Customisation Options For uPVC Windows

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There are customisation options to enhance the look of new uPVC windows. These are perfect if you want something a little different or to replicate your existing windows. We take a look at some of the various options when choosing your double glazing, along with examples of windows that we have fitted throughout Cardiff and South Wales.

Leaded Glass

Leaded glass can be fitted in just the top of the windows (fanlights) or in the entire window depending on the customer’s preference. Many people choose to have it fitted in the fanlights as it enhances the window without obscuring the view through the main pane of glass. Leaded glass generally adds around £50 per square metre to the cost of your new windows.

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Astragal Bars

Astragal bars are added to the window to give the look of original glazing bars that would each house a separate pane of glass. They are fitted to the window and stand proud of the glass, a back-to-back spacer is fitted to the inside of the glass. These can be fitted in a variety of patterns with either a single vertical bar for a minimal look or a grid pattern to replicate original Georgian windows. Astragal bars can be around 20 to 30% more expensive than standard windows.

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Georgian Bars

Georgian bars are fitted to the inside of the double glazed unit, they are a more cost-effective version of astragal bars. Georgian bars can also be fitted in a variety of patterns and are available in a choice of colours to match the chosen window. Georgian bars generally cost around an extra £40 to £50 a square metre depending on the colour. Below is an example of Irish oak windows with colour-matched Georgian bars.

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Stained Glass

When deciding on stained glass for your windows, there are two choices. If you have an existing stained glass in your windows we can remove it, clean, restore it and reglaze it into new double glazed units. Alternatively, we can copy an original or bespoke pattern and replicate it into your new windows. Colours can be matched exactly to give you the most authentic look possible. We also have standard stained glass designs that can be chosen if you don’t have any special requirements.

Stained glass prices vary depending on the size of the window, for a simple stained glass fanlight the additional price would be around £30 to £50 per fanlight to replicate a pattern. Original stained glass that is being reglazed can vary tremendously depending on the size and condition of the glass. Below is an example of an original stained glass fitted into a rosewood uPVC window and a door fitted with replicated stained glass effect.

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Bevelled Glass

Bevelled glass involves adding a raised design to the glass, it gives an elegant look to panes of glass and is popular in fanlights, doors and conservatories. Bevelled glass tens to catch the light and can offer a very bespoke look to your uPVC windows and doors. Bevelled glass is generally priced at around £60 to £80 per fanlight.image (36)

At Inspire Windows we have a great deal of experience in fitting many different decorative options to our windows. When fitting new uPVC windows, it is important that they are both designed and fitted well. Consideration needs to be made to the layout of Georgian bars or leaded glass to match neighbouring properties. Care and attention must be given when renovating original stained glass which can be hundreds of years old.

For a quote or more information, please give us a call on 02920 734573 or take a look at more of our work on our Facebook page.

Grey Upvc Windows in Cardiff

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Gone are the days of white upvc windows being the only option, coloured windows and doors are now  a common request from our customers. Coloured windows are not reserved for newer prooperties, they can also look fantastic in traditional properties, when some thought and care is put into the design

We recently installed some beautiful anthracite grey windows in Victoria Park, Cardiff. The house currently had green timber windows that were in need of replacement, the customer wanted to know their options for retaining the original stained glass. We gave advice on the cost of either copying the stained glass or reglazing it into the new windows. The clients decided to have it reglazed into the new windows to retain the property’s character.grey upvc doors cardiff

When having a colour on the outside of the window it is common to have the inside as white. Having a darker colour on the interior can make the room look dark and is much more difficult to give a clean finish when trimming around the windows. This can be done in 2 ways, either a white frame has a coloured foil applied to it or frames can be sprayed with colour. We always aim to offer the foiled version as it has a grained effect that looks more like wood, it is also much more resistant to scratches.

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Whilst the new windows were being fitted, the glass was sent to our specialist restorer who will clean the glass and reglaze it into double glazed units.The customers are extremely happy with the completed windows. The stained glass stands out beautifully against the anthracite grey frames and suits the period of the property perfectly.

If you are considering new upvc windows for your home, please call us for a no obligation quote on 02920 734573. We only fit premium products including rehau windows and doors. Alternatively visit our website www.inspirewindows.co.uk for upvc double glazing in Cardiff and the surrounding areas

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Replacing a window with upvc French Doors

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With the summer approaching, our minds turn to the outdoor space in our homes and how we can make the most of it during the warmer weather. The main consideration is increasing the access to the garden to make the whole house a more workable space. We recently had an appointment with a young couple who had just bought a house and wanted to improve the access to the garden before they moved in.

