uPVC Windows Guide

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.

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.

Time and fashion move on in all things and this is true of window production also.  When window replacement in favour of double glazing windows became the fashion nigh on 40 years ago, the aluminum window was the most popular choice to replace the humble timber window, which had been doing its job from time immemorial.

In a relatively short space of time aluminum windows moved from being a relatively new product on the market to holding well over 50% of market share.  This was due to several factors.  Aluminum did not cost as much to produce as timber, it could be made in suitable lengths for most window sizes, and it was and is a very strong product that would last for a long time and needed little attention.

However as stars rise they can also fall and once uPVC windows and other uPVC products such as doors and uPVC cladding came onto the market strongly about 20 years ago, the fall in sales of aluminum window units has been steady and inexorable.

So what makes uPVC windows and doors so good that they are able to dominate the replacement window market ahead of a window that was hailed as a breakthrough in window production just a few years earlier?

One of the main problems that aluminum had at that time was an unfortunate ability to conduct cold and heat.  This may be an admirable talent in other products, however it is not something that window manufacturers or homeowners yearn for in their windows.  In more recent times the manufacturers of aluminum windows were able to tackle this problem by fitting thermal breaks into aluminum window frames and this helped to reduce the conductivity of these windows, but by this time uPVC house windows had gained a strong foothold.

The main issue with windows made from aluminum is that they seem to be able to out-perform timber windows on a variety of fronts, but they are either only able to equal the performance of uPVC double glazed windows or else the under-perform slightly against them.

uPVC window prices and the cost of aluminium windows are pretty equal when it comes to cost competitiveness for example, whereas windows made from both of these products can be produced cheaper than timber windows.

Aluminum and uPVC windows are very easy to maintain during their lifetimes.  Timber needs reasonably frequent re-painting or it may suffer from weather related deterioration.

However there is one factor that keeps aluminium in peoples consciousness when it comes to window installation and that is security.  Aluminum window frames are very strong, stronger than uPVC frames and this makes aluminium storm windows an excellent option for strong adverse weather conditions, and aluminium windows in general are a popular choice when security of the home is of paramount importance.

In these present times of homeowners both being away from the house during the day due to work commitments, this can be a compelling reason not to discard totally from your mind aluminum replacement windows.

In the same way that homeowners weigh up various factors, such as price competitiveness, attractiveness, ease of use, maintenance, durability and other factors with regard to any product for the home, the same has to be done when you are trying to decide between a timber, uPVC or an aluminum window.  Window frames made from alumimum may not be ‘top of the pops’ anymore, but it is perhaps too soon to consider writing them off.

If you are considering purchasing windows for your new home, or replacing your older windows with a more energy efficient type, you might be interested in the following 9 brief points which are made regarding PVC.  A quality PVC window with good double or triple glazing will provide you with a window unit that will raise the thermal capacity of your home, if other factors such as attic insulation are also considered.

As with any product on the market, there are always questions regarding the effectiveness of PVC as a product and its possible detrimental effects on the environment.  The following points will hopefully answer some of the queries that homeowners may have.

