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