Wealden Times | WT204 | February 2019 | Wedding supplement inside

Clear as glass
Windows can be a pain – we ask four experts to give us their insights
Elwyns
Chris Blanks
What are the most popular types of
windows available?
People are always looking to save energy
these days, but also complement the
house style so traditional windows are
making a big come-back. Art deco metal
frames and Victorian or Georgian style
timber are particularly popular at the
moment. But the uPVC market has
noticed this and now mimicks the timber
designs with very close wood grains and
period design features.
What kind of windows would
you choose for yourself?
Timber alternative, it combines
low maintenance with stylish
aesthetics, and you can get
a saving of around 30%
compared to timber. It’s the
best of both worlds. They also
don’t need to be repainted so you
save on renovation costs too. The only
general maintenance needed is oiling the
moving parts. I would recommend using
U-value
A measure
of heat transfer
through a window.
The lower the score
the better the
window.
graphite for hinges and
handles once a year to
prolong the longevity
of the window.
What are the pros and cons
of the various frame materials?
In terms of functionality, they all have
to comply with a thermal rating for
insulation so there isn’t much in it. All
windows and doors are now energy rated
in the same way that a fridge freezer or
washing machine is, which means they
have to be under a certain U-value.
Are there any new technologies or
developments to keep an eye out for?
Lift and slide aluminium bi-folding
doors are quite nice. They are like
traditional sliding patio doors but are
up to 3m wide and 3m high per pane.
They really open up the back of the
house and provide an unrestricted
view which you don’t get with other
bi-folding doors.
Do you have any advice for someone
looking for new windows?
There are a lot of products on the
market, do your research and look for
long established installation companies
and reputable brands. Try to see the
windows in a showroom. You’ll see the
full range of options in person, and once
you get into it you can really tailor your
windows to exactly what you want.
02086 472268 elwyns.com
Sash Window Heritage
Malcolm Mew
You specialise in retro-fitting, can you
explain the process?
The window is taken out and the timber
frame kept. The old single glaze glass is
removed and the rebates (where the glass
sits) deepened to fit a 12mm state-ofthe-art
double glazed unit.
What makes retro-fit double glazing
worth investing in?
Some houses are in conservation areas
which means you have to retain the
timber. But even if you don’t live in a
conservation area, the only alternative is
replacement which can affect the look of
the property and reduce the value.
How can you tell when your windows
are at the point they need looking at?
There may be soft areas of timber,
rattling, a draught, or they may suffer
from condensation.
How long do they last?
As long as they are kept well painted (this
should be re-done every 5–7 years) which
seals them up and protects them.
Why is it your philosophy that
replacement is the last option?
It’s best to keep old window timber as
it will have been cut and left to season
over time which makes it superior to
new rapidly kiln-dried versions. Plus it
has usually been in place for a long time,
and moved with the building and you
can never quite replicate that kind of fit.
Can you give me any idea of the cost?
It greatly depends on the window but we
are always happy to give advice over the
phone, provide a free quotation, or carry
out an on-site survey.
0800 772 3148 sashwindowheritage.co.uk
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