The window that never rots, never splits

We've already talked about what makes upvc double glazing so energy efficient, but of course lowering energy bills is only part of the appeal of modern upvc windows.

Homeowners are equally attracted by the low maintenance and long life of upvc installations, and with good reason.

Upvc windows have been with us for over 25 years now and many of those early installations are still going strong.

But tastes and technology moves on in leaps and bounds and many homeowners are now replacing first-generation upvc windows with new installations.

Aside from a little cleaning and the occasional lubrication of moving parts like hinges and locks, you can expect a long life from your 'plastic' windows.

Compared to wooden windows, which require a re-coat or fresh paint every few years, and it's not hard to see why so many of us choose upvc windows.

They never rot or split, and the first generation problems of some warping occurring have long been addressed with frame design and installation techniques.

Discolouration? That's another problem from another era. Modern plastic extrusion - the stuff frames are made from - includes ingredients that fix the colour and prevent the fading effects of strong sunlight.

Culturally, the amount of 'free' time we now get and how we spend that free time has changed dramatically. One sign of this is the increase in low-maintenance gardens with larger patio and decked areas. In the modern age, we simply don't seem to have the time to do all those exterior maintenance jobs we once used to. This included stripping, prepping and re-painting the exterior of wooden windows.

*This article first appeared in our weekly homeowner newsletter - issue 21st February 2011.

uPVC double glazing window maintenance - prolonging their life

Spotted on Home Improvement Quotes Blog - Prolonging the life of your uPVC windows and doors.

One of the major selling points of uPVC frames is the relatively small amount of ongoing maintenance they require, in comparison to other materials.

Whilst it’s true that they do not require a great deal of maintenance, though, there are still a few things you should keep a close check on if you want to maximise the potential life of your units – and keeping on top of window maintenance could save you thousands of pounds further on down the line.

Maintenance is especially important if the window or door in question is a fire escape route, whether that be at home or in a commercial setting.

The most common problems come when handles or locking mechanisms break, or the hinges seize up. These mechanisms make up the majority of the moving parts of the window frame Thankfully, taking just a few minutes every 6 to 12 months is all it takes.

Read the full article on the Home Improvement Quotes Blog by clicking here.

photo credit: squeakymarmot