1.    Value: The PVC in a PVC window will outlast most of the materials in other windows and performs better than them.  When it comes therefore to getting value for money with uPVC window prices you are gaining on two fronts.  Because PVC windows are long lasting you will not have to change them for a long time and because they are very energy efficient your fuel bills will be lower over the lifetime of the windows and subsequently you will save money.
2.    Durability: About 90% of the applications PVC is used for are what would be called ‘long life’ applications.  This description aptly applies to PVC windows and doors and also to such products as uPVC cladding.  Some studies have shown that in relation to windows and their profiles, 40 years is the projected lifespan.  This is more than any manufacturers will give a warranty for – in fact most will only cover the windows for ten to twenty years – but that is to be expected.  uPVC windows and doors will survive well against corrosion, inclement, prolonged weather and impact damage.
3.    Good for the environment: Advanced production technology has meant that the resin manufacture for PVC now can save a lot of energy in the production of PVC and this means less greenhouse gases are being produced when manufacturing companies are producing PVC.
4.    Part-produced from renewable resources: About half of the ‘feedstock’ required to produce PVC comes from salt.  As salt is abundant and renewable resource, PVC doors and windows are being produced from ‘feedstock’ that can be renewed and the same cannot be said for some other commonly used building materials.
5.    Low maintenance: PVC or vinyl windows will require little or no maintenance throughout their lifespan.  This is a fact that is both beneficial to the homeowner and to the environment, as for example, other window types will require painting every few years, which will produce undesirable paint emissions.  Over the lifetime of a timber window for example, a homeowner could have to paint the window possibly a dozen times.  This can lead to a large accumulation of emissions and leftover paint, brushes and paint tins that all have to be disposed of.
6.    Recyclable: Improvements are being made every day worldwide with regard to recycling PVC.  There have been various initiatives introduced  by governments involving PVC manufacturers and the building industry and these initiatives have seen a dramatic rise in the ability of  PVC recycling.  Vinyl2010 is one such major voluntary initiative taken by the PVC industry, which looks at all parts of the PVC cycle, raises awareness of issues that need to be addressed within the industry and promotes action where necessary.
7.    Tested fire performance: Due to the fact that PVC has a chlorine base, it is an inherently flame retardant material, which does not easily catch fire.  For example the ignition temperature of PVC is circa 390 degrees celcius as against an ignition temperature of circa 250 degrees celcius for timber.
8.    High Standards of manufacture: Manufacturing PVC is a process that, like most processes of production, is strictly monitored to ensure that consumer health and welfare is protected.  Emissions that are produced during the production of PVC have to be monitored by the Environmental Protection Agencies of the various countries involved.
9.    Versatility: PVC is a highly versatile product that can be used to produce a PVC window of almost any style.  Whether a homeowner requires PVC sash windows,  casement windows or bay windows does not matter – all of these window types are easily manufactured and marketed at a competitive price.

Most everyone is aware of the substantial benefits that can be achieved when double glazing is installed into a home.  Not only does it increase the energy efficiency of the property, but in doing so, it automatically makes the home a more comfortable place to reside by making it warmer and less prone to draughts and sound pollution.  Unfortunately replacing your old windows is sometimes not as easy an option as one might suppose.  There may be physical pitfalls to replacing your old windows or possibly you are being quoted very high uPVC window prices that are simply too high.  If this is the case with your property, you could consider installing secondary double glazing as a reasonable alternative.

Firstly what is secondary glazing?  It is a window glazing unit that is placed directly over your existing window frame, thereby insulating your window unit and creating a pocket of air between the two sheets of glazing.

There are various reasons why this glazing may be preferable to installing replacement double glazed windows.  The main reason is selected would be that the homeowners are not allowed to change their existing windows to something such as uPVC windows, due to a planning restriction, which may have the home listed as a protected structure. Buildings are listed for a very good reason, in order to protect and preserve our architectural heritage.  However it can be very frustrating and uncomfortable for a family to have to live in a cold, energy inefficient home, all because they cannot install replacement sash windows or other types of replacement units to replace their windows that are allowing a lot of air leakage.

It is in cases such as these that secondary double glazing becomes appropriate as an insulation barrier inside the timber sash windows.  It is also considerable cheaper than replacing all of your window units and some people elect to carry out this glazing on some rooms of the home, that are in particular need of extra insulation.

If you are a home improvement enthusiast, DIY secondary double glazing is easier to carry out than replacing your windows.  You can purchase secondary double glazing kits from window suppliers and follow the detailed instruction in order to achieve the best results.

It should be said that by installing secondary glazing windows you will not have a sealed pocket of air between the two panes of glazing.  This is not as effective a method of insulation as proper double glazing windows by a long shot, but is a reasonable second option.  With this method you also have the advantage of being able to remover the secondary glazing, which allows you to maintain, clean and open your windows.

In the United Kingdom, secondary glazing can be very popular, as there are many buildings that have restrictions placed on them with regard to window replacement.  ‘Secondary double glazing UK’ is a popular search term on the internet and one which will help narrow down your search if you are looking for a supplier of this type of product.  If you have a particular type of window that you wish to get quoted for, why not search under ‘secondary double glazing sash windows’, ‘double glazing window installers ‘or some other term which will help put you in the right direction.

