Tips on choosing the right window
Tip one - Look for windows that last.
When it comes to windows, the first thing to think about is what material the window should be made from. If you have a classic style of home, a character cottage or a contemporary new property, timber windows are a great choice. With advances in modern preservative treatments, timber windows are renowned for being long lasting, longer than other materials in some cases. Now with the option of the 60 year Lifespan™ guarantee on JELD-WEN’s windows, this provides added reassurance and peace of mind. But it’s not just good looks and durability, which makes timber the top choice - if you are seeking planning permission for a new build or an extension within a conservation area, then choosing energy-efficient timber windows might just give you a much greater chance of gaining approval.
Tip two – Invest in energy efficient windows and save on your heating bills.
Not all double glazed windows offer the same thermal performance. Elements such as doors and windows that contribute to the energy efficiency of a home achieve a U value, its thermal transmittance and, as a rule of thumb, the lower the U value, the more energy efficient the window. Your builder should be up to date with the regulations, for example, that replacement windows should in the majority of cases achieve a U value of 1.6, or an Energy Rating of band C or better, and for replacement doors it is 1.8 W/m²K. For most people, the A-G rating is easiest to understand and is just like the energy performance label on you fridge or freezer, where an ‘A’ rated appliance is much better than a G rating. JELD-WEN Stormsure casement windows and vertical Sliding Sash windows are available in ratings A+ to C.
All JELD-WEN windows are fully compliant with the new Part L building regulations (that is they are available with a 1.6/1.8 W/m²K or C rating or above) and you could further increase your home’s energy efficiency and save money on your bills by choosing triple glazing or double glazing with an even lower U value, achieved by use of high tech coatings on the inside of the glass and special gas within the unit rather than just air. Ask your builder or merchant for more details or visit the website www.jeld-wen.co.uk.
Tip three – Create a co-ordinated look with matching doors
Windows and exterior doors look better when they match, so select from a manufacturer which offers a full range of co-ordinated products. JELD-WEN offers, for example, a stunning oak Stormsure casement window, which can be complemented by the Kensington oak doorsets, with complementary doorframes, to create a distinctive look to the exterior of a property.
Tip four – Choose windows that allow in the maximum amount of light.
A major advantage with timber windows is that they offer great sightlines, which means they don’t have bulky frames that block out light. That’s possible because the inherent strength of timber means the frames can be slimmer, meaning a larger glazed area, creating a light, airy living space, with stunning aesthetics inside and out.
Tip five - Be kind to the environment by insisting on sustainable materials
Timber is the only truly renewable building material and it is easy to check whether timber frames are sourced from sustainable forests by looking for the logos of the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification). All of JELD-WEN’s softwood windows are Chain of Custody certified and the company also has a stringent environmental policy covering its production processes. The fact that JELD-WEN is a UK manufacturer also means there is a much smaller carbon footprint than with timber windows sourced overseas.
Tip six – Protect your home with extra security measures
Don’t give burglars the opportunity to break in. Ask about Secured By Design options on the windows you choose, the Scheme owned and licensed by the Association of Chief Police Officers and provide enhanced security features, which means greater reassurance and peace of mind for occupants. All JELD-WEN windows are available with a Secured By Design option which includes an enhanced locking systems and optional laminated glass.
Tip seven – Check that your window manufacturer can offer bespoke sizes
JELD-WEN produces windows to bespoke specifications and this includes, on some ranges, meeting Imperial sizing for homes built before metrication in the UK. The company can supply bespoke orders within a short time frame because of its UK manufacturing base and highly efficient ordering system.
Tip eight – Select frames which will make cleaning upstairs windows easier
Cleaning upstairs windows doesn’t have to involve a ladder these days – make life easier and safer by choosing a frame with a mechanism allowing you to open the window so that it can be cleaned safely from inside the room. A good example of this is JELD-WEN’s Tilt and Turn windows or Hi-Profile Combi windows which are fully reversible.
Tip nine – Choose glazing carefully
There are many different glazing options available and factory glazing is strongly recommended as it ensures the performance of the window is guaranteed. Glazing is most commonly determined by its aesthetics and thermal performance, but there are other factors to take into account too. If you live in an industrial area or near an airport, you may choose an acoustic glass that minimises noise pollution, or for added privacy you could choose an attractive patterned obscure glass for sensitive areas .
Tip ten - Invest a little more to save on future maintenance
It’s worth investing a little more in having your windows factory finished. JELD-WEN’s Hi Build opaque paint or translucent stain finishes are applied in a quality controlled factory environment. The result is a top quality finish which is guaranteed to last for years. By taking the option of JELD-WEN Lifespan™ Guarantee, in addition to the 60 years guaranteed protection against rot and fungal attack, you get the 15 year paint guarantee on opaque finishes before planned maintenance is required.
Information provided by John Shaw, Production and Commercial Director at JELD-WEN www.jeld-wen.co.uk Tel: 0845 122 2890.
