The Ultimate Guide to Windows

Here is our ultimate guide to windows.

Windows are a prominent feature of your home. They create a stunning first impression and give your home a unique character. Double glazing also plays a key role in weather-proofing, insulating and securing your property.

Whether you’re looking to give your home a contemporary makeover, or maintain traditional styling, we have the window style for you! We also understand that having so much choice can be overwhelming. Home improvements are a long-term investment, so need to be right.

So, let’s get to it. Our ultimate guide to windows talks through the styles and the features and benefits of each. We also put in some added extras that enable you to make your windows your own.

Casement windows

Casement windows are still the no.1 choice of window styles for homeowners. Mainly thanks to their simple design that complements any property style.

The classic look consists of a combination of a fixed frame with hinged opening sashes (in a huge variety of configurations). They can easily be tailored with added extras to suit all individual tastes. A casement window is also an extremely cost-effective way to add A rated double glazing to your home.

They are typically chosen in white, however, the timeless design means the look stunning in any colour. Choose from chartwell green to anthracite grey, or woodgrain finishes such as Irish oak or rosewood.

Flush sash windows

Flush sash windows are designed to imitate the look of traditional timber windows, as the sash fits snugly in the frame giving them a flush finish!

But just because they replicate the look of a pre-1932 wood window, doesn’t mean they are reserved solely for traditional properties. The flush finish gives a sleek look to contemporary properties too. A stunning choice for all kinds of homes!

If you live in a conservation area, or somewhere where the need to replicate timber is a must, a woodgrain foiled flush sash window will do just that. And keep you warm and secure.

Tilt & turn windows

Tilt & turn windows (or tilt before turn as they’re sometimes called) are the window style of choice for homeowners looking for practicality.

The Rubix cube of windows, this clever design can either tilt at the top for a slight opening or turn inward for a full open window. Essentially two windows in one!

The beauty of this style of window is that they allow you to choose the optimum amount of ventilation for your home. Tilt & turn windows make cleaning a simple task as the windows open inwards. Ideal where access to the exterior is difficult or over multiple storeys.

They are also similar in styling to a casement windows, meaning they are an attractive and flexible choice.

Sliding sash windows

Sliding sash windows are also known as vertical sliding windows (or just vertical sliders or even just VS). This window type is the no.1 choice to maintain the Victorian or Georgian timber window appearance in homes, whilst upgrading to secure, thermally efficient PVCu.

This time-honoured design maintains traditional styling, without the traditional niggles. Things like rattling sashes, wrestling to open or close sticky sashes and ongoing maintenance. The 21st century designs ensure secure, maintenance free windows with smooth operation.

You can also use them to add classic elegance and traditional charm to any modern home!

Bay and bow windows

Bay and bow windows are often chosen to add extra space and light to your home. Then can either follow the brick line of your property, or simply protrude from your house.

Multiple glass panes sit at between 25-45 degree angles, allowing the glazing to capture the light and flood your home with natural sunlight.

Bay and bow style windows can be installed as replacement for existing bay and bow windows to upgrade security, insulation and energy efficiency. However, if you want to create the feel of a larger room, we can simply replace flat windows with a new bay or bow – just ask!

Optional extras

We couldn’t finish our ultimate guide to windows without talking about optional extras. Did you know, you can also have windows in a dual colour! Just because you have woodgrain or a colour outside, doesn’t mean you have to have the same inside too. Just choose a simple white, cream or whatever will suit your interior décor.

Georgian bars add a little extra detail and traditional character to any home – if these aren’t your thing, you can also add personality with our hand crafted leaded or patterned glazing.

Handles and hardware are the finishing touches to your windows and come in a range of styles and finishes. Not just the typical window handles you see on PVCu windows. Monkeytail and teardrop handles look stunning and give your windows a more individual appearance.

Double and triple glazing

Traditionally windows were single glazed – just one pane of glass! Double glazing simply means 2 panes of glass, filled with gas – either argon, krypton or air. The benefit to this is that it improves the energy efficiency of your home, whilst providing an extra level of security and sound proofing.

You can also add a third pane of glass – triple glazing! It does increase the benefits of double glazing further, but does come at an additional cost. It’s typically chosen for its sound-proofing benefits, for properties that are close to a motorway or airport.

And there we have it, the SolarFrame ultimate guide to windows! We hope you’ve found it useful – and as always, if there’s something we’ve not covered, just get in touch, we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.

It’s also worth mentioning that all of our windows are fully tested and accredited for your peace of mind. They’re also A rated as standard, meaning the highest levels of energy efficiency to keep the warmth where it belongs – inside your home.

So, if our guide has got you thinking and planning your next home improvement (or the winter weather has highlighted those cold spots and the energy bills are eye watering) get in touch with our friendly team! We can put together a quote (Covid-secure of course) and right now you can get up to 50% off in our winter sale!

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