Windows are one of the most important parts of a house. When homeowners are looking to upgrade certain aspects of their property, one of the first things to normally come up is windows. The list of home improvement projects you can potentially undertake is endless, but one of the huge factors to think about is cost. Is taking the plunge to upgrade your existing windows worth it? Do they add value to your home? Let's find out, with the help of the Brackenwood team.
When to replace your windows
The importance of properly maintaining the windows in your home cannot be overstated. However, they do not last forever, and by investing in brand new windows for your home this could improve your comfort, reduce your energy bills, add value to your home and improve your family's quality of life. But what signs do you need to spot?- Presence of cold drafts
- Damaged window panes
- Audible, outside noise
- Energy bills becoming higher
What windows are best for you?
There are many factors to consider when replacing windows, including, of course, the cost. Depending on the size of your project and the material you choose, the costs of your replacement windows can vary greatly. When it comes to choosing the right windows for you, there are lots of different options - it can sometimes be hard to make the right choice for your home. Here are just a few of the most popular styles:Casement windows
A casement window is the standard and the oldest style of window in the UK. When you think of a classic style of window, casement windows probably popped into your head almost straight away. These windows have a timeless design, attached to their frame by one or more hinges at the side, opening like a door from either the top or bottom. Here at Brackenwood, casement windows are our most popular design and are available in many styles and finishes. Our casement windows are all manufactured in the exact same way and are guaranteed to stand the test of time with their A Rated Energy Efficiency.Tilt and turn windows
Creeping up in popularity due to their modern and classic design, tilt and turn windows have excellent weather proofing and security features, often being used in situations where traditional Sash and Casement windows are not an option due to the property’s design. They can either tilt in at the top of the sash or swing open like a door. At Brackenwood, we have an extensive range of tilt and turn windows for you to choose from, in an almost unlimited range of colours due to our unique onsite paint facility.Sliding sash windows
Sash windows have always been popular in the UK, especially throughout Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. This window style is still widely used on traditional-style new builds. However, sash windows are traditionally made out of timber, which means they can be a very expensive and high maintenance choice for windows. However, at Brackenwood, we have impeccably finished uPVC sash windows that are indistinguishable from genuine timber. With our modern manufacturing methods, you can enjoy the traditional sash window, but without any worries that old sash windows were notorious for, such as difficulty in opening, noise and drafts.Bay and bow windows
When you want to dramatically increase the natural light in your home, bay or bow windows are the best option for you. Bay windows are usually made up from multiple casement windows, projecting outwards from the face of a building, forming a recess within a room. Whereas, bow windows have a more curved, round appearance which bring in more light and extends your living area more. They are both great to use as a visual centre piece and create a design statement like no other home feature.Do new windows add value to your home?
Now, the real question is, taking into consideration the various styles of window you can choose from and the benefits of investing in new windows, do they add more value to your home? The short answer, absolutely. Replacing your windows may be one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make, especially if you currently have single-glazed windows.- The problem with single-glazed windows