uPVC Windows Guide

Double glazing doors and windows made from uPVC are probably the most popular types of doors and windows on the market today.  There are various reasons for this and the main reasons can be dealt with under the headings of energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, security, safety and maintenance.

Energy Efficiency:

Quality uPVC windows and doors are very efficient units that will enable you to keep your home warm and comfortable in the wintertime and cooler in the summer months.  With doors such as uPVC patio doors you can have a lot of light entering through the door due to large sheets of glazing, and yet the door will still be thermally efficient.  uPVC is a more thermally efficient product than timber or aluminium, the other two most used materials in double glazed windows.

By installing quality upvc double glazing in your home not only will you have a more comfortable place to live, but the running costs on your property will be significantly lower as you will have less need for central heating and air conditioning.

Cost Effectiveness:

uPVC windows and doors that are double glazed are not inexpensive and if you are considering installing them it will be one of the bigger home improvement jobs that you will undertake in your home. However given the various benefits that can be accrued by having these units instead of single glazed windows, the initial uPVC double glazing cost has to be considered over the lifetime of the windows and doors and the saving that can be made over that period.

The fact that there are many window and door manufacturers looking for your business means that with proper research you can purchase quality products at very good value. There are options for you to carry out DIY double glazing if you have some experience and talent at DIY and in this way you could save quite a bit of money on installation costs of the windows.

Security and Safety:

Security in the home is a much more important topic than it was in previous years and decades.  The days of homeowners leaving keys in their doors while they slept are long gone and with many homeowners away from their properties during the day, it is important that their homes are secure and safe from burglars.  Front doors for homes especially have to look and be very secure, but it is also advisable to have solid uPVC back doors and side doors also.

uPVC double glazed windows and doors are known for their strength in both the frames and the glazing.  It is very difficult to break through a uPVC frame and especially one that has steel strengthening rods added and quality uPVC window handles fitted.  Double glazing is also very hard to break through or remove without creating a lot of disturbance, which is something that a thief does not want.  Some homeowners for additional security opt to fit window screens over their windows also.  If your uPVC doors and windows are properly locked and secure while you are away from your property, a burglar will most likely move on to an easier target without even trying to gain access to your home.  Some homeowners for additional security opt to fit window screens over their windows also.

Maintenance:

Timber windows are very attractive and timber can become even more beautiful with age.  Unfortunately windows made from timber have the disadvantage that homeowners have to constantly maintain them in order to stop them becoming rotted or warped by inclement weather.  If a timber window does get water damaged and either swells, or bends out of shape, it will no longer perform as an efficient unit.

uPVC products such as doors, windows and uPVC cladding on the other hand are classed as maintenance free, given that the uPVC in the frames will not ever need to be painted during its lifetime.  This is a factor that attracts a lot of attention from hard working homeowners, who would rather spend their limited free time with their families than having to maintain windows in order to keep them performing properly.

Under the above headings uPVC windows and doors will either outperform or equal timber or aluminium windows and doors.  Taking the headings as a package it is usually very unlikely to find one of the other two window types that are able to provide the same performance and quality as windows and doors made from uPVC at the same cost competitive price.

One of the problems that homeowners face when they purchase uPVC windows is that these windows do need to be fixed from time to time.  Many owners are puzzled by this fact, given that they were under understood that window repairs would be a thing of the past once they installed these windows.

While it is true that the uPVC in the windows is a material that will not degrade for many lifetimes, there are not many manufacturers that will give more than a 10 year guarantee on moving parts within the window unit.

In addition to this, the window manufacturing business is remarkably fickle and even if the windows of a property do create problems within the guarantee period, often you will find that the company that sold the windows and that should be responsible is no longer in business.

As with guarantees offered with many products, is it often the case that just as the manufacturer’s guarantee on a product runs out that the product begins to give trouble.  In relation specifically to PVC windows you will often find that the 10 year portion of the guarantee extends only to the uPVC frame and not to the ancillary hardware such as uPVC window handles and door handles.  The guarantee on these items may not extend beyond a year.

So what do you do if you find yourself in the position of having uPVC double glazing windows and perhaps also doors that are relatively newly installed in your home and which are starting to give you trouble, apart from simple window glass replacement if one gets broken.

