| Developments in the glass industry mean that | | | | character to your home. |
| now you can get replacement windows that | | | | |
| offer features such as: | | | | What's more, you can often combine these |
| | | | features together to create a custom window |
| - Self-Cleaning - Glass that uses sunlight | | | | that suit your needs perfectly, thereby |
| and rain to self-clean, meaning that you | | | | allowing you to get the most from your new |
| won't waste precious time and money trying to | | | | windows. |
| clean hard-to-reach windows. Self-cleaning | | | | |
| glass literally maintains itself! | | | | Installing The Windows |
| | | | |
| - Solar Control - Adding a solar control | | | | The first thing to do is decide on what type |
| feature to your replacement windows means | | | | of windows you would like to install. It is |
| that the glass will manage the amount of | | | | very important that they fit in with the |
| sunlight that enters a room through the | | | | style of the house and don't create an |
| window, so that the temperature doesn't get | | | | eyesore. |
| too hot. This is a particularly useful | | | | |
| feature for skylight windows. | | | | You also have a choice of the kind of |
| | | | material you would like for your window |
| - Thermal Insulation - Glass is a good | | | | frames; metal, wooden or composite frames. |
| conductor of heat, so the warmth in your | | | | PVC-U or aluminium frames require next to no |
| house often literally goes straight out the | | | | maintenance. Timber frames are traditional |
| window. Windows with thermal insulation limit | | | | and homely, yet require the most attention. |
| the warmth that escapes through glass on cold | | | | Composite (like fibreglass) offer many of the |
| days. | | | | aesthetic advantages of timber, but they are |
| | | | more durable. |
| - Noise Control - Ensure that you block out | | | | |
| unnecessary outside sounds with a noise | | | | Before you commit to fitting new the windows, |
| control feature. This is ideal for people who | | | | ensure that you hire a reputable fitter. |
| live near busy roads or in vibrant areas and | | | | Hiring a fitter based on the cost of the |
| seek to create a more tranquil setting within | | | | service alone may lead to shoddy workmanship |
| their home. | | | | that will end up costing you far more money |
| | | | and time than you had initially budgeted for. |
| - Extra Strength - There are a number of | | | | Find out what their credentials are and maybe |
| types of glass that are strengthened thanks | | | | ask them for some references. It never hurts |
| to a film or the process in which they were | | | | to be on the safe side! |
| created that toughens glass. Perfect for | | | | |
| areas prone to accidents or vandalism - and | | | | If you are looking to fit the windows |
| far more attractive than burglar bars! | | | | yourself, don't take on the task lightly. |
| | | | Whilst DIY installation of windows obviously |
| - Fire Protection - Fire-resistant glass | | | | cuts out the cost of labour, it is not a |
| will prepare you and help to control the | | | | project for novices. If you aren't |
| damage in the event of the fire. Just ensure | | | | comfortable doing basic home alterations, it |
| that the glass you choose for your | | | | might be best to leave your replacement |
| replacement windows does reach adequate | | | | windows in the hands of professionals. |
| safety standards. | | | | |
| | | | When it comes to your windows, make choices |
| - Decoration - Things have come a long way | | | | that best suit you. Assess each room's |
| since the basic option of 'regular or | | | | individual needs and decide on which glass |
| sandblasted' Now you can get a variety of | | | | features will make them more comfortable. |
| textures and patterns that will turn your | | | | It's your home, so it's all about making your |
| windows into a feature that will add | | | | glass work for you. |