What to Look For When Buying UPVC Windows
Buying uPVC windows for your home is a considered investment. You’ll want to be sure you’ve made the right decision and we are here to help. uPVC windows are a modern day essential. Alongside their good looks, they can improve energy efficiency and also security. But it’s easy to think double glazed windows are an off-the-shelf item but the truth is very different. Quality double glazed windows are made to order for you and your home and as such, there are lots of choices you can make to personalise your windows. Lets take a look at what to look for when buying uPVC windows.
The style of the windows
The style of window choice is crucial. Modern uPVC windows let you improve the performance and the look of your home in a way that older uPVC windows don’t. For example, uPVC sliding sashes were available 20 years ago, but they don’t look as good as our Sash Window. It combines cutting-edge technology with the traditional character of a box sash window to give you the best of both worlds. Similarly, when you choose Genesis Collection uPVC windows you are choosing good quality windows that will also enhance the look and the performance of your home.
Check the energy efficiency of your double glazing
One of the first things you need to do is find out about the energy efficiency of your double glazing. Windows have thermal efficiency ratings. In order to comply with building regulations, windows have to meet certain minimum standards. They must have a Window Energy Rating of Band C or better or a maximum U-value of 1.6 W/m2K.
Check that your windows meet this minimum standard by asking about the BFRC rating. BFRC (the British Fenestration Rating Council) assesses the performance of windows and doors and gives them a rating between A++ and E. Genuine BFRC rated products are labelled with a small official sticker on the inside of the frame and often a large rainbow label on the surface of the window or door. This gives you clear, visible proof that it will perform as promised.
It’s useful to know that our uPVC windows are A rated as standard offering effective thermal insulation.
Check the security of your double glazing
Another point to check is the security credentials of your double glazing.
Like thermal efficiency, windows have to meet certain security standards by law. Ground floor, basement and other easily accessible windows (including easily accessible rooflights) should meet the requirements of PAS 24 enhanced security standard.
In practice, this means you’re looking for features such as multipoint locking and internal beading. Internal beading refers to the way the frames have been glazed. Internally beaded windows have been glazed from the inside. When they’re externally glazed, it’s much easier for burglars to remove the bead and glass and gain entry to your home.
Adding in additional reinforcing and laminated glass can also be included to meet the required standard for enhanced security too.
Check the quality of workmanship
The quality of manufacture is crucial. For example, Genesis Collection uPVC windows use the industry’s best materials and are manufactured with attention to detail and skill. Our test is simple. If we would be happy to fit a product in our own homes, we’re happy for it to be part of the Genesis Collection.
As an indication of their quality, our uPVC window frames are guaranteed for ten years.
Add some colour
When you think double glazing you often think white. But today’s double glazing are available in a huge choice of colours and foil options to help you personalise your home. With the Genesis Collection you are able to choose from a range of standard foil options. This includes white, oak, oak on white, rosewood, rosewood on white, cream-grain and white-grain finishes. In addition to our standard foil range we have over 40 additional foil colours to choose from too.
For greater personalisation, we offer state-of-the art paint spraying in any RAL or BS colour codes. This allows you to have the perfect colour choice and with a bespoke colour match service available, we are able to tailor the colour to your exacting needs. All we need is a small section of your desired colour to replicate. Please remember nothing is standard with Genesis Collection bespoke windows and that includes our colour offer.
Free your imagination
If you’ve been thinking that having double glazed windows means having standard white uPVC windows, this is not the case. Take a look at and start imagining the difference they could make to your home. What to look for when buying uPVC windows really often depends on your taste!