Many property owners will obviously first contact the supplier and installer that they initially hired to put in their windows when they bought them.  Or perhaps they will have to call in another company if the company that sold or installed the products are no longer in business.  A representative will most likely call to their home and may point out to the property owners that the guarantees have run out on the relevant parts for the windows that are giving trouble.  This person may even suggest that the best course of action would be to replace their windows with more up to date window or door units.

For most homeowners this is a horrifying scenario as they spent a large amount of money installing these windows in the first place.  But the good news is that in many cases, repairing windows that have developed problems is often not necessary.

There are locations where you can source many different parts for uPVC windows.  Naturally the company that you are dealing with would much rather install entirely new windows in your home as that is their business.  But there are many other companies out there who supply parts for uPVC window repairs and also parts for uPVC doors and if you can source one of these companies you may well be able to sort out your problem.

Sourcing new locks, handles or hinges for your specific windows may not be the easiest thing to do.  However once you have tracked them down any good locksmith should be able to fit them for you.

If a company is in the business of supplying spare parts for PVC windows, then they will have in stock supplies from many major manufacturers of these products.  Such manufacturers may include Coldseal, Avocet, Ferco, Fuhr, Saracen, Surelock, Yale and other popular manufacturers of window and door products.  These companies normally do not just engage in supplying parts for uPVC windows, and will probably be able to help you with parts for timber sash window repairs, replacement sash windows, aluminium casement windows and any other types of windows or doors.

Properly trained staff at these businesses will be able to tell you how to identify and order the parts that you need and how to distinguish between different brands.  In many cases the company will not be dealing with you directly, but with a locksmith or general repair person that you have taken on in order to sort out the problem.

While it would probably be better to be able to call in to the premises of the company with your faulty parts, this is not absolutely necessary.  As there may not be such a company located near to you, trained personnel from these companies are used to identifying the make and type of parts from photographs supplied by customers.  It will also be necessary to be able to supply the relevant measurements in order to help ensure that the wrong parts are not selected.

Many of these companies offer next day postal delivery once your order has been placed and can also offer bulk discounts for larger orders.

The main thing for any homeowner to realise is that having faulty uPVC windows and doors does not mean that they necessarily have to be replaced.  Talk to your supplying company in the first instance regarding window repairs, whether you need window glass repair, want upgraded replacement glass or have a problem with some other part of the units.

However if they recommend that you have a problem with your windows that cannot be solved, do not be afraid to look further for a second and even a third opinion.  Perhaps engage the services of a good locksmith or repair person and do plenty of research online.  Exhaust all other possibilities before you bow to the advice to have your windows replaced.

Should you be considering building a new home, or perhaps wish to upgrade windows of your existing residence, you could consider the option of installing vinyl windows.  These windows, which are also known as PVC or uPVC windows have many benefits to offer a property owner.

A vinyl window came into prominence several decades ago and since that time it has become the market leader worldwide in window sales.  They are popular with builders and individual homeowners alike for a variety of reasons.

Vinyl is a material that is used in double glazing window in order to make a hugely efficient window unit.  Double glazing comprises simply two sheets of glazing placed on top of each other and separated by a gap of circa 16mm.  Into this sealed space is placed a gas, which has excellent insulation properties.  This gives the windows their excellent insulation properties and makes them suitable for property owners that want to improve the thermal capacity of their homes.

Vinyl replacement windows are becoming very sought after by property owners, either for their own homes or for properties that they rent out.  With the fact that the price of heating oil for keeping homes warm in wintertime has risen sharply in recent years and is continuing to rise, most of these people realize that they have to make their homes more energy efficient, if they have not already done so.  So such actions as insulating attics, fitting external cladding and installing new vinyl windows instead of persisting with ineffectual window repairs are becoming more and more important.

In addition to being energy efficient, windows made from vinyl are very secure given that they have quality uPVC window handles fitted and multi point systems for locking in the framework.  They are also very easy to maintain and once they have been installed in a home they need never be re-painted.  This is in contrast to wooden windows that do need to be re-furbished every five years or so, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

Timber windows that are not kept weather sealed will warp or rot over time.  This is not a problem that has to concern owners of properties, which have vinyl or PVC windows installed.

