Windows buyers guide to help you choose...
Firstly, you need to be clear about exactly why you want new windows, and then it is all about how you want them to look and perform. Once you know this, it will help you buy the right solution.
You can rely on our design experts to help you with your window buying, who will provide advice on design considerations, any technical details and finishing touches, while adhering to your budget. Whether you are set on what you want, or you need a helping hand, 5 Star will be there with you, every step of the way.
Windows Buyers Guide tip – use a FENSA Installer – 5 Star are FENSA approved Installers.
Windows Buyers Guide - AESTHETICS
We have replacement windows with a cottage effect and ultra-modern designs. Whichever of the two you want, 5 Star will happily help with choosing a colour, style, material, and accessories for the replacement windows you want. Choose flush windows or flat windows or stormproof designs. Choose thinner frames, in aluminium to increase your glass area for more light and a better view. If it is the appearance that matter most, experiment before buying, photograph your house and we can superimpose different styles on to your photograph. Book a design appointment now.
Windows Buyers Guide tip – If it is less noise you desire, upgrade your glass to acoustic in any frame style, if it is security consider laminate glass.
Windows Buyers Guide - THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Do you want to reduce your heater usage to help the environment and your finances, or is your biggest concern limiting light transference? Each of our windows has different thermal efficiency standards. They will restrict heat loss and harness the warmth generated by the sun, but without doing it to excess. The internal temperature will be exactly right in all weathers. You may even consider different glass in different elevations. Windows Buyers Guide tip – keep your trickle vents open in the winter, it will save you money!
Windows Buyers Guide - Noise reduction for a quieter life.
Acoustic glazing will make a big difference to sound, double glazing is better than single glazing, triple can be better still with the right glass configuration and acoustic glass within double or triple is the better still. Acoustic glass works by using two thicknesses of glass and has a sound dampening PVB layer sandwiched in the outer pane. This combination effect with different surfaces and thicknesses will disrupt the soundwaves energy and lower noise transference. The laminated pane of glass has the extra benefit of reducing up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting flooring, furnishings, and fabrics from losing colour. Windows Buyers Guide tip – if nowhere else fit acoustic glass in your bedroom.
Windows Buyers Guide - Protect furnishings from sun scorching.
A southerly facing room with curtains, carpets and furniture near the window become damaged by the wealth of sunlight. Wood is especially susceptible to UV. Leather can fade and crack. Carpets and floor coverings can become faded and curtains washed out. A glazing unit with an outer laminated glass will block out up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping to gaurd furnishings, floors, and fabrics. G-values measure how much heat is transmitted through glass from the sun’s rays.
Windows Buyers Guide - Safety glass for vulnerable areas.
Glass is a brilliant material, but windows, doors and large expanses of glazing can break upon impact. To protect people there are strict FENSA regulations for the use of safety glass – toughened and laminated. Windows Buyers Guide tip – Consider laminate glass for lower noise, higher security and to protect colour fading.
Windows Buyers Guide - Laminate glass - extra security.
Laminated glass has an infused plastic laminate core that holds the glass together when broken, making it very difficult to gain access. It also acts similar to acoustic with noise reducing qualities. Windows Buyers Guide tip – when you have decided, reconsider having laminate glass if you have not chosen it already – TOP TIP!
Energy efficiency for northerly facing rooms
Northerly facing rooms which do not get the most natural light and warmth from solar gain. Heating a room with little direct sunlight will be more expensive . U-values measure how much heat is transferred through a window to demonstrate the energy efficiency. Low-E Glass has a thin, transparent coating that reflects heat back into the room, making it an excellent choice for north-facing windows. Windows Buyers Guide tip – Consider different glass in different elevations.
Windows Buyers Guide - MOTIVATION
What has made you decide to buy new windows and what do you want them to do? You may be after a certain kind of window opening, looking to eliminate condensation or just want to freshen up the appearance of your property. Just let us know what your motivations are, and we will accommodate your requests. Windows Buyers Guide tip – do not underestimate the importance of trickle vents as dry air is cheaper to heat than cold air.
Windows Buyers Guide - FINISHING TOUCHES
There is a lot to be said for the finishing touches to a window. You cannot underestimate just how much of an impact the handles, locks and hinges will have on the design. You also cannot overlook security as one of the main jobs of your window is to keep your home secure. Windows Buyers Guide tip – consider upgrading to laminate glass.
Choose any window frame with Double Glazing or Triple Glazing
Choose aluminium window frames or UPVC window frames in any style and any colour, your next choice is to choose double or triple glazing, either two or three panes.
You can change the glass to laminate (highly recommended) or even a different glass depending on what you need to achieve i.e. coated for more heat retention, a solar coating to keep a room cooler, laminated for higher security, or acoustic for less noise transition.
Different rooms can have different configurations.
Finally explore decorative glazing, around your front door and privacy glazing for bathrooms and privacy.
For guidance, our Designer appointments are free, and they will talk you through and explain all your options.
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Step 1 - What are you interested in? – Please select as many as you like…
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Our friendly team will be pleased to help with any questions you may have.
Barclays Greener Home Reward can help pay for your windows and doors!
This is a one-time £500 cash reward to help with the cost of adding windows and doors. If you have a residential mortgage with Barclays and you are interested in changing your windows and doors, you can claim for a Greener Home Reward. 5 Star are a TrustMark registered business that can complete the installation before sending in your online claim form.
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Final quick fire answers…
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – White UPVC windows cost less and stay surprisingly clean.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – White UPVC windows are easier to repair if scratched or chipped.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – White UPVC windows are the most popular colour.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – White UPVC windows have never gone out of fasion.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – Almost any new window comes in most colours.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – You can normally choose different colours inside and out.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – All glass is not the same – upgrade options are available.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – All frames can be ordered with double or triple glazing.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – Laminate glass is mega tough for better security.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – Some glazing keeps out more noise out.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – You do not have to replace with the same style, material or colour.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – Different elevations can have different glass – this is clever to keep warmer and cooler!!
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – Some listed properties will need permission to change windows.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – We can make your windows, bigger, smaller, even changing shape.
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Windows Buyers Guide tip – We can make doors into windows and windows into doors!
