you might be surprised to learn that a large proportion of owners of old, character residences, refuse to replace old single glazed sash windows because they feel that there are inadequate alternatives on the market.

This misconception stems from when uPVC windows first came to the market strongly several decades ago.  These forerunners to the stylish windows that are marketed today were energy efficient, but very lacking in charm, minus the attractive sash windows locks that were evident on older windows and they came in a very limited range of styles and colors.

Owners of homes with character timber sash windows could not envisage replacing these beautiful, if energy inefficient windows with what were correctly considered rather ugly substitutes.

However all has changed in the intervening years and presently homeowners can find sash replacement windows that are made from many materials, the most popular being uPVC, timber and aluminium.  uPVC production technology, along with competitive uPVC window prices have advanced immeasurably since those early days and you can now get a uPVC double glazing sash window replacement in a range of sizes and styles and this window can be almost any color you choose, including a woodgrain style.

Interestingly, sash windows were traditionally found in period homes of the Georgian and Victorian variety, but their popularity has spread and they are often the choice of homeowners building new homes.  A sash window normally comprises two sashes which in turn can hold a single pane of glazing or perhaps six or nine smaller panes.  This collection of panes gives the windows and the home a character and look that is very popular.  In addition to this sash windows can be opened horizontally or vertically, which makes them flexible for use in different situations.

Homeowners who have resisted removing their old windows up to now and have insisted on carrying out window repairs in order to keep their old windows going are urged by energy conservation experts to revisit this subject.  Sash windows with underperforming window glass are notorious for allowing air leakage – that is allowing warm air to escape from a residence and cold external air to enter the home.

In bygone days this was not recognised as being as big a problem as it is today.  With the rising cost of heating fuel, homeowners now find it imperative that they take all measures possible to make their homes as energy efficient as possible.

Window sash replacement should be at the top of a homeowner’s list of projects, if he or she has old single glazed windows that are past their best.  Failure to act now will result in much higher future utility bills and the possibility of carbon taxes being implemented on property owners that have greater than average fuel usage.

There are huge amounts of research done on that amount of heat that is lost through poorly insulated windows in the home.  It pays to look at this research and to draw your own conclusions for it.  You can also look at the many options available to you as a homeowner, should you wish to get replacement sash windows for your home.  Simply search online by typing in phrases such as ‘ upvc sash windows ‘,  ‘replace sash window’ or a search term such as ‘replacement sash windows UK’, if you wish to narrow down your selection to geographically relevant results.

Double glazed sash windows are installed in various properties due to their durability and the lure of windows that are maintenance free. There are many homeowners who want to replace their sash windows due to weathering, deterioration or for a change in style. After carrying endless window repairs to old timber sash windows, or perhaps trying such ventures as installing secondary double glazing, many property owners may opt to replace their old sash windows with newer versions, but there are those homeowners who choose standard casement windows instead.

Unfortunately what many homeowners fail to realise is that changing to a different style of window and window glazing could in fact reduce the level of security afforded to a property, prevent adequate ventilation and change the whole aesthetics of a home.

Providers of replacement sash windows believe that people looking to change or replace their sash windows should look at other ranges of sashes such as double glazing sash windows rather than changing to a completely different design. With so many different styles of sash window double glazing now available a home can be transformed without jeopardising the look and safety aspects that are so crucial for a property.

Sash windows are available with various features, available in wood or upvc and can be installed in stunning shapes and sizes. Although associated with grand homes, sash windows look just as good in modern properties and town houses due to the advancements in style and structure.

The charm that sash windows hold over other types of window is due to how they are manufactured and installed. Safety features play a big part in sash window functionality and double glazed sash windows are popular due to their strength, durability and of course practicality. Window locks, cam catches and limit stops are all features that make sash windows safe and secure in homes where they were originally part of the fabric.

They say ‘A Change Is As Good As A Rest’, and this is most definitely the case when it comes to refurbishment. However, understanding a building and knowing what is best for the occupants is the first stage before any construction work is undertaken. Fire egress requirements for a building that has sash windows can be put in jeopardy if they are removed and replaced with non sash windows double glazing.  Having a means of escape ensures that occupants are safe and a property is to the required standard.

