Choosing uPVC WindowsÂ
Not all PVCu replacement windows are the same!
Modern, high quality PVCu / upvc windows, such as those manufactured by our partner Sierra Windows, are slim, smart and elegant with curves designed to match a wide range of homes. The beading (the surrounds that hold in the glass) can give your PVCu / upvc windows a more sophisticated look and the glass itself can transform a window.
And don’t forget there is a wide range of conventional and tilt and turn options available.
Here are some questions to ask.
- What types of PVCu / upvc windows are available?
- What is beading and is it important?Â
- What is the most secure beading – internal or external?Â
- Should I use toughened or laminated glass?Â
- What wood finishes are available?Â
- Is decorative glass available?Â
- Is PVCu the same as UPVC?Â
- How can I tell good quality PVCu?Â
- Should I fully replace sash windows?Â
- Is window PVCu as tough as conservatory PVCu?
A1. What types of PVCu / upvc windows are available?
There´s the traditional casement window – side or top opening (sometimes known as an awning) – and these can sit alongside fixed (non-opening) PVCu / upvc windows. There are also Vertical Sliders; imagine a upvc sash window that slides and then opens inwards. Then there´s an array of tilt and turn options where PVCu / upvc windows tilt back for ventilation and then turn to open.Â
A2. What is beading and is it important?
Beading is the surround that holds your glass in place and by selecting a design that complements your frames and reflects your home interior, you can provide the perfect finish for your replacement PVCu / upvc windows.
A3. What is the most secure beading – internal or external?
Most people say that internal glazing is more secure as there is no external beading that can be prised open. It can be argued that it is possible to kick-in internally fitted glass panels – but a burglar would have to be very reckless to do this and would probably break the glass in any event.
A4. Should I use toughened or laminated glass?
Toughened and Laminated glass are types of safety glass. Toughened glass is designed to break safely if smashed – so that the you don´t get sharp shards of glass. Laminated glass is like the glass in your car windscreen. If it breaks it will crack but not shatter. This is very secure – but can be a problem if you need to escape a fire – that´s why it isn´t usually used for PVCu / upvc windows.
A5. What wood finishes are available?
Various wood finished – such as rosewood and light oak – are all now available. Advanced new technology has created a look and feel that is close to wood – plus there´s the flexibility of having either wood or white finishes for the interior. Compare the PVCu / upvc windows – and go an look at some real installations if possible. Also make sure that any samples you are shown are exactly the same specification as the PVCu / upvc windows that you order – you could visit your suppliers factory or office to see what they're really like.
A6. Is decorative glass available?
Elizabethan Leaded, Georgian Leaded, Georgian Bars, Jacobean, Queen Caroline – these are just some of the options you can choose for your glazing. These lead patterns add a distinctive touch to your PVCu / upvc windows. There are also bevelled glass designs – in either clear crystal or colours.
A7. Is PVCu the same as UPVC?
They are both the same – unplasticised (or hard) PVC .
A8. How can I tell good quality PVCu?
One way to assess the effectiveness of a frame is to examine the thickness (depth from inside to out). Ideally choose 65 mm or 70-mm thickness and ask about the thickness of the PVCu in the frame – a multi-walled (not solid) section should be 3 - 3.5 mm. Also ask about the locks – these are often different from installer. Look for good brands such as Swish for PVCu / upvc windows.
A9. Should I fully replace sash windows?
Ideally you should always replace the sash windows and the surrounds. Sometimes, replacement PVCu / upvc windows are inserted into the remaining sash windows frame if the wood is sound – although it is then important to maintain the wood. After all being maintenance free is one of the advantages of PVCu in the first place.
A10. Is window PVCu as tough as conservatory PVCu?
Both PVCu / upvc windows and PVCu / upvc conservatories are built from the same products – however PVCu / upvc Conservatory installers often strengthen windows by using thicker frames to give better structural strength. After all the conservatory PVCu / upvc windows will need to help support a roof. This is also why conservatories with Polycarbonate roofs are sometimes cheaper than those with glass roofs. It is very important that you make the right decisions when choosing your new pvcu conservatories and/or pvcu windows