Windows Buyers Guide

With so many potential window styles in the offing, it makes it difficult to know which to buy.

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.

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Cream UPVC Cottage Windows
Grey UPVC Cottage Windows

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.

Cream UPVC Cottage Windows
Grey UPVC Cottage Windows

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!

Double and triple glazing samples

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.

More about glass options...
Satin Glass obscure sample with 3 clear lines across

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.

See all our windows...
Origin Glazed Door Options

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.

See all our windows...
Laminate Glass sample

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!

More about glass options...

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.

Extreme UPVC Windows
Extreme UPVC Windows

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.

Tiled Roof Extension

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.

Windows Buyers Guide Finishing Touches
Windows Buyers Guide Finishing Touches
Customise Your Windows: in Double Glazing or Triple Glazing
  • Frame Choices: Select aluminium or UPVC for your window frames. Choose from our range, any style or colour.
  • Glazing Options:
    • Double or Triple Glazing: Increase energy efficiency and comfort with our high-performance double A & A+ or triple-glazed A++ units.
    • Glass Upgrades: Customise your glazing with options including:
      • Laminated Glass: For additional security and sound insulation.
      • Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass: Reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency.
      • Solar Control Glass: Reduces solar heat gain, keeping your home cooler in summer.
      • Acoustic Glass: Reduce external noise for a quieter home.
  • Decorative Touches:
    • Decorative Glazing: Add elegance with decorative glass options for your front door or feature windows.
    • Privacy Glazing: Ensure privacy in bathrooms and other areas with our range of frosted and obscure glass.

Free Design Appointments: Our expert designers will guide you through all your options, answer your questions, and help you choose your perfect windows.

Book an appointment here now.
A window fitter
Decorative Glazing sample with purple bevel
MD looking at double and triple glazed samples

Spark Your Imagination - Get Free Brochures Now.

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pick up at our Kidderminster or Worcester showrooms

call 01562 245430 and we will post to you

OUR FINANCE CALCULATOR

See how affordable your home improvement can be with our Finance Calculator.
  • 1 - PAY MONTHLY Spread the cost of your home improvements over 60, 120 or 154 months*
  • 2 - PAY MONTHLY DEFERRED FOR 3 MONTHS Spread the cost of your home improvements over 120 or 177 months*
  • 3 - BUY NOW PAY IN 6 MONTHS This option allows you a 6 month payment holiday from the date of completion.
£
Spread the cost over 60, 120 or 154 months...
60 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR
12.4%
120 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR
12.4%
154 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR
12.4%
This finance option allows you the convenience and flexibility of spreading the cost of your home improvements over 60, 120 or 154 months*. You must make the minimum repayment each month. However you can also make additional payments and therefore control the length of the loan and the amount of interest you would pay. No security is required on these loans. These calculators are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a credit quotation. Loan terms of 120 months available up to £14,999.00.  154 months loan term is only available on orders between £7,500 to £14,999.00.  For loan values of £15,000 and over the lower rate of 9.9% APR is available, this includes a 3 month deferral period at the start of the agreement on loan terms of 120 or 177 months.

Representative Example

Cash Price
£15,000.00
Deposit
£3,000.00
Total Amount of Credit
£12,000.00
Duration of Agreement
60 Months
Rate of Interest
12.4% p.a. fixed
Representative APR
12.4% APR
60 Monthly Payments
£265.41
Total Amount Payable
£18,924.60
£
Spread the cost over 120 or 177 months...
120 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR over 10 years
9.9%
177 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR over 14 years
9.9%
This finance option allows you the convenience and flexibility of spreading the cost of your home improvements over 120 or 177 months*. You must make the minimum repayment each month. However you can also make additional payments and therefore control the length of the loan and the amount of interest you would pay. No security is required on these loans. These calculators are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a credit quotation. *Deferred for 3 months from the date of completion - £29 exit fee applies if the loan is repaid in full during the deferral period and no interest will be paid. *This 120 or 177 months finance is only available for orders over £15,000 and up to a maximum of £50,000

Representative Example

Cash Price
£20,000.00
Deposit
£4,000.00
Total Amount of Credit
£16,000.00
Defer by
3 Months
Duration of Agreement*
123 months
Rate of Interest
9.9% p.a. fixed
Representative APR
9.9% APR
120 Monthly Payments
£210.15
Total Amount Payable
£29,218.00
Settlement Fee
£29.00
£
Deposit
£
Pay within 6 months + £29 exit fee
£
Want to pay in monthly instalments after 6 months rather than one-off payment? Consider this option.
120 monthly payments
Deposit
£
Representative APR over 10 years
19.9%
Pay a 20% deposit when you order and, and as long as you pay the outstanding balance in full before 6 months has elapsed (plus a £29 exit fee), no interest will be charged. You will have 6 months to clear the balance to avoid paying any interest (except the £29 exit fee). If, after 6 months, this is not convenient, you can pay in 120 monthly instalments at 19.9% APR Representative. *Deferred for 6 months from the date of completion - £29 exit fee applies if the loan is repaid in full during the deferral period and NO INTEREST will be paid. If the loan is not settled in full within the deferral period, then interest will have accrued from the start of the agreement on any amount still outstanding at the end of the deferral period. Interest will continue to be charged until the agreement is repaid in full. For legal reasons the Representative Example shows interest IF the outstanding balance is NOT paid before the 6 months has elapsed. No security is required on this loan. These calculators are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a credit quotation.

Representative Example

Cash Price
£15,000.00
Deposit
£3,000.00
Total Amount of Credit
£12,000.00
Defer By
6 Months
Duration of Agreement*
126 Months
Rate of Interest
19.9% p.a. fixed
Representative APR
19.9% APR
120 Monthly Payments
£235.62
Total Amount Payable
£31,274.40
Settlement Fee
£29.00
Want to speak with an Advisor?

Our friendly team will be pleased to help with any questions you may have.
Please call us on 01562 245430

Ross, one of the Senior Designers at 5 Star
One of the 5 Star reception team taking a customer call
Service Receptionist taking customer call

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.

Find out more about Barclays Greener Home reward
5 Star new white Extreme windows and UPVC front door installation
A blue Composite Doors from Palladio
double glazing in Bromyard - Eclipse Aluminium French Windows

Available from 5 Star... Know if your windows and doors are open, closed or locked from wherever you are...

Find out about our UPVC Windows with Yale SensCheck™  security advanced windows and doors.

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Find out more about Yale SensCheck™

Final quick fire answers…

  • Windows Buyers Guide tip  – White UPVC windows cost less and stay surprisingly clean.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – White UPVC windows are easier to repair if scratched or chipped.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – White UPVC windows are the most popular colour.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – White UPVC windows have never gone out of fasion.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – Almost any new window comes in most colours.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – You can normally choose different colours inside and out.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – All glass is not the same – upgrade options are available.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – All frames can be ordered with double or triple glazing.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – Laminate glass is mega tough for better security.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – Some glazing keeps out more noise out.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – You do not have to replace with the same style, material or colour.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – Different elevations can have different glass – this is clever to keep warmer and cooler!!
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip – Some listed properties will need permission to change windows.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip  – We can make your windows, bigger, smaller, even changing shape.
  • Windows Buyers Guide tip  – We can make doors into windows and windows into doors!
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Windows Buyers Guide