Buying new windows to replace old windows in your home is a huge project. Not only is it a large financial investment, it should also be an investment of your time too, in order to make the best decision possible. After all, replacement windows should last 10-15 years before needing to be replaced again.
The Ultimate Guide to the Window Replacement Process
What Are the Steps to Installing a Window?
Here at Windows and Doors UK, we are experts when it comes to replacement windows. We manufacture and install wood replacement windows, made from high-quality, sustainable hardwood and timber.
We know the uncertainties that customers can face when it comes to choosing replacement windows and doors. Therefore, we have put together this handy step-by-step guide to support you in the first step to purchasing your new windows and doors.
Whether you are simply looking to buy a new front door or are installing replacement windows in your portfolio of properties, this blog post should support you in your journey.
You’re replacing your windows or doors – now what?
So, you’ve decided that you are ready to invest in new doors or windows for your home. Perhaps it is the first time that you have needed to replace windows and doors. After all, changing your windows or doors should not be a regular occurence. Here at Windows and Doors UK, we supply and fit wooden windows which we feel are superior to aluminium and UPVC alternatives. Our doors and windows offer durability, quality, security and practicality. Our installation service is also seamless. This means that when investing in new doors or windows you get an all-round package that offers you an excellent service and peace of mind.
The great thing about wooden windows and doors is that they are much superior quality than aluminium or UPVC and offer a high quality finish for all homes.
Although some people believe that wooden windows are not as long-lasting or durable to plastic and metal options, in fact, our wooden replacement windows are highly durable and extremely long lasting. With options to add double or triple glazing, our wood windows are energy efficient too. Additionally, due to the quality of the wood, our windows require minimal maintenance.
Step One: Consider the cost of replacing windows UK
How much does it cost to replace windows?
Before making any decision when it comes to a new window or door, you should consider the cost of replacing windows and doors in the UK. Whilst it isn’t always best to go with the cheapest option, you don’t want to be paying more than necessary either.
Determine Where to Buy
Companies like us at Windows and Doors UK offer a fair price on our premium product. It can be a good idea to do your research and not simply opt for a window company that comes around knocking on your front door to make sales. Often these are UPVC windows that are generally lower quality than wood options. The benefits of researching the right company for you and the right material will mean that you are far more likely to make a sensible, and successful choice.
You may pay a little more for a good quality window from a reputable company at the time of the project, however, in the long-run this could save you money. After all, opting for the cheapest option may mean that you have a poor quality product fitted without the expertise a more reputable company could offer. This is likely to lead to problems with the windows early on into their lifetime. You don’t want to again be spending money to fix problems from poorly fitted windows.
Step two: Choose your product
Once you have done your research into how much your windows and doors should cost, chosen the company that you should buy them from and considered you budget, you are at the stage of the window replacement process whereby you are ready to choose your product.
At this stage, you will need to think about the style of window or door that most suits you and your house, as well as any fixtures or fittings that will work well with the given product.
Measuring for Replacements
As well as choosing your product, measuring your window and door frames is an important part of the process when it comes to the window replacement project. Any small gap between the window openings will cause weathering elements to leak through and could create problems such as damp, loss of energy (which will impact your energy bills) and cause your window frames to have a lack of durability.
At Windows and Doors UK, our friendly and dedicated team can help you when it comes to you deciding on your new windows and doors, and also measuring up for replacing your existing window or door .
How to Find Experienced Window Installers
The first port of call when looking for experienced window installers is to look online. Make sure you read any reviews and take a good look at the website. Once you have found two or three installers that you would be confident in opting for, then give them a call.
Remember that it is important to check that the installation crew will remove the old window frame and that the replacement window replacement process includes the full frame replacement.
How to Get the Proper Measurements for Replacement Windows
At the point of calling your supplier and installer, you should ask if you can get an expert to come in and measure for your replacement window or door. This will ensure that your windows are ordered correctly and fitted perfectly. Any issues with fitting could cause damp and other problems in your house.
While most windows are standard sizes, there can be an element of difference in various homes and therefore it is highly recommended to get a professional to measure up for your new window or door.
