Choosing new windows can be stressful. After all, these are what you and your visitors will see every time you approach your property for the next 10-15 years and will play a major part in your security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic.
With a seemingly endless and ever-growing list of window design options, there is a perfect window design option for you out there somewhere. This guide will help you find it, taking you through all of the most popular window designs that are currently on the market, as well as giving you some top tips for saving yourself some money and picking the right window installer.
Window styles
The vast number of different window designs that are now available is a bit of a double edged sword. On the one hand, you now have complete control over the look of your windows and your home, but on the other, it can be difficult to know where to even start with so much variety on offer.
If you are someone who cares deeply about how their home looks, choosing the right window is even more stressful especially when you factor in the task of finding the best possible deal from an installer who know what they are doing.
Some of the most common double glazing Glasgow window designs include:
Casement windows
Attached to the frame using side hinges, or from the bottom of the frame, casement windows are very popular, and very efficient. They offer uninterrupted views of your surroundings and a simple yet highly functional design that makes opening and closing your windows easier than ever.
There are a variety of different casement window designs available including classic side hung windows and top hung windows that are perfect for keeping out the rain in wetter climates. Casement windows hold the enviable position of being one of the most affordable of any window type on this list whilst also achieving some of the best energy efficiency ratings.
Tilt and turn windows
Considered by many to be the natural progression for the traditional casement window design, tilt and turn windows work in a very similar way to their predecessors, but feature a clever hinge design that allows the window to open in multiple ways. Whilst a casement window can be fitted to any side of the frame and open from that side alone, tilt and turn windows can be opened from both the side OR the top depending on your requirements.
If you are simply looking to let a nice breeze in on a summer’s day tilting the window inwards is perfect, whilst turning it into the full open position allows for an uninterrupted vista of the outside world and creates a viable fire escape if needed.
Fixed windows
Fixed windows don’t open, but they do allow for natural light to come flooding into your home. Skylights are usually fixed windows, as are picture or stain glassed windows designed to wow rather than for functionality or ventilation.
Without the need for a complex opening mechanism to be integrated into the fixed window unit, the design options are limitless allowing for some stunning designs to be created and your property to be shown off in the best possible light.
Sash windows
Sash windows slide up and down within their frame and usually involve the bottom portion of the frame sliding over the top. These designs went out of fashion somewhat for a period of years due to their tendency to become stiff over time but have made a comeback in recent times with a seamless and smooth operating system.
How much are new windows?
The cost of replacing your windows will depend on how many windows your property has, the style of window that you want, and the installer you use to have them installed.
As with anything, if you want a customer design and aren’t happy with any of the stockroom windows offered by your local window installer, you will have to pay more for the privilege as they will need to be manufactured just for you.
On average, however, it tends to cost around £5,000-10,000 to replace all of the windows in the average UK home.
How to pick the right window installation company
Poorly fitted windows are just as bad, if not worse, that poor quality ones. Ask around the local area for recommendations for a suitable window installer in your local area and do some online research looking at the type of window they offer.
Try to find 2 or 3 window installers that you think may be suitable and get quotes from each of them. This will ensure that you don’t end up paying over the odds for your windows but avoid choosing the cheapest option based purely on price.
