Window buying guide
South East homes are only as efficient as their weakest point of insulation
The best property exteriors begin with your window frames and glazing. The question is, is your family 100% protected against teeth-chattering draughts and determined intruders? What can you do to make your windows more efficient, secure, and pleasing to the eye?… Packed full of essential information, discover the best window replacements with this handy quick windows buying guide.
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What should I look for when buying new windows?
- Window material, e.g. uPVC, aluminium, timber, timber alternative.
☐ Is it stronger than your existing windows?...
- Window style, e.g. casement, flush sash, sliding sash, tilt & turn, bay & bow.
☐ Which window style compliments your property most?...
- Window opening configuration, e.g. side top, bottom, inward or outward opening.
- Window frame width, e.g. aluminium windows feature the thinnest sightlines.
- Modern multi-point locking mechanisms.
☐ How many locking points do they have?...
☐ Are they internally beaded for extra security?...
☐ Additional hardware, e.g. window restrictors or fire escape hinges?...
- Window security accreditations? E.g. PAS 24, Secured by Design... Get in touch
What to look for continued....
☐ Secondary glazing?...
☐ Double glazing?...
☐ Energy saving / Low-e glass?…
☐ Laminated glazing?...
☐ Solar control glazing?...
☐ Self cleaning glazing?...
- Window designs, colours and finishing touches.
☐ Custom design options?...
☐ Colour palettes?...
☐ Dual colour possibilities?
☐ Matching handles and hardware?...
- High performance weather resistance e.g. ‘Marine grade’ finished aluminium windows for coastal locations.
☐ Are they tested to the highest Building Regulation standards?...
- Decorative glazing options e.g. stained or etched glass.
- Low maintenance qualities.
- Sound proofing qualities.
- 10-year product guarantee (or more).
- Double glazing installer accreditations, e.g. DGCOS, Checkatrade, Assure.
Which type of windows are best for my home?
When it comes to the best window material, it all depends on your household’s specific needs. Classic timber windows and innovative timber alternative windows are often approved for use in restricted locations such as conservation areas and listed buildings. Aluminium windows suit contemporary developments best and uPVC windows remain a firm favourite for budget-friendly style, security, and efficiency.
What is the difference between window material types?
In terms of security, Hampshire households tend to opt for tough aluminium windows or practical uPVC windows. Or if the replacement window project requires a large made-to-measure window, aluminium windows are preferred as they can be made much bigger yet feature considerably thinner frames than uPVC windows.
For longevity, timber windows come out on top as they can last a lifetime if treated right. Closely followed by aluminium windows, lasting at least 45 years with minimal maintenance. uPVC windows can last between 20 – 30 years.
Read more about the most popular window & door colours of 2020
Get in touchWhich windows are the most energy efficient?
Quality replacement windows display a multicoloured BFRC energy rating label similar to those found on fridges and washing machines, showing that your new window has been independently verified by experts to perform as promised. The most important things to take note of is the windows energy rating and its U-value. The U-value shows how easily heat can pass through the window material, so the lower the U-value, the more efficient the window is. Rated on a scale of A++ to E, to comply with UK Building Regulations, current minimum efficiency standards require new windows to have a U-value of 1.6W/m²K or lower or a window Energy Rating of at least C.*
Due to their insulating, multi-chambered structure, uPVC windows are often considered the most energy efficient window material. Modern aluminium windows also contain innovative polyamide thermal breaks, actively preventing cold bridging and generating low U-values. That said, all our windows meet and exceed all current requirements under Building Regulations, reaching impressively low U-values and Window Energy Ratings (WERs).
Thanks to the strong seals positioned on all four sides of a casement window, they are often considered the most energy efficient window style - other than picture windows, which do not open.
*correct at time of publishing; August 2021.
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Will getting double glazing reduce my energy bills?
Yes, there are great energy savings to be had by upgrading old single glazing or double glazing to modern double glazing. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the following savings can be achieved*:
- Single glazed to A-rated double glazed in a semi-detached, gas heated property = save £75 per year & 330 kg of CO2
- Single glazed to A++-rated double glazed = save £95 per year & 405 kg of CO2
*correct at time of publishing; August 2021.
How do I improve the energy efficiency of my home?
Get in touchHow can I make my window more secure?
If you’re wondering will double glazing make my home more secure, the short answer is yes! Get one step closer to your new replacement windows with the help of these informative blogs we’ve written:
What should I do if I can feel cold air coming through my window?
What are the advantages of uPVC windows?
5 reasons to choose wood effect windows over real timber windows
Why is my uPVC double glazed window not closing properly?
The top advantages of double glazed windows
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Begin your ideal home improvement journey today
It’s the ideal time to begin your dream property renovation. However big or small your renovation plans are, we’re here to help you achieve the home you’ve been dreaming of for so many years. Whether you’re looking to transform a curious cottage, an impressive Victorian Villa or a modern apartment in the city, you’ll have no regrets with an Ideal Windows installation.
Simply complete this form and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements and change your dreams into a reality.
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Serving Basingstoke, Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the surrounding areas
With a showroom in Fareham and a showroom in Chichester, we're ideally placed to provide homeowners with valuable inspiration. Open 6 days a week, 10am-5pm, an array of beautiful products, a welcoming atmosphere and a professional, friendly and knowledgeable team await your arrival! Areas we serve include Basingstoke, Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth & Hampshire.
Book an appointmentOur latest reviews
Replacement windows and door
The team arrived promptly. Work was done efficiently and on time. They cleaned and tidied up after the job was completed. We are very pleased with the results and would highly recommend them
10 /10
Friendly
Very satisfactory work. Measurer and fitter very efficient, professional and friendly.
10 /10
Experienced
Highly experienced and skilled operatives. Prompt arrival and left the site clean and tidy. Courteous and respected the Government restrictions at all times. Have used this Company before for other conservatory work and would use again if required.
10 /10
Replacement Glazing
Very impressed with all aspects of contract during these difficult times. Fitters were fully compliant with covid rules. Will thoroughly recommend them
10 /10
Excellent
Excellent company. From first contact with their Sales, it has been easy going and painless. Fitters have done a fantastic job throughout, the quality of their workmanship is commendable. Would highly recommend this company to anyone.
10 /10
First class
The quality of the product and workmanship is of the highest quality. Well done Ideal Window Solutions Ltd. First class.
10 /10
Job was perfect
Everything about the two men who came was superb. They were punctual, friendly and experienced. Their workmanship was excellent. Their finished job was perfect. I would highly recommend them.
10 /10
Informative & professional
This is the second time we have used this firm. As before, they were informative and professional from start to finish. Prompt, tidy and thorough always.
10 /10
Would not go anywhere else
Brilliant. No fuss . No drama. Done in a couple of hours. Very pleased. Fourth door I have had fitted by this company. Would not go anywhere else. SFK. Alec lovely guy. Kind and respectful.
10 /10