During the appointment they decided that they would like to remove a window from the existing dark lounge and install patio doors with sidescreens. To match in with the exisitng windows, the doors were designed with georgian bars. These kind of projects can be slightly messy although we always cover surfaces with dustsheet before any work is started. The existing window was removed and the new opening cut out by our building team, a new lintel is installed to support the walls and the new french doors were fitted. Of course, we always hoover and clean up before we leave, as well as removing all of the rubbish.

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Once the French doors were fitted we plastered the walls internally and rendered the external walls. The change to the house was dramatic with the customers now having a light and spacious room that will be ideal for entertaining during the summer months. If you are considering this type of project for your home in the cardiff area, why not give us a call for an initial appointment. We can discuss the different options such as french, patio or bi fold doors and discuss the timescale and price for your home improvements. There are a few factors that may affect the price such as moving any electrical points or pipework, we are always happy to deal with this for you or let you organise the work before we arrive to carry out the fitting. For details on our doors take a look at the doors section of our website

Our building team have over 30 years experience in the cardiff and newport area, they are skilled in conservatory bases, extension cutouts and brick ups. Our building and fitting teams work seamlessly together to ensure that all of our projects go smoothly and cause our customers the least disruption possible,

For high quality rehau windows and doors in cardiff and newport, give us a call on 02920 734573 or email enquiries@inspirewindows.co.uk.

Upvc Windows in Cardiff with stained glass

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During our initial appointments we spend as much time as possible designing the windows and doors that you would like for your home. Purchasing new double glazing can be a large outlay and it is vital that as a customer you receive the quality and look for your home that you want.

We recently replaced all of the windows in a house in Radyr, Cardiff, which currently had wooden windows with stunning stained glass. The customers told us that they wanted to keep the original stained glass as it was one of the features that they loved about the house. When considering having decorative glass in your home, there are 2 options; we can either copy an existing or new pattern onto your new windows when they are manufactured or we can remove the existing glass and have it put into double glazed units. Even glass that has some damage to it can be restored or repiared by our experts.

To the front of the house we installed black on white bay windows, this matched the original colour of the windows and many of the neighbours properties also. From the inside the refurbished glass looks stunning against the white rehau frames.

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We also produced some of the windows using rosewood on the inside and white on the outside. This is an unusual request and slightly more expensive but it fitted in perfectly with the interior design of the house. The original stained glass looks lovely against the rosewood colour.

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In addition to replacing the windows for upvc, we also fitted new French doors in white on rosewood.

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If you are considering changing your existing wooden windows for upvc, why not give us a call to arrange an appointment. We can talk you through the different options for your home and tailor a quote to your requirements. There are many companies in cardiff who offer plain cheap double glazing, we are not one of them! We only fit the highest quality rehau frames, planitherm glass and locking systems, and fit them with skill and care. Take a look at our decorative glass page to see the various designs that we can offer.

For premium windows and doors, expertly fitted in and around Cardiff, give us a call on 02920 734573

Cardiff Double Glazing Prices, why do they vary so much?

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It’s that time of year again where double glazing companies are offering 55% off their prices along with lots of free extras, the majority of us understand that these massive discounts are not realistic. Although there is higher competition in January for window and door installers, a reasonable discount is 5% to 10% for any company that offers genuine prices during the rest of the year.

All window companies want to keep their fitters working so there is always a little room to negotiate in January. The problem is what to do, when everyone tells you their windows and doors are the best, but the prices vary massively?

Take a few moments to consider which window you preferred the look of; after all it is your family that will be looking through them every day for the next 10 to 15 years. Did one of the frames suit your home more, did it feel sturdier and were the handles easier to operate?

Many window profiles now offer the same standards; A rating, argon gas filled with low e coated glass and secured by design status. However there are a few important factors that could make you question that suspiciously cheap double glazing quote. Here is our checklist for ensuring a quality installation;

  1. Glass- The glass should have a low e coating on the outside, argon or krypton gas filled and Planitherm or similar coating on the internal face. This will reduce condensation on the window and help to keep the heat inside your home.
  2. Locks and hinges- Are there a sufficient amount of locks and are they from a reputable manufacturer. We use Mila locks, handles and hinges on our doors and windows which have won the G awards for 2 years. Good quality ancillaries can be considerably more expensive than their cheaper rivals.
  3. Manufacturing – A window profile is nothing until it is actually put together by the manufacturer. How long has the manufacturer been making this profile, how often are there problems with the windows or doors?
  4. Finishing – Finishing off a window with trims or plastering is one of the most time consuming parts of fitting a window. Any company that takes time and care will need to charge a little more to allow for this. Ideally your windows should be sealed internally with stelmax instead of silicone which should not discolour or go mouldy.
  5. The fitting team- Do they have the required experience and are they actually employed by the company on a daily rate? Some window fitters work on a price rate of how many frames they can fit in a day, we would prefer our installers to fit 4 windows perfectly rather than 7 badly. As with every industry, it costs more to employ good staff than it does bad ones.
  6. The guarantee- Is the guarantee transferrable if you sell your home and does it cover everything. Many companies only cover the glass, locks and handles for 1 year, we cover everything that we fit for the full 10 years.
  7. The company – To the frustration of the double glazing industry there are still people out there who will offer a fantastic price but have no plans of being around in 5 years time when you may need them. It costs money to run a business professionally and pay your staff well; this will generally be reflected in the quote that you receive.

