The Window Choice

If the windows in your home have seen better days, then replacing them with energy efficient, double pane windows will really reduce your heating and cooling energy costs while giving value and lots of curb appeal to your home. London Glazing are glass experts. Now, choosing the right windows for a home can be a mine field given all the styles, materials, and features that are available today. In addition, because this can be a considered investment with the new windows hopefully lasting up to 20 years, doing a little homework before you commit can save on disappointment and an empty wallet. Here are some options: Window Materials like Wood is still popular as it is quite versatile. If old windows let the drafts in, you can always fit a weather strip. Hardwood is quite costly, but is durable and can be protected by oil. London Glaziers only use skilled technicians. You can paint hardwood windows or give them a natural finish. Windows made from softwood need to be protected by paint or maybe a natural wood finish, with regular maintenance. Aluminum can be an excellent choice, as the strength of aluminum lets a thin frame support a large area of glass. However, aluminum will conduct heat away from the home and has condensation issues. Double-glazing might be a stipulation the building regulations to lessen the loss of heat. Old aluminum windows rust, but modern models are protected in the manufacturing process and are low maintenance. Vinyl Windows will give very good heat and sound insulation. The old windows are usually replaced in a home by new vinyl units. White and other finishes are available, like wood-grain. These types require little or no maintenance. Finally, modern windows are made from a mixture of different materials. For example, aluminum windows, often use a wooden core, with steel casements housed in wooden frames reducing the heat loss. There are frames with decorative real wood on the inside, and fiberglass or vinyl exteriors, also available.