It Doesn’t Happen Very Often – So Get It Right

Changing the windows and doors on your home isn’t something that has to be done very often, you may have to do it once or twice in a lifetime, it also requires quite a large amount of money, so it’s something you do want to get right. It’s a project that can re-invigorate the façade of your home, helping to turn it into a proper showstopper. In this short article, I’ll give you some good initial ideas about what is available and how to find great suppliers from the host of sometimes confusing options when searching online.

Starting Your Search

There can be several ways to find a great supplier for your windows and doors, you might know someone who has recently had their windows changed, and they have recommended the company they used. If that is not the case, then it’s a fair chance that you’ll use the internet at some point; a simple search such as ‘windows and doors Oxfordshire‘ should give you a list of local businesses in your area. Take some time to look through some of the websites and their different options, make yourself a list with about six or seven installers that you like the look of them. It’s also important to remember that just because one supplier sits at the top of an online search doesn’t mean it’s the best. Cross-referencing the businesses on your list with consumer rating sites such as Trustpilot and Feefo can also narrow the field of options you are considering.

Materials and Budget

Unless money is not a problem, you’ll want to know the best options for your budget and the good and bad characteristics of the available windows and doors. They are often manufactured in a range of different materials, the popular ones used are as follows:

• Timber – This is a traditional choice, long-lasting and great as a thermal insulator; it

 is also aesthetically pleasing. It’s also on the high end of the cost spectrum and can be liable to weather or pests if not appropriately maintained.

• uPVC – A lightweight material is at the lower end of the market and is only available in a limited number of colours.
• Composite – Made up of layers of different materials, it is good thermally and is cheaper than both aluminium and timber, it is rising in popularity.
• Aluminium – it is a prevalent choice currently, and it is very strong and has excellent thermal efficiency but is more expensive than both UPVC and composite materials.
• Steel – Generally only used for doors where security is the primary objective, obviously hard-wearing, it can be costly and restrictive in design possibilities.

Summarising Your Choices

These are the primary materials used in the manufacture of doors and windows; each has characteristics that may mean they are more suitable or desirable to your replacement windows or doors. I hope this short article has given you a good starting point when setting out on this sometimes-overwhelming project – good luck!