Of course there are situations when as a customer you will have a limited budget and just pick the cheapest quote. Don’t be afraid to ask for the job to be split into two parts so you can have better quality windows and doors without the big outlay. We very often fit the front of a house and then return when the customer is ready to complete the back. You, the customer are happy and as a business we know we have work for the future.

Take another look at your double glazing quotes and consider which one actually offers the best value for money. Ask each company if you can have an address where they have fitted windows in the last couple of months and a year or two ago, this way you can see the quality of fitting recently and ascertain how the frames have weathered.

If you are still feeling confused, there are many forums where tradesmen will give an impartial view on the best frames and fitting techniques, one of the better ones is my builder.com. Having a little more knowledge can give you the confidence to hand your hard earned money over to the right people.

Condensation on Double Glazing in Cardiff and South Wales

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image (14)Many homeowners believe that condensation is caused by badly fitting windows and can be remedied by fitting energy efficient double glazing. This is not always the case as condensation has many different causes, sometimes it is even a good sign to show that your windows are working effectively!

Condensation can occur on either the internal face of the window, in between the double glazed unit or on the external face of the window. Understanding why there is moisture on the windows can help to fix or reduce the issue:

Condensation on the internal face

The main causes of condensation within the home are excess moisture in the environment coupled with a low external temperature. One of the obvious ways to reduce the issue is to try to create less moisture in the air with the use of dehumidifiers or drying clothes outside. If this is not possible, it is important to ventilate each room well, through opening windows on the vent function daily if possible.

Internal condensation can be reduced with the use of warm edged spacers and Planitherm glass. Both of these additions restrict heat exchange through the glass, keeping the internal pane warmer.

Newly fitted double glazed windows can appear to cause condensation once the weather turns cold. What is actually happening is that the previous windows were not as tightly sealed and would allow air to escape. This air, which contains moisture and warmth, in now meeting the glass instead of escaping through the gaps. Of course the benefit is that your heating is no longer escaping around the windows and is being retained in your home.

Condensation between the units

Condensation on the internal faces of the double glazing shows that the unit is leaking air or gas and is no longer sealed correctly. There is no option other than to replace the unit at this stage as the visibility of the window will gradually reduce due to increased moisture entering the sealed unit.

Condensation on the external face

This occurs when the temperature of the glass reaches a lower point than that of the external temperature. Energy efficient windows fitted with a low e coating and Planitherm glass will reduce the heat loss to the external glass resulting in condensation.

External condensation tends to only happen in certain climatic conditions such as in extremely cold weather, it is also dependant on how sheltered or open to the wind each window is. This makes it possible to have condensation on some windows in your home but not others.

Having condensation on the external face of the windows is not a bad thing; it simply shows that your windows are retaining the heat in your home.

In summary, condensation is not necessarily caused by good or bad double glazing but can be reduced with good ventilation and choosing windows that will reduce your heat loss effectively.

At Inspire Windows, we fit warm edged spacers and Planitherm low e coating as standard on all of our windows. For a no obligation quote in Cardiff, Newport or South Wales please call us on 02920 734573.

Double Glazed Sash Windows in Cardiff, Newport and South Wales

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Wooden sash windows can be found in many homes throughout Cardiff and South Wales, they add to the integrity of the house and its surrounding area. Along with wooden floorboards, original fireplaces and decorative cornices; sash windows are one of the features that potential buyers are willing to pay more for.

But what happens when your beautiful windows are causing cold draughts and increasing your energy bills; time for an expensive renovation project?

Depending on whether your home is in a conservation area, you will have no choice but to replace your sash windows with like for like, either in upvc or wood. Many people are cautious about using upvc windows but there has been a great deal of improvement in the aesthetics of modern double glazed sash windows as well as the improved energy efficiency that these products offer. Vertical sliding sash windows now come in an array of colours that can offer a more sympathetic look to your home.