Depending on the window glass or glazing that is used in completing the window unit you can have windows that are specially adapted to particular conditions.  Glazing can be installed that improves sound suppression or glare from sunlight for example.  However just standard double glazing will help to block out normal sound pollution from most homes.

All in all a vinyl replacement window possesses a lot of positive attributes that will help make a home look more attractive, and will improve its energy efficiency, thereby saving the homeowner money.

The surprising aspect of all of this is that new vinyl windows are more competitive when it comes to price than most other types of windows.  In pricing comparisons between quality timber, aluminium and vinyl windows, the vinyl or uPVC window prices will always be very competitive.  So for quality windows at a price that is highly competitive, one would have to consider the option of windows made from vinyl.

If you are purchasing new windows for your home, then once these window units are of good quality you should have little to fear with regard to their security.  Manufacturers are very conscious of the need to provide secure windows for their clients, so good windows will come adorned with window locks that should be up to the job of keeping intruders out of your home.

However life is not so simple if you have older types of windows installed in your home.  These could be period sash windows, old timber windows or even uPVC windows that were installed in less security conscious times.  If this is the case you may wish to review the security measures in your home and take some action.

Some homeowners with attractive antique windows for instance are reluctant to install new locking systems as they feel that this may ruin the character of the old units.  However with a bit of research it may well be possible to source locks from salvage yards that would make the windows more secure and yet would fit in with the character and style of the windows.

A difficulty that may arise is that a sash window lock located in a salvage yard may not have enough matching comrades so that you can fit all of your windows with the same lock.

If this is the case then it could be possible to locate good reproduction antique window locks that are much easier to locate in the quantities that you need and will probably work out more reasonable in price.

Window locks that have keys are the most secure type of standard lock.  However you do have the problem of either removing all of the keys from the windows when they are locked, otherwise a thief simply has to remove the glass in order to open the lock and you are back to where you started.   If you do remove all of the keys, it is important from the point of view of your own family’s safety that everyone is aware of the location of the keys, in case of an emergency.

Some homeowners prefer to purchase unobtrusive locks that can hardly be seen by anyone for aesthetic reasons.  Others take the viewpoint that the more visible the locks on their house windows are, the less likely it is that a potential intruder will try his luck.

Larger windows in a home may require more than one lock.  This is because of the pressure that can be put on a big window frame by exerting pressure from outside.  Another point to note is that very small windows can also be attractive to burglars and that these windows should not be overlooked when a homeowners are making inventories of window locks that are needed for their homes.

All windows in your home should be regularly inspected in order to gauge their security effectiveness.  Locks for uPVC windows are usually maintenance free and uPVC window handles are strong and not prone to giving trouble, but could be in need of some lubrication or perhaps there may be dust gathering in the lock that if not removed, could cause future jamming of the mechanism. If uPVC windows and doors are kept securely locked while you are away burglars will not normally try to force them, but will move on to easier targets.

A sash window lock can be very effective if installed properly, but if your sash windows are of the older style and are not very secure, you may wish to check out what types of updated window sash locks are on the market.
You can go online and view all types of locks for windows, compare prices to see what the advantages to different types of locks are.

Remember if window locks are going to be suitable for your home they have to be very effective at their job, they should look well and naturally they should be affordable.

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.

When you first install uPVC windows, you reckon that they will be there for ever. However time passes and certain parts of your uPVC windows and doors begin to show sign of wear – uPVC window handles, seals, damaged frames, etc – there are many reasons why you may decide to change your windows.  However with some proper research into handles for windows you may find that you can get very good quality replacements which will mean you may be able to put off replacing your windows for a bit longer.

Wear and tear may not be the only reason that you want rid of your old window handles or even your uPVC door handles.  Up to date design has meant that newer style of handles are of a more ergonomic design and more functional, but the older types of handles have can cause a variety of problems.  They may not be attractive to look at, can be awkward to use and even not very hygienic (older models tend to have a lot of angles and nooks which collect bacteria).

In addition to this they can be a risk to the security of the home, as homeowners invariably lose the keys for the handle locks.  This can also cause a safety risk for the inhabitants if windows are kept locked and there is an emergency in the home.  another security measure homeowners employ in their homes is the installation of security window screens and these also have to be easily removed from the inside.

