Choosing the wrong type of window or door, failing to future-proof or getting hung up on the cost, ignoring energy efficiency ratings, forgetting about maintenance, not matching decor or failing to hire a professional installer. These are the most common window and door replacement mistakes.
Several reasons may lead you to replace your windows and doors – from damage and changing tastes to energy efficiency and future-proofing. And new windows and doors are usually an excellent investment in your home.
However, only if they are the appropriate models and correctly installed. Poorly chosen or fitted windows and doors can be costly, reducing energy efficiency, increasing bills and jeopardising security.
In this blog, we will outline some of the most common window replacement errors and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Type of Window or Door
Explanation:
While windows are typically divided into sash windows or casement windows, there are several types of doors, and the differences and suitability for your home aren’t always clear. However, the wrong choice can damage your curb appeal and even decrease the property value. Apart from looking ‘off’, making the wrong choice can reduce your insulation and energy efficiency, increase your bills and decrease your security. You need to find the best fit, both figuratively and literally.
Solution:
To find the most appropriate doors or windows for your home, you need to carefully consider the following factors:
- The type of window or door
- The size required
- The cost
- The style of your home – architecture and decor
- Your choice of glazing
- The location of your home – including typical weather, if in a conservation area, etc
- Maintenance requirements
- Your priorities – energy efficiency, security, sustainability, etc
You must be happy with how your windows and doors look and function long-term. Do your research and ask for quotes from reputable companies before deciding.
Mistake 2: Focusing Solely on Cost
Explanation:
If you don’t have much money, the cheaper option will always be attractive. Sometimes, this is a false economy. Opting for the cheapest window or door will likely offer poor insulation and energy efficiency, resulting in higher heating bills. They may not be as weather-resistant as more expensive options, won’t last as long and could require costly repairs. The same is true of skimping on hiring the best fitter for the job.
Solution:
With any significant purchase, consider the cost per use and the return on investment. For example, A-rated windows cost more upfront but, according to the Energy Saving Trust, could save you as much as £120 a year, while significantly improving your carbon footprint. This is due to the improvement in insulation and energy efficiency. Better quality windows are less likely to need repairs and won’t need replacing for longer. They can also add to the resale value of your home.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Energy Efficiency Ratings
Explanation:
Living in rainy Manchester and the surrounding areas, your windows and doors must offer adequate insulation and ventilation, even when closed. Energy-efficient windows such as Planitherm are designed to maximise heat retention and enable improved airflow for better air quality.
You know that energy-efficient windows can help reduce your heating bills and lower your carbon footprint, but did you know they also offer sound reduction and improved health and comfort?
Even if you are aware of all the benefits, you may not know how to determine which windows and doors are the most energy-efficient.
Windows and doors carry an A-rating and a U-rating, but these can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for.
Solution:
Energy-efficiency ratings are there to guide you and help you make an informed choice. Simply put, you want the highest A rating and the lowest U-value for the most energy-efficient windows.
A good rule of thumb is to buy the highest energy-rated windows you can afford. This means that while a C-rated window may be ok, you will likely not enjoy the same benefits that you can get from a B-rated window, and the difference in cost will be mitigated by your energy savings and overall comfort.
Mistake 4: Not Hiring a Professional Installer
Explanation:
It may be tempting to save money by ‘having a go’ at fitting your windows and doors. There are plenty of online tutorials, and what’s the worst that can happen?
Well, you could mess up the measurements and have units that do not fit the spaces. You could fit the windows or doors incorrectly, creating draughts and exposure to the elements. There is also the safety element to consider, especially with second-story windows.
If you make any mistakes, you will likely need a professional to fix them, and it will probably cost you more in the long run. If you fit them yourself, you will still have to pay for them to be signed off by a professional.
Solution:
Our team includes in-house CERTASS-accredited fitters who are more than happy to arrange a convenient time for installation when you purchase our products. Not only can you be sure you are receiving the best possible service, but you don’t have to find a professional fitter or worry about messing it up yourself.
Mistake 5: Neglecting to Match Windows and Doors to Home’s Architecture
Explanation:
You might love the look of ultra-modern windows and doors, but if you live in a period property, you must be sympathetic to the building’s aesthetic. This is particularly important if you live in a listed building or your home is in a conservation area where planning permission may be required. The reverse is also true, as more traditional features could look out of place in a contemporary dwelling.
Solution:
We offer heritage styles and imitation wood grains to mimic authentic traditional windows and doors, suitable even for listed buildings. You can also customise your windows and doors with an array of colours and hardware.
Mistake 6: Overlooking Maintenance Requirements
Explanation:
When we see something beautiful (or that matches our budget), it is easy to forget more practical aspects, such as maintenance. But, without proper care and attention, some windows and doors have a significantly reduced shelf life.
Solution:
All Manchester Window Factory windows and doors have at least a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee as standard. This includes general wear and tear. However, you should still consider your specific circumstances. Are your windows or doors likely to come into contact with lots of sticky fingers? – self-cleaning glass could be a good option. If you live by the coast or in an area with a lot of rain or storms, stormproof windows could be your best bet. It is about ensuring your windows and doors work for you rather than becoming a burden requiring lots of time and effort.
Mistake 7: Not Considering the Future
Explanation:
Particularly with a small budget, it is easy to ignore the long-term performance of your new windows or doors. However, thinking short-term can lead to poor choices. For example, a short-term view does not factor in the money saved over time, the cost of maintenance and repairs, and whether the windows and doors will still be suitable in five or ten years.
Single-glazing, once ubiquitous in UK homes, is no longer suitable for modern living and is being phased out by the UK Government. As part of the Heat and Buildings Strategy, which aims to decarbonise our homes and reach net zero by 2050, the Government is encouraging homeowners to switch to double or triple glazing.
Solution:
Think what you will need from your windows and doors in five, ten years and beyond. UK Building Regulations will likely continue to crack down on energy-inefficient homes, including windows and doors, so factor that in when making your decision. Also, consider how your life may have changed and whether the door or windows will continue to meet your requirements. For example, do you plan to have children or get a pet? You may regret purchasing hard-to-clean windows. Similarly, as the UK climate becomes more extreme, we may need to insulate and ventilate our homes better.
Conclusion
These issues are common because they are easy to get wrong. Thankfully, with planning and some insider knowledge, you can avoid window replacement mistakes and ensure your new windows and doors enhance your property.
Take your time to calculate potential energy savings and maintenance costs, look closely at the surrounding architecture and decor, measure the space carefully and hire a professional installer such as one of our in-house fitters. That way, you can be sure your new windows will stand the test of time.
Get In Touch Today
At Manchester Window Factory, we are experts in providing and installing the highest quality UPVC, aluminium and timber windows. We can talk you through your options and offer a free, no-obligation quote for your consideration. We also offer a pay monthly scheme to help you spread the cost. If you would like further information on any of our products or services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you!