From a planning perspective the planners are interested in every detail of the window, a few points taken from Cardiff Council that you should consider when looking for quotes;

Section Dimensions

The size of timber sections in the new windows should match those of the original. This is

particularly important for the bottom rail of the lower sash which should generally be deeper

than the meeting rail on elevation when the window is closed. The visible part of the sash stile,

top rail and meeting rail should be of a similar width and depth.

 

Operation

Sashes close vertically and can be operated by sash weights or spiral spring balances. Spring

balances are unlikely to be acceptable if they replace box sashes on a listed building. It is

sometimes possible to fit hinges which can also allow a sash to open inwards for cleaning.

Glazing

If a double glazed unit creates a substantial alteration in window size and dimension from the original, it is unlikely to be acceptable. It is usually impossible to install double glazed units in existing frames or to replicate existing frames with new sealed units without making drastic changes to the shape or proportions of glazing bars. Slimline double glazed units (3-10mm cavity) are now available that have much lower profile perimeter seals within the cavities.

This in turn allows for more slender sash frame dimensions. The use of highly insulating gases means that the energy savings offered by such units is comparable to standard double glazing (16-20mm cavity). Where the original windows have glazing bars, the new ones should match the original, particularly in multiple pane sashes.

 

Sashes with horns

Sash windows may have horns. These are additions to the lower part of the sash which enhance a window’s rigidity. Georgian and early Victorian windows rarely have horns but later Victorian and Edwardian sash with horns are common in Cardiff and often have decorative qualities that can be replicated in timber.

If your home is not in a conservation area, but you currently have sash windows, an increasingly popular option is to have casement windows with run through sash horns. An average upvc sash window will cost you upwards of £600 each for a reasonable quality product. A casement window with an equal split top opening sash and run through sash horns will cost from £400 upwards, quite a saving if you need to change all of your windows. The anthracite window shows a casement in this style.

To add to the traditional look, the addition of internal Georgian bars or external astragal bars is common in these styles of window.

 

If changing all of your windows and doors at one time is too expensive, why not consider replacing the front of the house first. We can advise you on the best options to suit your home and budget, call us on 02920 734573 or build your own online quote www.inspirewindows.co.uk.

Rehau- Cardiff’s choice for UPVC Windows and Doors

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Double Glazing CardiffAs a local Cardiff double glazing company we choose to fit products that will stand the test of time and outperform our competitors. Through our many years experience in the industry we have chosen to use Rehau as our preferred profile. Through fitting premium products we can offer you enhanced security for your home, a more attractive look for your property and reduce the likelihood of maintenance problems in the future. As a double glazing company who plan to be around for a long time it makes sense for us to fit windows and doors that we are proud to put our name to.

When choosing your new windows and doors it is important to decide on a company that you trust, who sell a high quality product and also have a good reputation for after sales. Unfortunately there are still a few double glazing companies who are happy to sell less technically advanced windows and doors and achieve very low profit margins, as they have no intention of dealing with maintenance problems in the future.

Rehau was founded in Germany and was one of the first companies to produce and sell UPVC window and door profiles in the UK.  Rehau frames, which are now produced in North Wales, are the market leader in UPVC windows and doors. Simply search on the internet and you will find an over whelming amount of reviewers that rate Rehau as one of the top upvc profiles.

There are many benefits to you as a customer when choosing Rehau windows and doors for your home;

Enhanced security – Our frames are reinforced with steel which not only makes the frame stronger but also gives a stronger fixing points for the locks. Our windows have between 9 and 11 locking points on every sash. Our windows and doors achieve the police approved secure by design status.

Aesthetics – Our customers can choose from two different profiles, the S706 or the Rehau edge. The latter offers a sculptured frame which lends a softer look to your new windows whereas the S706 provides a modern square edged finish.

Energy saving- All rehau frames are produced with a 3 chamber profile to reduce energy loss. Fitted with warm edged spacers, our windows easily achieve an A rating.

Discolouration- Our UPVC is produced with a unique compound that results in a smooth gloss finish ensuring your windows and doors remain as pristine as the day they were fitted.

There are many things to consider when deciding on your replacement windows and doors; our checklist identifies some on the main factors that affect the price of your double glazing.

If you are considering having new windows and doors fitted, please give us a call on 02920 734573.

Double Glazing Windows

Ten jargon busting double glazing questions

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As homeowners we are becoming much savvier when it comes to having improvements carried out, such as double glazing, new kitchens and extensions. We know that it is important to; get recommendations from friends and family, receive at least 3 quotes, ensure the tradesmen have the relevant experience and qualifications and ensure the work will be covered by a guarantee.