If you are still enquiring about pricing at this stage and don’t want the window installer to come out and visit your house, you could enquire about an average size window in order to compare prices.
Once you have decided on your window frame, had the measurements taken and invested in the installation process from a specific company, such as Windows and Doors UK, you are ready to move onto the next step. The window installer should measure the existing frame thoroughly, including the exterior trim, the sill, the interior, the opening, the head jamb and side jamb. What’s more, if you are having sash windows installed then then the professional installer should measure each element of the window, including the lower sash, window opening, sill and trim.
A securely fitting new door or window frame will be low maintenance and avoid losing heat from your property and allowing weathering elements in.
Step 3: Prepare for window and door delivery
Once you are happy with your choice of window and door replacement, the replacement process begins and it is time to start preparing your home for the project.
First of all, you will need to ensure that your home is suitable to receive the delivery. You should inform the supplier of any access issues to your home, for example, steep driveways, poor road surfacing or a lack of rear access.
Next you should ensure there is a clear entrance into your house and explain to the supplier and window installer exactly how they can gain access into the property.
The Window Installation Process
When it comes to the start of the window installation process, the installation crew will bring everything they need to insert replacement window projects efficiently. They will ensure that your home is left tidy and undamaged by replacing windows carefully and adhering to their professional training.
It is worth noting here that replacing your own windows is not recommended as, while you think you may be saving money initially, there are a number of factors that can “go wrong” if attempting to install the window yourself. This, in turn, leads to the need to call out window replacement professionals, landing you with an even bigger bill due to your initial outlay of finance for your attempt at becoming a DIY window installer.
Professional suppliers and installers such as our team at Windows and Doors UK have the necessary tools, such as, spray foam, drop cloths, fiberglass insulation, a selection of utility knife choices and parting beads for every new construction.
How long will window and door replacement take?
The length of time it will take to complete your window or door replacement depends on a number of factors including: The size of the project, the type of windows or doors you choose and the space available to work in.
It is important that the project is not rushed to ensure that your door or window installation is effective and efficient.
Install Exterior Trimming and Weatherproofing
Energy efficient windows are often high priority for our customers. Not only can a window frame that offers energy efficiency save money on your fuel bills, it can increase the value of your property and justify the initial outlay of replacing windows in the first place.
The level of energy efficiency that your new windows have will depend on the product, as well as how well it is fitted. This is also the case with replacement front doors.
Ultimately, by choosing a professional window provider and installer like us at Windows and Doors UK, then you will be choosing wood windows or front doors that offer optimal energy efficiency.
Do you install replacement windows from the inside or outside?
Installers will need to have access into the interior of you home. However, it depends on the type of window your opt for, how much space there is inside your property and a number of factors based on each individual project.
Generally it is agreed that it is easier to install windows from the exterior, but it is important to note that your installer will need internal access to the property when installing the frame.
How long does it take to install windows?
This again depends on the size of the project and the type of product you choose. It is important that the project is not rushed and completed to an exceptionally high standard. An issue with just one opening, frame or sill could cause unwanted continued issues such as mould and damp that are much better to be avoided.
Once you have had your new windows and doors fitted, you should check the seals, the fitting and the fixtures to make sure you are happy with the work carried out.
7 Questions To Ask Any Window Replacement Contractor
Here are some questions you may want to ask any window replacement contractor before they start work on your property.
- Where are your products supplied from? Is it a sustainable source?
- Where can I read reviews about your business?
- How long will it take to finish installing the project?
- How many installers will be part of the installation crew?
- Do you offer a discounted price for more than one window?
- How much space do you need for the installation?
- Can you ensure that my walls will not be damaged?
There undoubtedly may be more questions you would like to ask your window installer. It is essential that whichever company you choose come and see your home and particularly the room or rooms where the window is going to be replaced.
They will need to check the size of the replacement, as well as the window opening, the trim and the frame. The last thing you want to do is opt for a company that install a product that you then need to replace shortly after!
At Windows and Doors UK, we supply and fit doors and windows in whatever room of your home. You can be sure that we offer a complete installation that offers superior quality to most door and window installation companies.
