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.
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.
