Replacing windows and French doors is a home improvement that becomes necessary when they are in bad condition, not only for aesthetic reasons but above all for functionality. Having to change your windows is not a regular thing and can create doubts and uncertainties, but inquiring about the different alternatives can help to face the many choices more calmly. The habitissimo experts offer guidance on how to find your way around buying new windows to make sure you find the best solution for you.
Replacing windows improves energy efficiency
Since they are made largely of glass, windows and balcony doors are among the main sources of energy loss for a building. When the windows do not close properly, let in drafts, or are made of materials with poor insulating properties, replacing them is simply a sensible investment.
New windows, designed and produced with modern technologies, can improve the energy performance of a building and increase living comfort, as well as allowing significant savings on heating and air conditioning costs. Furthermore, these renovations can be supported by tax deductions.
The choice of profile
When you approach a window manufacturer to buy windows, there are many possibilities to consider. Wood, PVC, aluminum, and wood-aluminum are among the most common options when deciding to replace the windows in your home. They each have their pros and cons, so choosing is not so simple and you must take into account properties such as resistance, durability, insulating properties, and the cleaning and maintenance required as well as pure aesthetic value.
As this is a technical topic, it is very useful to follow the advice of experienced professionals in the sector who can give an opinion that takes into account your personal needs.
The choice of glass
In addition to the material that makes up the frame, you have to focus on the type of glass you choose. The possibilities in this case are also varied and a professional's advice can certainly help you to pick. Window glass varies in the thickness of the sheets, the number of layers (double or triple glazed), the properties of the glass itself (low emissivity, selective). Then there are further options such as the English-style glass which is making a comeback in recent years. Different styles can give your house a particular character, so take your time.
Types of openings
Sliding, hinged, fixed, tilting, vasistas and then roof windows for attics and attic rooms. These are just some of the types of openings you can use on windows and French doors. The position in which the frame is located as well as the type of environment are the decisive factors in making this choice. For example, vasistas windows are ideal for rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens as they allow you to freshen the air without opening the window completely, while tilting windows are used when there is little space available for opening.
Window security class
Windows just like doors, have different burglary security classes, from 1 to 6, where the higher number indicates the highest level of protection. Many break-in attempts take place through balconies and terraces, forcing open windows or French doors. Again, in this case the choice must be made according to your individual needs. A ground floor window overlooking a street is normally more exposed to the risk of break-in attempts than one on a higher floor, but the context and security level of the surrounding area must also be taken into account, and windows are just one part of avoiding burglaries.
How the replacement of windows and doors happens
Replacing a window or French door requires extreme precision and specific knowledge, so it is a job that must be done only by trained professionals. First, an accurate survey is needed to create a tailor-made window with all the desired characteristics.
The replacement of the frame may require small masonry works to eliminate the counterframes whose fixing system is inserted in the perimeter wall.
It is however possible to replace the fixtures without having to carry out masonry works by fixing special counter frames above the existing ones, provided that they are in a good condition. This option saves time and money, but it must be evaluated carefully as it is not as efficient an option as a complete replacement with new generation fixtures.
It might seem like a hassle, but replacing your windows is one of the best ways to improve the value of your property!