Before changing any sash windows, it is worth looking at the vast range of styles that are available to ensure a property is up to standard. Whether a homeowner wants uPVC windows or traditional timber,  double glazed timber or upvc sash windows , with authentic features such as brass sash window locks, can be developed to match the period, style and functionality of any property.  Get quotes from recognised double glazed window installers who shouls be able to help you with your individual requirements with regard to glazing windows.

This blog post was written by Bygone Collection, specialists within the manufacturing and installation of all double glazed sash windows. The aforementioned products are supplied by Bygone Collection and for the full range styles they offer visit their website.

Residing in some countries does not present a problem with regard to insulating your residence, whereas if you live in a country with a damp or cold climate, then you will know that insulating your home is a priority. There are many different aspects to home insulation that need to be looked at as part of an overall package, and but one of the most crucial sections is window insulation.  To this end uPVC windows are the windows that consistently comes out on top when consideration is given to window insulation properties.

Proof of this point can be made by looking at countries like Great Britain or Ireland, where a major percentage of the windows fitted are uPVC windows.  The reason for this is that these countries have the type wet and mild climate that a uPVC window is ideal for insulating against.  Another point to make with regard to a mild, wet environment is that timber windows suffer greatly in this weather, unless they are regularly maintained and re-painted.

If you have studied the benefits that a uPVC window can bring to your home and are considering installing PVC windows, you should also take into account the following points.

Have a budget in mind before you start negotiations with any suppliers of uPVC double glazed windows.  In relation to this point, you should also bear in mind that the cheapest quote you will get is not necessarily the best.  There are a large amount of these window suppliers both online and offline and quotes they will give you for uPVC window prices will have to be weighed against each other carefully.  However, if you do proper research and take your time selecting a suitable product, you may well find cheap uPVC windows that still have all of the attributes that you expect form a good quality window.

Not only is a PVC window excellent at helping to insulate your property, but it will also make your home more secure.  A lot of burglars enter a home through a window and having quality windows locks and quality uPVC window handles does help ensure that you make illegal entry to your home difficult.

As you are taking the step of installing uPVC windows in order to improve the insulation of your home, you should give serious consideration to the various types of glass and seals that are being offered with the windows you are purchasing.  Keep in mind the window energy rating (R-value) of the PVC-u window.  This is a numerical value given to a window that takes into consideration the energy balance of the unit (window and frame).

Considering the many advantages of uPVC windows it is easy to see why they are the most selected window by homeowners in studies carried out.  There are many suppliers of PVC windows online and also offline in your own geographical area.  Type ‘uPVC window’ into a search engine and you will not be short of choices and look up local suppliers to compare what they have to offer.  You can narrow the results you will get from the search engines by inserting ‘ uPVC sash windows ‘ or other more descriptive terms.

If you are interested in learning how to clean uPVC doors and windows , then this article will be of interest to you.   uPVC is a very durable product, which will not rot or warp during its lifespan, which experts estimate to be in the 20 – 30 year bracket.

However a uPVC window does need to be maintained and this article aims to inform you as to what you should do to your windows to maintain them and perhaps more importantly, what you should not do when maintaining and cleaning your windows.  After reading this article, you should be able to clean and maintain your uPVC window frames and replacement uPVC doors and windows with confidence.

One factor that you should consider before cleaning your uPVC doors and windows is that you may wish to remove any vertical blinds, temporary paper blinds, or close hanging curtains, so that they do not get wet while you are cleaning.  You do not want your beautiful black and white curtains to be all black by the time you are finished.  These items are usually easy to remove temporarily and replace again when you have completed your cleaning.

There are quite a few actions that you can take to keep your replacement windows and doors clean and maintained.  If you want to use a cleaning agent on your windows, be sure to use a non-corrosive and a non-abrasive product.  A uPVC window frame can be scratched or stained quite easily if a harsh cleaning agent is used.  Soapy water works very well to give your windows a wash and a shine.  Even using a dry cloth can scratch these frames, so use a wet, lint free cloth to bring up a great shine on your windows.  One tip that I have heard of and I have used it myself is to try baby wipes on your window frames.  Well, you know the saying, ‘If it is soft enough for baby…’

Hi-Reach Cleaning Kit with 10-Foot Extension Pole (click on image for details)

If your windows are stained for some reason you can get a specialist uPVC cleaners and stain removers.  uPVC window suppliers would be able to provide you with these products or at least tell you where you can get them.  There are many websites regarding uPVC windows online and you may be able to purchase these products from these sites.

