Replacing a Metal Framed Window

There are a huge number of shows on the television about renovating homes and increasing their value either to create a better home or make some money as a business venture. There are many jobs you can easily do yourself or with the help of friends or family but there are also many that require a certain level of skill or some specialised equipment.

Making some minor cosmetic changes are very simple. A splash of paint here and there, maybe some tiling or new fixtures and fittings but when it comes to replacing doors and windows, you really need to get the experts in.

If you have a modern home your options are huge and you can select from a variety of window and door suppliers ranging from low priced to much higher priced but you really do get what you pay for and it depends on your budget as to what you need.

If you have an older property you options are rather more limited as you will need to be sympathetic to the building. It may even be a listed property, in which case you are required by law to choose windows and doors that are in keeping with the listed status. A design that has been very popular and is being replaced by period property owners all over the world is the metal framed window. One such type is known as a Crittall Style but other designs are out there.

One major advantage of replacing metal framed windows is that you can retain the period feel without compromising the character and charm of the building but you also get the benefit of modern manufacturing techniques resulting in you having a more economic property as the heat will be retained inside instead of leaking through the draughty gaps in the old eroded frames.

Unlike the modern UPVC windows you have fewer options when it comes to period metal window suppliers as you really need to select a specialist window manufacturer who understands the unique nature of the windows and the properties they are designed for. As with the normal window suppliers you also need to check their credentials and see if they are FENSA registered.

So, there are some jobs you can tackle, but window replacement isn't one of them. Get the experts in and make sure the job meets the requirements whether the property is listed or otherwise.

Tim Tavender is a writer with ten years experience running his own businesses. He has written for National Newspapers and Magazines. For Metal Windows he recommends Met Therm Windows.

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Replacing Windows on Period Properties

Those who own period homes and listed buildings know the troubles that come with redecorating and refurbishing a property of this type. Building regulations must be taken into account when choosing new fixtures and fittings, whilst taking into account their own personal taste in interior design. It's a tricky task, as many people feel that must do their period home justice, retaining all the original features whilst leaving their own mark on the place.

It is often said that windows are the eyes of the home and the eyes are a window to the soul. Windows are one of the most aesthetically important features of a home's exterior and can either totally ruin or greatly improve the overall look and feel of a home. But no matter how beautiful they are, antiquated period windows have a definite lifespan, regardless of how well they are looked after, they will get to a point when they cannot be restored to their former glory.

Replacing period windows is a potential minefield for homeowners. The only way to guarantee a great refit is by choosing a specialist joiner, one with previous experience of such projects. The procedures involved with replacing period windows can be delicate and time consuming. However, an experienced expert can create stunning wooden windows for a period home that can sometimes even improve the look of the property.

The best joiners will not only be able to replace period windows, but to replicate the window exactly. There's no better way to stay true to a building's original style then to replace the original features with an exact likeness. On top of this, there are other benefits to replacing windows in your home.

Modern, matured timber is conditioned so that it is incredibly energy efficient when worked with correctly. Often, older homes suffer from deep rooted heat loss problems, with ancient windows a prime cause of the issue. In tests, timber has proved to be a far better insulator than aluminium, uPVC and other types of wood. And when ethically sourced, using timber leaves less of a carbon footprint when compared to the vast majority of possible window joinery materials on the market.

However, regulations on listed and older properties in the UK mean that usually, only single pane windows can be installed, as opposed to double glazing. Inefficient windows and doors are responsible for as much as 25% of a property's heat loss, and this number can be greatly inflated in period properties. This could leave a homeowner paying excessive heating bills in the winter, especially if there is a large, antiquated house that needs to kept warm. But an ingenious modern solution has made this problem a thing of the past.

Intelligent glass comes in many forms and has many applications.Low emissivity glass (often referred to as Low-E) amongst the best glass for homeowners. This is because the glass is applied with a coating of metal oxide, which is invisible to the human eye. This specialised coating allows heat and light in, but prevents a huge amount of heat escaping through the panes, greatly improving the energy efficiency of a home.

Retaining the majesty of a period property is the number one priority for those looking to make any improvements to a period home. But with the right guidance and expertise, replacing period windows can be a relatively painless experience. Look for a great joiner, ask for examples of previous work and rest assured that your beautiful home is in good hands.

Article submitted by Jonathan Hey, Managing Director of Westbury Windows & Joinery. Westbury Windows & Joinery has over 20 years experience in building bespoke windows and roof lanterns.

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