Windows form a crucial element of every home. Imagine a house with no windows? It’s utterly barbaric! Your choice of windows matters more than you think as it influences your interior and exterior design, as well as altering how much light enters the home.
With that in mind, I’ve come up with a guide to help you make the right decision every single time. All you need to do is consider the following points:
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What style of window do you want?
There are loads of different window styles for you to choose from. This includes some of the following:
- Sash
- Fixed
- Casement
- Slider
- Bay
- Double-hung
There are pros and cons of each window style, so make sure you consider them before settling on your choice. Realistically, this decision is more about personal preference than anything else.
How energy efficient are the windows?
Energy efficiency is a huge concern. You want to buy windows that have an excellent energy rating. As a result, this means they will help you save money on your energy bills. Lots of brands like Fleetwood Windows are committing to energy-efficient windows all the time. Before you buy, compare the energy ratings of different manufacturers. You might find that one is more expensive than another, but has a far superior energy rating. As such, they might provide better value for money over time as they save more on your bills.
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How thick are the windows?
Window thickness goes hand in hand with energy efficiency. But, it’s also useful at blocking out sound from outside. The thicker your windows are, the better. Most windows are double-glazed, but there is triple-glazing out there too.
If you live out in a quiet area of the country, then double-glazing will probably be fine. But, if your house is in a busy area and really close to the road, then you might need a thicker option to make your home more soundproof.
How much privacy do you require?
A typical window won’t offer that much privacy. They’re see-through, which means people can look inside your home. This is usually alright, but there are some parts of your house where you need more privacy than others. The bathroom, for example, is an intimate place. If your bathroom window can be viewed from outside, then people could look in while you shower!
Therefore, in this scenario, you need extra privacy. This is where things like frosted glass or tinted windows come in handy. They offer the practical benefits of a standard window, but with additional privacy. Front door windows should also be more private, and you may want to think about other windows in your home as well.
Ultimately, these are the main questions to ask when buying windows. There’s one final thing to take into account – your budget. Consider how much you can spend on your windows before you begin your search. This ensures that you don’t spend too much money, and it also makes it easier to filter out the more expensive options.