If you are considering purchasing PVC-u windows for your home, you will no doubt be very interested in uPVC window prices in the present market.  We will not go into different prices of uPVC window in different locations, as the range would be too great to give you a true idea of the cost of getting uPVC windows where you live.  Instead we will give you some broad ideas on how to find cheap uPVC windows and how to compare the uPVC window prices that you are quoted.

One of the first points that we should make is that, similar to any product you can purchase, the cheapest make or model of PVC window is not necessarily the best value window you can get.  There is a huge range of uPVC or vinyl windows on the market, produced by different manufacturers and being produced in a variety of countries.  There is also a double glazing cost that you will have to pay to get good quality double glazing in your window units.

uPVC windows In A Period Residence.

In order to weigh up which is the best vinyl windows for you and your property, you should consider the following points:

•    The more research you do on the general subject of uPVC vinyl windows, the more you will be able to gauge the different levels of quality you are being offered.  Start your research by looking up websites and consider all of the different aspects of uPVC windows.
•    Pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer of the windows you are interested in.  Does the manufacturing firm have a good name?  Look up the website of the firm and see if they have testimonials from satisfied customers on the site.
•    Consider the type of locking system you want for your windows.  Most quality uPVC double glazing windows have a multi-point locking system built into the frame.  If you are getting cheap uPVC windows that have an inferior locking system, you may wish to think again.
•    Again the quality and type of glazing being offered with the windows will always affect uPVC window prices.  You may have the option of purchasing such specific types of glazing as toughened glazing, security glazing and glazing which assists in suppressing sound.  These will add to the uPVC window prices overall.
•    The ‘R-value’ of the window unit is always important if you want your windows to be efficient with regard to heat retention.  The ‘R-value’ is a measure of the resistance of the window to heat loss and the higher the value the better the performance of the window.  Cheap uPVC windows that have a low ‘R-value’ may be a poor purchase in the long term as they may do little to help you lower your heating costs.
•    Consider the shipping costs of the windows you are purchasing, if you are dealing online.  Even cheap uPVC windows will suddenly become a lot more expensive if they have to be shipped to your home from a far-flung location.  When it comes to uPVC windows prices always keep a close eye on the bottom line price.
•    One way of ending up with good value or cheap uPVC windows is to install them yourself.  If you are reasonably competent at home improvement tasks, you might like to consider taking on the job of installing the windows when they arrive.  You will save a considerable amount of money, but beware, if you give up have to get in an installer half way through the job, it could end up costing you more.

As you can see from the above points, there are a lot of issues to be considered if you are looking for PVC-u windows and good value PVC window prices.  Take your time over your decision and remember, there is good value out there for these types of windows.  You just have to find it.

Since the introduction of uPVC windows into general construction many years ago, homeowners who have traditional timber sash windows have been caught in the dilemma of wanting to keep the traditional look of their windows, but also wanting the advantages that uPVC sash windows would have to offer in terms of insulation and thermal capacity.  Recent developments in technology have allowed uPVC window manufacturers to come up with a design for a uPVC sash window that appears to tick all of the boxes.

These new windows that are vertical uPVC sash windows look like they have wooden window frames and act in the same manner as vertical timber sash windows have always acted.  By integrating the traditional design with modern technology the manufacturers have created a window that will pass as a timber window and yet has the maintenance-free attributes of a uPVC sliding sash window.

uPVC or vinyl windows have always had the advantage of not requiring painting every 5 – 7 years, which is in contrast to their timber counterparts.  Having to re-paint windows has always been an issue that owners of homes with sash windows have always found irksome, as sash windows are particularly tricky to paint, given the fact that they often have 6 over 6 panes of glass and an inordinate amount of framework.  In addition to this uPVC  double glazing window frames simply need a wipe down with a soft cloth in order to look fresh and very little further maintenance is required apart form some light lubrication of moving parts.

An Elegant uPVC Sash Window

While uPVC sliding sash windows look as if they operate the same as  traditional sash windows, they have the added advantage of being able to tilt inwards and this helps the homeowners to clean the glazing without overstretching and putting themselves in danger.