If you have tired of your uPVC window handles, if they are damaged, or if you simply want to upgrade the security and safety measures in your home, you can consider getting new handles for your existing uPVC windows.  If you wish to do this yourself you will need to source compatible handles and this can be tricky enough to do.  There are a huge range of these handles on the market and many have different characteristics.

Types of handles may fall into different categories such as Espag uPVC window handles, Cockspur handles and Tilt n Turn handles.  Firstly you should identify the manufacturer of the locking mechanism by looking at the ‘lock strip’ (which you can see when the door or window is open).

When you have discovered the make and the model of your handles and locks and contact the manufacturer who will be only to happy to supply you with updated and much more attractive versions of your existing handles.

Many homeowners put up with their existing window handles, mainly perhaps because they do not realize that they can change them.  Major uPVC manufacturers are reporting that they are now replacing more first generation uPVC windows than those that are made of aluminum or wood.

In many cases this is not because the windows are no longer able to operate, but because some parts of the unit, such as the handles, have ceased to function properly.  So it does pay to source replacement uPVC window handles and to get someone to fit them for you, (which is not an impossible task for you to carry out yourself if you have a mind to).

By installing new uPVC window handles you could be giving your self a few more years of grace, before you have to get down to the business of replacing your uPVC windows.

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.

Over the recent years uPVC has become one of the most used products in the manufacture of all types and styles of windows and doors, by the large double-glazing manufacturing companies.  After weighing up the differences between timber and uPVC windows, if you do decide on uPVC, you can purchase the windows and self-install uPVC windows yourself if you wish.  There are various cost and effectiveness reasons for this take over by the humble uPVC (un-plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride to give it it’s proper title), and we can outline some of these reasons in this article.  As well as benefits of uPVC windows, there are also disadvantages to uPVC windows but they are for another time.

• A uPVC window gives you very good insulation around the frame and employs the usage of thermal breaks. A uPVC window frame helps to keep cold out during the winter and conversely keeps the property cooler in the hotter months of the year, more important if you are living in an area which is affected by such extremes.  An obvious advantage to this, apart from your personal comfort, is the savings you can make in your heating and cooling bills by having uPVC window frames and glazing fitted.
  

  The Series 2900 New Construction Single Hung Window (click on image for details)

• The excellent seals and aforementioned insulation present in uPVC windows means that dust particles and pollen are kept to a minimum in a building.  At high pollen times, hay fever sufferers will be thankful for the extra protection that they receive from this reduction of external allergens entering the home or office .
• During the life span of these windows, very little maintenance is required.  Of course they will look better with the odd wipe or wash to the window frames, but there should be no painting or weather-proofing required.
• Most uPVC window handles are durable and are of excellent quality and upvc windows have a very secure multi-point locking system, which gives a building more security than traditional types of window clasps such as old style, sash window locks for example. It is also very difficult to break through a uPVC frame.  If you are going to undertake security measures such as installing security cameras, or even fake security cameras and a house alarm, having double glazing and good quality multi-point locks in your windows certainly also helps.
• Cost is always a factor when installing such features as windows, doors, guttering, etc.  uPVC is well up there in the cost effectiveness stakes and this means that for a lot of people, cheap uPVC windows will be given serious consideration.  An alternative to both a timber and uPVC  type window with regard to cost effectiveness could be an aluminum window.
• Consumers worry about gas furnace prices when really they should be worried about the cost of their gas bills when their windows are not sealed properly and heat escapes through them.
• As well as keeping heat in and cold out, uPVC windows keep out a lot of sound also.  This is why they are often preferred in locations where sound suppression is of a high priority, for example, close to a motorway or busy road, train track, etc.
• Production of uPVC doors and windows has come a long way from the choices of colours that were available, namely white or white.  They are now available in many different colours, and in addition can be finished in wood lookalike styles with a wood-grain feel, they can also be manufactured with a different colour on the outside to the inside – in short, almost anything is possible!  you can put uPVC windows in most any building.  We have seen plenty of log home builders using these windows for their insulation properties.
• In many cases customers want a product that has the traditional look and style of wooden window frames but with modern operating technology, so products such such as uPVC windows, modern cast iron radiators other quality products and will always be in demand with consumers.