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Your Essential Guide to Buying Windows
Here are some fundamental points for you to think about if you are in the market for windows
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
7 March 2018
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
You don’t just take the first window design thrust at you when purchasing or fabricating new windows for a home. There are always questions on which window option is better and why. Since there are a variety of designs and options available in the market, making the correct choice can get a bit daunting. Criteria such as the strength, durability and ease of maintenance should be considered before selecting any window type. Here are the parameters that will help you to zero in on your preference and decide what to go for. Read on.
1. Material
One can choose between window materials like wood, aluminium or uPVC. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Read pros and cons of uPVC & Aluminium windows
One can choose between window materials like wood, aluminium or uPVC. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- Wood is a conventional window material which goes very well with a traditional house style or decor. One major concern with wooden windows is that the wood swells in the monsoon season and may require regular maintenance like polishing and repairing over time.
- uPVC and aluminium windows are modern window solutions. Both these materials are affordable, strong, extremely durable and low-maintenance.
Read pros and cons of uPVC & Aluminium windows
2. Window style
After selecting the base material, it is important to select a window style.
After selecting the base material, it is important to select a window style.
- Casement windows are the most preferred windows for a home. They are hinged windows that swing wide open in the outward direction and bring in maximum light and ventilation.
- Sliding windows glide horizontally on rollers along a track. They are fabricated in materials like aluminium and uPVC.
- Tilt-and-turn windows can swing open like casement windows and can also tilt open from the top for ventilation.
- Picture windows are fixed windows that let light filter into the interiors. They bring in the outdoor views but do not offer ventilation.
3. Energy-efficient and soundproof windows
If you want an energy-efficient and soundproofed home, install insulated double-glazed or triple-glazed uPVC or aluminium windows.
These are advanced window systems that are manufactured from two or three panes of glass. The spaces between these panes of glass are filled with inert gases like argon, krypton or neon, which form an airtight seal and an insulating barrier between the interiors and exteriors of the building. These windows considerably bring down the air conditioning costs and create an energy-efficient home.
Note: Insulated uPVC windows are becoming very popular in the hot regions where you want to keep out the heat. Also, good manufacturing brands install rain tracks in these windows. During the monsoon, rainwater is collected within the track and drained out.
If you want an energy-efficient and soundproofed home, install insulated double-glazed or triple-glazed uPVC or aluminium windows.
These are advanced window systems that are manufactured from two or three panes of glass. The spaces between these panes of glass are filled with inert gases like argon, krypton or neon, which form an airtight seal and an insulating barrier between the interiors and exteriors of the building. These windows considerably bring down the air conditioning costs and create an energy-efficient home.
Note: Insulated uPVC windows are becoming very popular in the hot regions where you want to keep out the heat. Also, good manufacturing brands install rain tracks in these windows. During the monsoon, rainwater is collected within the track and drained out.
4. Locking system
The security and locking system of a window plays a very important role.
The security and locking system of a window plays a very important role.
- Wooden windows have simple latches, which does not make wooden windows very secure. Also, laminated or toughened glass does not add to the security of wooden windows because the panes are fixed to the window with putty or glazing beads, which can be easily removed if one wants to.
- Advanced locking systems are available in uPVC and aluminium windows. These types of locks can be combined with toughened glass or laminated glass glazing, which are difficult to break.
5. Cost and warranty
It is essential to compare costs of different window styles and types and select what suits your budget.
For long-term durability it is advisable to opt for good uPVC or aluminium windows manufactured by brands like Fenesta, Eternia Windows and Lingel Windows that will offer you warranties and after-sales service.
In case you are fabricating wooden windows on site, make sure that the contractor provides good workmanship and uses premium raw materials such as good-quality timber or weathered wood as per the specifications of the architect.
Read more:
Why uPVC Windows Are All The Rage
Aluminium or uPVC Windows: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Tell us:
Which type of window works best for you? Tell us why in the Comments section below?
It is essential to compare costs of different window styles and types and select what suits your budget.
For long-term durability it is advisable to opt for good uPVC or aluminium windows manufactured by brands like Fenesta, Eternia Windows and Lingel Windows that will offer you warranties and after-sales service.
In case you are fabricating wooden windows on site, make sure that the contractor provides good workmanship and uses premium raw materials such as good-quality timber or weathered wood as per the specifications of the architect.
Read more:
Why uPVC Windows Are All The Rage
Aluminium or uPVC Windows: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Tell us:
Which type of window works best for you? Tell us why in the Comments section below?
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