Replacing the windows and doors of your property isn’t something a homeowner looks forward to; the substantial outlay of your hard-earned cash means it requires proper research and planning. Finding a great partner for this home improvement project is crucial to a successful and happy conclusion that leaves you with a home you are proud to show to all. Deciding on the materials and design style that is right for your home is not easy, so we’ll look at the functions, features and costs of the major manufacturing material used in today’s windows and doors. We’ll also look into searching and sourcing a suitable specialist installer for your home.
Using The Internet
At the beginning of your project, the internet is a valuable tool for getting ideas on the type of windows you might choose and finding a suitable supply partner. Using your favourite search engine, type in ‘window and doors in Oxfordshire‘ or something similar; this should give you a listing of local companies that specialise in windows and doors. Take some time to view as many websites as possible, look at their products and processes, making notes of any specific window styles you prefer and any suppliers that might make your shortlist. Further research into installation companies is possible using consumer websites like Trustpilot or Feefo; they show how well suppliers are rated by their previous clients. Narrow your list down to three or four potential partners, and you’re ready to make contact and start the design process.
Choosing A Material
The windows and doors in your home should complement the style, whether modern or more traditional; the material and finish must be suited to their surroundings. The main manufacturing materials used in today’s windows and doors are –
- Timber – this strong and durable natural resource is a popular choice with homeowners; a great insulator, it can be finished in many stains or colours. It is though expensive and requires more maintenance than other materials.
- Upvc – this is a budget-friendly, energy-efficient material that is very strong and requires very little maintenance. On the downside, there are limited finishes, and it is not environmentally friendly, and waste Upvc ends up in landfills.
- Aluminium – a lightweight and very strong metal that is more affordable than wood, durable and requires low maintenance; it is popular in modern homes. It doesn’t have the same thermal efficiency as other materials and is prone to salt-water corrosion.
- Composite – this is a modern combination of the previous three materials giving you the best properties combined into a single product; the downside is the cost which unsurprisingly is high.
Deciding on the right material is difficult; cost may drive your decisions; during the planning and design process, use the experience and expertise of your chosen installation specialist. Their advice as to what material, style, and finish works in your type of property is vital to maintaining your home’s overall aesthetic qualities.
I hope this short article has given you a great starting point and valuable initial information to proceed with your home improvement project with confidence, good luck!