After much consideration you have decided which double glazing companies you would like to quote, appointments have been arranged and the salesman is now sitting in your front room trying to baffle you with technical jargon.  Double glazing is not the most exciting way to spend your hard earned money but if you understand exactly what you are paying for, you can ensure that your new windows and doors will stand the test of time.

Here is our handy guide on how to get the best quality windows and doors by understanding what you are paying for.  These are the main factors, along with quality of fitting, that make up the vast difference in prices between double glazing companies.

Reinforced Frames-Check that the frame you are buying is fully reinforced with steel to make it stronger and more secure. This will also provide a stronger fixing point for the window and door locks.

Discolouration– The frame should be guaranteed to not discolour or warp for at least 10 years. Windows made from a high amount of recycled materials are more likely to discolour as they will not be UV resistant.

The Locks-The security of a window is extremely important, check that your windows achieve the police approved secured by design status. Some windows will only offer an espagnolette locking system, ensure that your windows also have a shootbolt system. Quality windows such as Rehau will offer at least 8 locks on a standard window.

The glass– The most energy efficient glass will have a low-e coating on the outside, be filled with argon or krypton gas within the sealed unit and have a coating such as Planitherm on the inside. The low-e coating allows the heat from the sun to radiate into the room, the gas reduces heat transfer and the Planitherm coating will keep the heat in by reflecting it back into the room.

The Joints– The corners of the windows and the sash will have been welded together when fabricated. The mullion and transommes, the bars which make up the rest of the window, should also be welded to make the window stronger. Some manufacturers will fix these mechanically with screws which results in the window strength being reserved to the corners.

The beads– Modern double glazing should always be internally beaded, the bead is the strip along the glass that keeps the glass secure. Double glazing from 10 years ago tended to be externally glazed making the window easy to break into.

Hinges and Handles– Ensure your double glazing hinges and handles come with a minimum of a 5 year guarantee.

Spacer bars– The spacer bar separates the innerpane from the outpane and prevents moisture coming through. Check that your windows come with composite plastic warm edged spacers, these are the most efficient when it comes to stopping heat escaping through the double glazed unit. Less efficient windows will have an aluminium spacer bar which conducts heat transfer.

The Installation -The one other important factor, other than the quality of the windows, is how well your new double glazing is fitted. The safest way to ensure you have chosen the best company is to ask for recommendations from customers who have had their windows fitted for at least 6 months. Any potential problems should have to come to light by this time such as rusting screws, peeling mastic or doors needing to be adjusted.

The double glazing industry has a bad reputation for ripping its customers off, the main problem is companies that are selling windows as cheap as they can and fitting them quickly and poorly. As long as you compare quotes like for like and not on price alone, you can be confident that your new windows and doors will improve your home and offer value for money.

Home Improvement for Women

Top 5 Home Improvements for Women- DIY or get the professionals in?

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You only need to switch on the television to find an abundance of home improvement programs aimed at women. The trend of 2013 is to be more thrifty and make use of what we have available, rather than splashing out on unique designer pieces to improve our homes. Kirstie Allsopp of Location,Location,Location fame has found great success with sharing her tips on “up cycling” in her latest programme, “Kirstie’s homemade Britain”. A recent study by build it and home improvement magazine found that 1 in 5 women plan do to some form of home improvements themselves during the upcoming weekend.

With the tough economic climate it is no great surprise that we are all trying to save money. The key to successful home improvements is knowing when to do it yourself and when to get the professionals in. As women we tend to be more interested in how we can improve the look and feel of our home with decorative changes, rather than fixing problems around the house. A selection of the top 5 DIY activities for women includes;

Painting or wallpapering

Regrouting tiles

Hanging a picture or mirror

Cleaning up the garden

Assembling furniture

Women now feel much less daunted by tackling home improvement projects due to the wealth of knowledge available on the internet and the rebranding of many home improvements stores to put more of a focus on decorating as well as home repairs. Website “So Feminine” has a very useful article with basic tips on jobs around the house.

So what jobs should we leave to the professionals? Anything that involves a large financial outlay or specialist skills should be left to those in the know. Plumbing work, electrical upgrades and replacing windows and doorsshould be carried out by reputable companies who can provide knowledge, experience and above all a guaranteeof quality workmanship.

When choosing a company for your home improvements, be sure to check out online reviews, ask for customer references and obtain 3 separate quotes. Don’t be tempted to just plump for the cheapest quote, sometimes you really do get what you pay for! Here at Inspire Windows we can offer a wealth of knowledge and experience along with reviews from many of our happy customers. Give us a call on 02920 734573 or visit our website.