TIMBER

Timber windows can look stunning. Ideally suited to period properties, their classic and rustic feel can add warmth and depth to a property.

Timber is also a great insulator, so it is ideal when aiming for the lowest U-values, but it is also a living material. Timber moves and breathes, and of course, needs regular maintenance. The profiles within timber windows need to be chunkier to ensure they perform over time, so they are definitely more suited to traditional homes rather than current market trends.

PVC

PVC is the cheapest material option, as plastic is a more cost-effective alternative to timber and aluminium. There are major issues with bi-folding and sliding doors made from PVC, but this is not the case with standard-sized windows, as PVC windows look and function perfectly well. PVC is also a good insulator, so there are some excellent U-values available with plastic windows, and system refinements mean there are some attractive and relatively slim sightline windows available.

The strength of the profiles falls short when compared with aluminium, so opening sashes cannot be made nearly as large, and the windows cannot hold heavy glass units. Colours are often foiled veneers rather than a powder-coated application, as that process would melt the window. The downside to this is that foiled finishes do not have as long a guarantee as powder-coated aluminium. PVC is also not suitable for dark colours, as they absorb heat, causing the window to expand in hot weather.

COMPOSITE

Composite windows are a hybrid of timber and aluminium windows — warm and rustic on the inside, with aluminium cladding on the external face to reduce the need for maintenance.

These windows are often seen as the best of both worlds, but they are very expensive and come with the large sightlines required when working with timber.

What window styles are there?

Now that we have covered the materials available, let’s look at the various window styles that are generally available in all of the materials mentioned above.

This might sound complicated, but expert companies like ours can work with your builders and architects to create a curtain-wall solution that will look stunning both inside and outside your home. You can create similar effects with large-format windows set on, or fixed to, structural steels, but curtain-walling is ideally suited to creating huge windows while removing the need for structural steels between the glass. This often results in a sleeker aesthetic, which is why it is becoming increasingly popular in luxury new homes and extensions.

• Soft coat, thermal performance and U values – A ‘soft coat’ is applied to modern glazing units, and this is what prevents heat from escaping from your windows and bifold doors. This soft coat will have a U value rating; the lower the U value, the better the glass is at keeping the heat in. Low E glass is another common term used.

Unfortunately, there are some unethical Companies in the glazing industry, and some companies will give you the U value of the centre pane glass only. When talking about U values or thermal performance, it’s the overall U value of the window and glass that is needed for building regulations, so make sure you always ask for the overall U value.

• Triple glazing – There is a debate in the industry about whether this offers good value or not. Triple glazing is heavy and can be expensive, so the focus needs to be on those all-important overall U values.

The thermal performance of window products varies greatly, so a really efficient double-glazed window system might achieve a better overall U value than a less efficient window system that is triple-glazed.

Here at Express, all our aluminium windows surpass building regulations when double glazed with a good quality softcoat low E glass, but if you want to push down your U values further then triple-glazing is available across our full range.

• Laminated glass – This is another common word you might hear, as it is stipulated by building regulations in doors from a security point of view. Laminated glass is essentially two pieces of glass bonded together, and this central layer ensures that the glass cracks rather than shatters if it is attacked. Similar to a car windscreen or commercial shopfronts, laminated is definitely worth considering in front door sidelights, if you are concerned about security of if you need your new build or extension signed off by building control.

What about keeping the heat out?

Homes in the UK are designed to keep the heat in, and glass enhances solar heat gain into a property which is generally seen as a positive, but if you’re south-facing a solar control coating can be added to the external pane of glass to reduce the heat from the sun when it comes into your property.

Integral blinds

A great and contemporary option that works wonderfully well within rooms that generate a lot of moisture, like a kitchen or bathroom. The blinds are sealed within the glass and never need cleaning, and when the windows are opened the blinds just open to one side along with the window, meaning no curtain rails or blinds that need cleaning as they are sealed and protected within the glass units. The blinds are available in a range of colours and can be manually or remote operated so are a great way to add privacy and light control to your windows.

Leaded windows

Leaded windows are a more traditional detail that adds real character to a building. As the lead is applied to the glass, it is available on any window style in any material. We often find our customers want a traditional look on their house front and a more minimalist contemporary finish in the rear, so adding lead designs onto the glass is a great way to achieve this traditional appearance.

Georgian bars

Georgian bars are decorative bars that sit within the glass to mimic the appearance of traditional Georgian windows with multiple panes. As they’re sealed within the glas,s they never need cleaning and are most commonly supplied in white. They are also available in gold and dark colours, which has become a cheap and simple way to add the popular steel look to black or dark grey windows and doors.

Astragal bars

The concept is very similar to Georgian bars except the bars are stuck onto the face of the glass. This method takes much longer and is more expensive but does create a more authentic and classic look, particularly if you’re trying to create steel look doors. Steel look windows are very popular but it depends on how many windows are being installed as the price can rise quickly, which is why Georgian bars to tend to be a more popular option.

Visit the glazing section of our website to learn more about glass ranges and technologies, all of which can be installed into any window.

Security – Aluminium is inherently stronger than plastic and timber, which makes it much harder for intruders to attack or force open. The strength of the profiles combined with expert design and quality locks is why we can offer Secured by Design accreditation across our range of aluminium windows.

Natural light – The larger panes associated with aluminium windows mean more natural light coming into your home, which also makes interior rooms and spaces feel larger.

Easy maintenance – Thanks to their aluminium construction and commercial grade power coating, our aluminium windows are exceptionally dirt resistant and easy to maintain.

Eco-friendly properties – Unlike other materials, aluminium is 100% recyclable.

Indoor and outdoor living – Large aluminium windows can completely transform a space, as when closed they as they look contemporary and strong, but the large panes of glass can ensure that your home feels connected to the garden at all times.

Make your home desirable – the premium look and feel of aluminium windows will appeal to potential buyers should you decide to sell your property.

Luxury views – with reduced frame sizes and huge panes, you get fantastically wide views over your garden.

Design flexibility – Aluminium is perfect for large format glazing, floor to ceiling glass, shaped windows and all types of windows that will act as a real design feature within a home.