If you are simply retrofitting your windows and getting double-glazing installed in your existing windows if a relatively easy process. Things become more complex if you are replacing tired, warped or rotting timber or old aluminium; this is a full replacement which means new architraves and trims, and possibly new interior wall lining and repainting both inside and out. You may want to consider putting a new door where a window was or making the hole size bigger to let in more light or change the configuration all together for better indoor-outdoor flow.
Why You Should Replace Your Windows
We’ve recently seen a change to the building code whereby new houses and even renovations to some older ones are now required to have higher R-values, meaning careful consideration must be taken on how walls, windows and roofs are insulated. Double-glazing has become a familiar term. Smart planning at the design stage will maximise value for the consumer while still delivering an efficient home.
Did you know up to 50 percent of heat is lost through the single glazed windows on a fully insulated house. Double glazing can considerably reduce this heat loss, while also minimizing outdoor noise and condensation, which causes dampness and mould. There is also the bonus of potential savings on electric and other heating or cooling costs.
In addition to double-glazing, Argon – an inert gas – can be filled and sealed between the panes of glass, further increasing the insulating performance of your double glazing. A Low Emissivity coating can also be added. Being spectrally selective it literally blocks entry to certain portions of the light spectrum such as infrared light (radiant heat), meaning your house will remain cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Whether its for your home or business, there are a number of benefits to replacing your windows.
Add Value to your Home
Your home is your statement piece, it’s likely to be the largest investment of your life. Windows and doors, if chosen correctly, play a huge role in adding character, warmth, security, desirability and in turn adds value. If you’re in the process of replacing your existing windows, whether you are looking to put your home on the market or just moving in, it is important to get it right as the windows you choose can have either a positive or negative impact on the value of your home.
When it comes to adding value to your home a good-looking window can create instant kerb appeal, making your home appear more attractive. The style and finish of your replacement windows is really important though, as they will add value if they are in keeping with your home and surroundings.
Double Glazing is Key
A significant impact on the value of your home can be made through the addition of double glazing. Estate agents report that installing double glazing can give an additional 10% added value to a home and increase the likeliness of making a sale.
However, there are important distinctions to be made when it comes to choosing the right windows and doors for your property. Some properties can increase in value by installing any type of double glazing, the style and material are not as much of a factor on smaller, more modern houses. Therefore, weighing up the pros and cons and deciding on the right windows and doors is down to the homeowner’s preference of material.
Plastic UPVC Windows on a Period Property can Devalue the House
For higher value homes and period properties, the aesthetic quality of the windows and doors become much more important and the material used can negatively impact upon the value of your home. Buyers of period homes desire wooden windows that are befitting of the style of the house. To meet thermal insulation requirements of the current building regulations, replacement windows must be double glazed and achieve at least the minimum u-value of 2.0W/m2K.
Why Choose Planitherm Windows?
When you’re choosing to replace your windows, the glass you choose can make a huge difference to their performance. Glass typically makes up 70% of a window, so it is central to the flow of natural light, security and heat retention – it can even help protect against furniture fading.
By using Planitherm our modern glazing can maximise your home’s comfort, it’s a difference which you may not see but will certainly feel. Whether you’re looking for warmth, a peaceful night’s sleep or to simply enjoy a sun filled room without overheating, Planitherm is the perfect high performance glass for you.