Do not paint your uPVC windows and doors.  When you purchase your products from your supplier, you will find that there is a large range of colours to choose from.  Choose carefully, as you will have to keep that colour for the lifetime of the windows.

Avoid scratching uPVC doors and windows if at all possible.  uPVC window repairs can be carried out on small marks, but if you get a larger scratch on your window frames, it may be there always.  Remove jewelry before you embark on cleaning or other work on your windows.  It is bad for your jewelry and it is definitely bad for your windows!

Regular maintenance of all moving parts in your uPVC windows is to be encouraged also. Lubricate uPVC window locks with WD40 or a silicone spray and then use Vaseline or some other light grease to keep the metal parts protected.  uPVC sash windows like an application of silicone spray on the runners to keep them opening and closing smoothly.  Finally check that all uPVC window handles are opening and closing, that they have not loosened and that they are working the multi-point locking system properly.  If your  windows and doors are not closing properly, try using a vacuum cleaner in those hard to see parts of the framework, as there could be a piece of grit or dirt caught that is causing a problem.

Cleaning and maintaining uPVC windows and doors is much easier than trying to maintain other types of windows and doors and remember that well maintained front doors for homes create a good first impression. That is not to say that uPVC back doors , uPVC patio doors and uPVC French doors should not be maintained also – these are the doors that are used most often in the majority of homes.  If you keep in mind what you should use on these windows and doors and also what you should not use, you should have very few problems with your uPVC doors and windows for many years.

Window units with wooden window frames have obviously been the choice for many decades and even centuries.  In recent years uPVC doors and windows have made an incredible impact in the window market, as these windows have many advantages, including ease of maintenance.

Now many manufacturers such as Marvin Windows, Anderson Windows and Senator Windows and Munster Joinery, to name but a few, are huge players in the business markets and produce many different types and styles of windows, that home owners can install themselves if they wish.

However, as many environmental questions hang over the issue of uPVC production, there are disadvantages to uPVC windows and as the timber window manufacturers have started a spirited fightback,  the pros and cons of each are being debated with renewed vigour.

• With regard to the life span of the products, both camps make claims for victory, with the uPVC window suppliers claiming that 25 years is a good life span with minimum maintenance and the manufacturers of timber windows saying that given the improvement in timber protection products (not environmentally friendly by the way), that timber windows, with proper care and attention could have a much longer lifespan that their counterparts.
• The  wooden window frames fan club, The WWFC, ( just kidding!), claim that whereas a handyman can and will carry out repairs to a wooden  window frame, the same cannot be said for the complicated moulded and sealed system that is employed in the manufacture of uPVC windows.  If your uPVC window frame or locking system breaks, call the installer.  An added point to this is that in the event of a break in to your home, the damage that may be done to your uPVC window frame may be impossible to repair.
• It is a law of nature that all products deteoriate over a period of time.  In several years, when your timber windows lose their lustre, or when you get sick and tired of that fashionable pink colour you painted them, you need only grab your paint scraper and wirebrush and clean them down and repaint them.  With uPVC windows however, you cannot do this.  In fact, you can do very little, besides keep them clean.  Manufacturers of uPVC windows say exactly, and that is why so many of their customers are happy – there is little upkeep and maintenance involved, and little temptation to change the look.

• The Environment:  Timber is a renewable and a sustainable resource.  Here the uPVC camp are on to a loser, as uPVC is a non-natural resource which create toxic products during production and which cannot be easily disposed of.  The argument being put forward by those in favour of timber window installation is that to install a timber window frame is to help reduce your carbon footprint.
• Many Planning Authorities are raising question marks with regard to the over use of uPVC sash windows in older residential estates and in character buildings.  The manufacturers of uPVC windows say that they, in turn, have made huge inroads into providing a wide range of finishes to their product and that often quality made uPVC windows sashes are indistinguishable from timber sash windows for example.

In this article we have not even started to talk about the possible benefits or disadvantages to an aluminum window!  If you want to find out more about either uPVC, aluminum or wooden window frames and want to narrow down your search to a certain geographical location, then you can do an online search under the heading ‘wooden window frames U.K.’ or Ireland depending on which country you wish to get results from.