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