Security in uPVC double glazed windows is on the whole much improved in uPVC sash windows also.  In addition to traditional sash window locks, quality uPVC windows have multi point locking systems built into the frames, which makes it much more difficult for an intruder to gain access via the windows of the home.  Old timber sash windows in the main had simple window locks that were and are easy to force.  As a rule uPVC double glazed sash windows will have tougher glazing, usually double or triple glazed, and this is difficult to break also, without creating a lot of disturbance.

Since the introduction of uPVC windows, many different styles have been brought into production and it is quite easy for a homeowner to   find a sash window style that compliments their home and other existing glazing such as in an existing conservatory.  The range of colors that is available for other styles of sash windows is also available for uPVC double glazed sash windows and these include wood grain effects.

The best place to commence your search for uPVC sash windows is online, as it offers the greatest range for you to choose from, all from the comfort of your own home.  Compare prices and the different features available, check out the ‘R-value’ of different window units  (their resistance to heat loss) and take shipping costs into consideration before you confirm your purchase.  Get several quotes for your new windows and do not be rushed into making a decision.  uPVC window  prices are usually very competitive and with some research you should be able to find cheap upvc windows that are of excellent quality.

For many homeowners who have been frustrated with a lack of development in regard to uPVC sash windows, the wait may be over.  They can now look forward to a highly insulated window product, which requires little maintenance, but which retains the traditional elegant style of their present timber sash windows.  uPVC sash windows are here to stay!

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.

So you have weighed up between timber and uPVC windows and decided on the latter.  There are many advantages to uPVC and only few disadvantages to uPVC windows, but I would suggest that one difficulty with uPVC double glazing windows is self-installation.  DIY double glazing windows? Now I am as fond of a little DIY as the next person, and I don’t mind maintaining my windows, but when it come to installing uPVC windows into a residence, I call a professional.  It may not be that difficult, but I reckon that having paid quite a bit of money for these shiny frames that scratch easily and are not easily repaired if scratched, I don’t want to take too many chances with uPVC window repairs.  Call me gutless if you like and for the more brave-hearted amongst us that want to DIY double glazing units, here are some instructions to give you a flavour of what is involved in installing your own uPVC windows.

How you fix the window frame to the opening may depend on the type and style of window and whether the wall cavity is open or closed. There are 2 main ways to fix a window.  One way is to screw through the frame and into the wall and the other way is called lug fixing and involved attaching a lug to the window frame and this lug is then attached to a block in the interior wall.  The first way is popular when the cavity is closed and the second when it is open.

You may wish to fit the external cill at the same time, but many choose to fit the cill first and as a separate process.  If you are fitting the cill and the frame at the same time set the frame properly in the opening, making sure it is level and central. Likewise ensure that the cill is level and that both cill and window are then attached properly.  Before commencing glazing it is advisable to open all window frames to ensure that they have not become strained in the insertion process.  Remember to leave an expansion gap around the frame, uPVC windows can reach quite high temperatures in hot weather, so the ability to expand is important.

The next step is the insertion of the glazing into the frames.  I should have mentioned that the frames will be arriving without the glazing pre-inserted.  If you want to  the big trick with regard to glazing is ‘Toeing and Heeling’ a phrase used describe the bracing of the window in order to stop the window ‘dropping’ on the handle side in the future. You achieve this by pushing plastic packers into the gap between the glass and the frame, under the beading.  When you are happy that everything is positioned correctly, you can push the glazing beads into position and fit the wedge gasket internally.

When this has been completed to your satisfaction you are ready to finish the job.  Clean and tidy up as best you can before starting to silicone to the external gaps and the filler internally. Clean the glass thoroughly and stand back and enjoy the satisfaction of completing your first uPVC DIY double glazing windows installation.

Another , perhaps less difficukt option for you to consider is DIY secondary double glazing.  This involves installing an inner secondary pane of glass and does not involve the removal of the existing fraome or window units.

So if you want to investigate all of the uPVC window prices on the internet and in your local area, then weigh up the cost of installing these windows, you may find that if you install them yourself, you will end up with quality, but cheap uPVC windows.  Me – I’m calling a window installer.