Double glazing has become a staple of properties since the 90’s, and in the 2000’s virtually every British home had double or even triple glazed windows installed amongst rising energy prices and concerns of global warming. These have traditionally come in white PVC and aluminium frames. Older white PVC windows can however suffer photodegradation and go yellow when exposed to exposed to sunlight and start to look very tatty indeed.
Wood alternatives
Double glazed windows can also be made out of wood and is generally considered the aesthetic option. Wood windows can last a very long time if treated well and do not suffer photodegradation however can end up being more vulnerable to the weather, especially if you live in a windy coastal location. PVC therefore gives a better insulated window in many circumstances.
Do They Devalue your house?
There is the perception among some that these PVC windows devalue a property. Bright white plastic windows set against 100 year old architecture can seem a bit of a mismatch, no? This is probably true, you don’t want to have ancient windows that were replaced with a cheap alternative in the 90’s – this will probably ward buyers off and give an indication as to the condition of the rest of the property. New PVC windows however shouldn’t devalue property and with the advancement of plastics a range of options are available.
Harmony between new and old
New PVC windows are different and a good few decades of development have meant that a PVC can be made to look very much like wood. Increased customization options also ensure you’ll be able to match the window frame measurements too, making sure that your property is in harmony. Expect to pay a premium for such windows however, and make sure they are covered when you obtain any property insurance quotes.