Your Guide - New Windows
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New windows are one of the most expensive items to replace in a home, however they can make a huge difference to how your home looks whilst also improving the insulation and security.
We take a look at the various options when choosing new windows.
What materials can I choose for my window frames?
The most common kinds of window are PVCu, wood (soft & hard wood) and aluminium.
Also popular are alu-clad, where a timber frame is clad with aluminium on the outside, and crittall style steel windows.
PVCu
PVCu windows are the most popular kind of window in the UK, with the style coming such a long way since the large chunky white frames from several decades ago.
Choose a wood effect or a colour such as cream, pale green or grey to really add some style to your home. A colour on the frame also stops them from looking grubby as white often can.
Pros
- Best value for money
- Extremely weather resistant
- Little maintenance with only cleaning required
- Will last for around 35 years
Cons
- The white can look grubby and stain
- Frames are wider than wood or aluminium
Anything else to consider?
Shop around to get good quality PVCu windows at a reasonable price or work with your builder to source quality PVCu windows.
It's also worth remembering that PVCu is not as strong as aluminium, so if you are choosing a large glass panel then the frame may sag.
Beautiful PVCu flush fitted casement Residence 9 windows. The windows are sprayed in Farrow & Ball drop cloth to give the effect of heritage wood windows. From Insta account @the_hollies_.
Wood
Wooden windows are so beautiful and you have the choice of leaving them in their natural wood or painting them. You can also repaint easily over the years if you would like to change the look.
Wooden windows look particularly good in period properties or in a home with character.
You will have to maintain the windows, with re-painting or sealing every 5 years at least. Windows that are exposed to the elements will need to be maintained more frequently and rot should be looked at by a professional and acted on immediately.
The cost will vary depending on the kind of wood that you choose, with softwoods such as Douglas Fir being much cheaper than a hardwood such as Oak, however the hardwood will require less maintenance and likely last longer.
Pros
- Wooden windows are beautiful and elegant
- Sustainable source
- Wood is a naturally insulating material
- Long lasting - good quality windows can last beyond 50 years
Cons
- Require maintenance
- Not as weather resistant as PVCu or aluminium
- Hardwood is an expensive option
Anything else to consider?
Wooden windows can be manufactured in a range of timber, however Accoya™ is a great option as it is a sustainably sourced manufactured wood which is guaranteed against rot above ground for 50 years. Accoya™ is also reasonably forgiving of any subsequent lack of maintenance or neglect.
Sash wooden windows on a beautiful period home. Image credit Ask My Architect.
Aluminium
Aluminium windows are popular now in modern homes and we see so many 60s & 70s properties given a face-lift with aluminium windows.
They come in the standard RAL colours and are very popular in dark grey, often coordinating with bi-fold or sliding doors.
Aluminium frames can be very thin whilst supporting a large area of glass - so they are a great option if you want large panoramic windows with minimal frames. Aluminium is a more expensive option than PVCu and typically, the narrower the frame the more expensive the window.
Pros
- Very lightweight and can support a large area of glass
- Easily manipulated into the shape that you need, so great if you have unusually shaped windows
- Structurally very strong and the frame won't sag like PVCu might
Cons
- Not as thermally efficient as PVCu or wood - aluminium is a great conductor but in the winter the frames will get very cold!
- More expensive than PVCu
Anything else to consider?
Make sure you choose the appropriate style for your home. Large aluminium frames suit contemporary homes but might not look right in a period property.
For an up to date look, you can opt for aluminium glazing bars which create a Crittall window effect which looks great in more traditional properties.
Aluminium windows create a wonderful contemporary look by the Home Hub Group
Are there any other popular materials?
Steel frames, synonymous with the Crittall windows, have grown in popularity over the past few years. Giving a mid-century look they can work well with period homes, however they are more expensive than aluminium so may not suit all budgets and properties. Choosing aluminium or PVCu bars on the glazing can create a similar look.
Aluclad is also a popular choice where timber frame windows have a strip of aluminium on the outside, so you can get timber on the inside but need stronger protection of aluminium on the outside. To find out more read Your Guide - Aluclad Windows.
Aluminium windows with bars create a mid century effect and can work well with similar sliding doors. Windows by ODC Glass.
What styles of windows are available?
The main styles sold in the UK are casement, tilt & turn and sash windows.
Casement
The most popular style of window in the UK, casement windows are hinged at the side and open outwards. They usually come in pairs with either one or both windows being hinged. They are often in standard sizes and therefore are the cheapest style.
Tilt and turn
These windows open inwards and are typically on one large panel. Tilt and turn windows are a great option in the bathroom as they are designed to offer ventilation whilst being secure.
Sash
Some of the most common styles of sash windows in the UK include the Victorian one over one sash window; the Victorian two over two sash window; and the Georgian six over six sash window. As sash windows are often bespoke to fit period properties, they are an expensive option.
Unlike other types of window, by opening both the top and bottom sashes in a double hung sash window you can improve the circulation of air within the room, cooling down your property in hot weather.
If you want to read more about Sash Windows, check out our expert advice - sash windows article.
Image Source: The Sash Window Workshop
Glazing Choice
Double glazing is the standard choice now for new windows. If you are replacing old single glazed windows you will notice the benefit of double glazed windows. Single glazing is normally only used in listed properties.
Triple glazing is now becoming popular and should cost around 20-30% more than double glazing, with the benefits of thermal and noise insulation for many outweigh the additional cost. In period renovations where other parts of the building are not insulated it’s not worth investing in triple glazing, especially wooden sash windows where it's expensive and they are usually fitted in old non thermally broken walls.
For both double and triple glazed windows, look out for the BFRC rating which is similar to the energy rating for household appliances. Energy Efficient windows are rated 'A++' (the most efficient) to 'E'. It's recommended to choose 'B' as a minimum, with 'C' the minimum to satisfy Building Regulations.
Anything else to consider?
Look carefully at the locks and handles. Consider getting lock open windows which will allow air to circulate whilst being secure.
The price of windows can vary depending on material, size and style of frame. Typically PVCu casement windows are the cheapest, starting at around £150 for a small window, with the most expensive being hardwood sash windows which can easily exceed £1,000. Do your research and get various quotes.
You normally don't need planning permission to replace windows, however if you live in a conservation area, listed building or are changing the appearance of your window (such as the colour), then do consult your local planning authority.
Published: December 6, 2021
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