Windows and Doors

 

UPVC windows

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) is a low maintenance material that is often used as a substitute for painted wood windows.

UPVC windows are energy efficient and thermally efficient, stopping heat from escaping from your home.

Another advantage of UPVC windows is that they do not need painting, and are easy to maintain with regular window cleaning inside and out.

 

Wooden windows

Wood is often considered to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials for windows. It can offer good energy efficiency and thermal efficiency and come in many different styles.

Wooden windows require more maintenance than UPVC or metal windows and can be susceptible to rot, water damage, cracking or warping due to heat and moisture.

Wooden windows need regular maintenance, staining or repainting to protect the wood underneath and keep your home energy efficient and secure.

 

Metal windows

Like UPVC, metal windows are low maintenance, and unlike wood, they are resistant to warping or rot.

Metal windows can also be stronger than UPVC or wood, but may not be suitable for the property, can be more susceptible to rust and can be more expensive than UPVC.

 

FENSA - Most popular window styles

Discover some of the most popular window styles in the UK and make the right choice when you improve your home.

Find the best option for your property and get your new windows fitted by a FENSA Approved Installer.

Whatever type of window is right for you, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure that new or replacement windows are compliant and registered with the local council. However, if using a FENSA approved installer, they will do this for you.

You can find out more about FENSA approved window and door installations, and find a FENSA approved installer at Fensa.org.uk.

 

Window locks

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Security for more information about keeping your home secure.

 

Double glazing is a type of window constructed of two layers of glass with a third layer of gas sealed between them. Double glazed windows can offer a number of benefits to your home, including:

• Better insulation and ventilation
• Improved energy efficiency (reducing the amount of heating you need to use)
• Improved security
• Reduced condensation

Older or poorly installed double glazing can have problems. For example, if the seal between the two layers of glass breaks, the gas can escape and allow condensation to form between the panes. This can often be fixed or resealed, but left unattended it can lead to longer-term problems with damp and mound growth, or reduce the efficiency of the windows.

 

Trickle vents

Double glazed windows often have ‘trickle vents’ built in. These small vents allow air to circulate through a room and let polluted air out. They are designed to improve the air quality in the home.

Trickle vents should be left open to ensure proper ventilation in your home.

The Government has produced guidance on ventilation in homes and what building regulations require.

 

Insulation and ventilation

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Insulation for more information about insulating and ventilating your home.

 

Window locks

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Security for more information about keeping your home secure.

 

FENSA

FENSA is a government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors.

FENSA makes sure the work complies with building regulations, is energy efficient, and registered with the local council. They also verify that every FENSA approved installer’s guarantee is insured.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure that new or replacement windows and doors are compliant and registered with the local council. However, if using a FENSA approved installer, they will do this for you.

You can find out more about FENSA approved window and door installations, and find a FENSA approved installer at Fensa.org.uk.

 

UPVC doors

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) is a low maintenance material that is often used as a substitute for painted wood.

UPVC doors are energy efficient and thermally efficient, stopping heat from escaping from your home.

Another advantage of UPVC doors is that they do not need painting, and are easy to maintain and clean.

 

Wooden doors

Wood is often considered to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials for doors. It can offer good energy efficiency and thermal efficiency and comes in many different styles.

Wooden doors require more maintenance than other types of door and can be susceptible to rot, water damage, cracking or warping due to heat and moisture.

Wooden doors need regular maintenance, staining or repainting to protect the wood underneath and to keep your home energy efficient and secure.

 

Metal doors

Like UPVC, metal doors are low maintenance, and unlike wood, they are resistant to warping or rot.

Metal doors can also be stronger than UPVC or wood, but may not be suitable for the property, can be more susceptible to rust and can be more expensive than UPVC.

 

Composite doors

Composite doors are low maintenance, durable and secure. They come in a range of colours and designs and are usually made from a solid timber core with an external layer of UPVC, laminate or other durable material.

Because of this, composite doors are durable, denser and robust and require little maintenance; however, that can also be more expensive than standard UPVC options.

Whatever type of door is right for you, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure that new or replacement doors are compliant and registered with the local council. However, if using a FENSA approved installer, they will do this for you.

 

FENSA – Guide to aluminium front doors vs composite doors

FENSA’s guide to aluminium front doors vs composite doors lets you compare the options to make the right choice for your home.

Read FENSA's guide to aluminium front doors and composite doors

 

FENSA - Popular patio door styles

FENSA’s guide to the most popular patio door styles will help you understand the options to open up your living space to fresh air and natural light all year round.

Read FENSA's guide to the most popular patio door styles

 

Door locks

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Security for more information about keeping your home secure.

 

FENSA

FENSA is a government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors.

FENSA makes sure the work complies with building regulations, is energy efficient, and registered with the local council. They also verify that every FENSA approved installer’s guarantee is insured.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure that new or replacement windows and doors are compliant and registered with the local council. However, if using a FENSA approved installer, they will do this for you.

You can find out more about FENSA approved window and door installations, and find a FENSA approved installer at Fensa.org.uk.

 

Windows and doors in conservation areas and listed buildings

If your house is listed or you live in a conservation area, you should seek advice before making changes to your windows and doors as listed building consent may be required.

Listed buildings preserve the architectural and historic interest of special buildings, and place additional planning controls and considerations on works to the building.

Conservation areas preserve the architectural and historic interest of a place, and put additional planning controls and considerations on works to buildings in the area.

If your windows are of historic interest, they should be retained wherever possible or repaired to match the original.

If your house is listed or in a conservation area with restrictions on the work you can do without planning permission, you may need consent from your local planning authority to replace or make alterations to windows.

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Planning and Building Control for more information about making changes to a building that is listed or in a conservation area, and how to contact your local planning authority.

Download the Historic England guide to Traditional Windows: their care, repair and upgrading.

 

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Paying for works for more information about funding works.