New Build Windows and Doors

First Steps When Self-Building

Perhaps the best way to start off your project is byattending one of the many exhibitions aimed at people undertaking new build projects. Events, such as the Build It shows or the National Self Build and Renovation Centre, will have a number of different suppliers who you can talk to about your build, ask for advice and help you decide how to progress. There are often short presentations throughout the day that cover specific areas of interest.

Alternatively, there is lots of information online including our general guide to buying windows and other areas of interest to consider.

But first, here is a selection of choices for new build windows and doors that you’re sure to come across and what we would recommend:

Double or Triple Glazing

This is where you have the opportunity to build the most airtight and energy efficient home possible. In the UK, regulations allow for any level of glazing. However, building regulations in Denmark have made triple glazing a requirement.

For new build homes, we recommend triple glazing for better insulation, airtightness and sound reduction. Pairing this with a mechanical heat recovery system offers a cold-in-summer, warm-in-winter home. Although, this may not be suitable for every project if you know your chosen materials won’t complement the choice.

Trickle Vents

Having briefly mentioned mechanical heat recovery, trickle vents are an alternative method of background ventilation. Trickle vents are essentially a hole cut into the window frame with a cover that you can open and close. Somewhat obviously, high end manufacturers don’t recommend installing them in their class 4 triple glazed windows. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t, but more of a note saying that including those vents undoes a level of the insulation.

If trickle vents are a must-have for you, you can avoid a visible “hood vent” on the outside. Both of the windows below have trickle vents but one is more obvious than the other and this is completely down to personal preference, and budget.

Traditional or Modern

This is a very flexible area of the design process andcomes down to whatever you would prefer. Manufacturers make bothtraditional and modern-looking windows to the same standards. So there is no need to buy the most modern-looking window to achieve the best energy efficiency. There are a number of ways to make a window appear more modern or more traditional without impacting their performance.

Timber Windows

Your first thought may be about the level of maintenance surrounding timber window frames . To keep a timber window looking and performing good-as-new, you should expect them to require upkeep every five years. However, we completely understand that this isn’t for everyone but the benefits of timber windows may outweigh this for you. Especially when you consider that a well-maintained wooden window can last 50+ years.

If energy efficiency is a priority for you, finger-jointed heartwood timber is a great place to start. The material is highly insulating and timber interiors in general provide a lovely warm feeling inside a home. Especially if you purchase a high quality timber that is finished with a water-based paint.

Aluminium-Clad Timber Windows

If you are immediately discouraged by the upkeep of timber windows, do not worry. You’re not alone!

Composite (alu-clad timber) windows were created for this exact reason. These windows allow for longevity (with a lifespan of over 80 years ) and require very little maintenance due to the protective aluminium layer on the outside.

Although, you’ll often find that alu-clad timber windows cost a noticeable amount more than any other option. They are definitely a long term investment but they have so many added benefits that make them perfect for a new build property.

Plastic and Aluminium Windows

Although these two materials are very different, we are discussing them together because, for us, they end in the same conclusion. We do not recommend uPVC or aluminium-only windows for new build properties.

We avoid uPVC as a material due to the damage it causes to the environment without providing any noticeable gain to customers. Plastic windows generate 43% more waste than timber. Of which, 83% goes to landfill, 15% is incinerated (releasing hazardous chemicals) and only 3% is recycled.^{[Thompson, C., 2005]} The table below outlines that you, the buyer, don’t even benefit from this over time as you must replace them more often. So as a company, we believe that plastic windows should no longer be sold.

Aluminium Windows

Security in New Build Windows

In the UK, we have our separate set of tests and certifications from the rest of Europe. This means that products from elsewhere in Europe may not have been tested to align with UK regulations. So, a lot of high-end products initially don’t seem like an option.

Luckily, many local building control officers are familiar with European security certifications. As long as this is comparative or better than PAS24 (the main UK certification), then this meets the national standard and is suitable for new build homes.

Building Regulations for New Build Homes

As a minimum, for your new build windows and doors, your supplier should be able to provide evidence that the relevant windows comply withPart B for fire egress,Part F for different types of ventilation,Part K (mainly safety glass for windows in critical areas, but also restricted openings where needed),Part L (essentially U-values, insulation and energy conservation), andPart M for disabled access.

First, we will work alongside you to decide which rooms are bedrooms (must have fire escapes), which windows are within 800mm of floor level or 300mm of a door (safety glass) and the final dimensions of the unit. Afterwards, we will provide an overall Uw-value for each individual unit and discuss the necessary safety measures to put in place within your home.