A window of opportunity from the Chancellor Posted On 21 August 2020
They may not be top of your shopping list when it comes to taking advantage of the Stamp Duty holiday but replacing windows and doors should be
Windows. No, not the Microsoft operating system. The glass ones you only notice when a cold draught sends a winter chill knifing through your lovely, warm house.
They are one of the most important components in your home yet are consistently overlooked when it comes to maintenance… until there are problems.
That’s why it makes sense to take advantage of the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak’s decision to relax Stamp Duty until 31 March next year and invest time – and the money you had earmarked to save the tax – into checking over the windows in your new home and, if necessary, replacing them.
The latter option may be one of the most cost-effective improvements you will make. Quality, well-insulated windows could last up to 25 years as long as they are well maintained and the seals are not damaged, keeping the cold out and your fuel bills down.
Plus they offer good UV protection. Everybody loves a nice, naturally well-lit home but excessive ultraviolet rays can accelerate fading in soft furnishings whereas double glazing with argon gas between the panes can significantly reduce damage. As one industry expert commented: ”It really is like sunscreen for your house”.
Other major plusses include a reduction in outside noise, as well as increased security – tempered glass is more likely to break into small granular chunks if broken, thereby reducing the risk of serious injury if the pane is accidentally damaged, while laminated glass has a polymer interlayer holding the glass together if shattered, offering protection against intruders.
Similarly frames and locks are likely to be sturdier on newer windows than after a few years wear and tear.
And there is the not insignificant matters of curb appeal and future value of your home to consider.
New and improved windows will undoubtedly improve the aesthetics, both inside and out, adding visual interest and ultimately bolster resale value. In fact, industry experts estimate homeowners can recoup more than 70per cent of their outlay when the time comes to move on.
So, having made the decision to replace the windows – and doors, naturally – do you go for double or triple glazing? Obviously, the latter is better (but not by much) for heat efficiency, noise reduction, condensation control and security.
But they are bulky causing stress on hinges and corner joints, are more expensive to repair – particularly if there are issues with the middle pane because of temperature differences.
In the end, it’s all down to budget. But a highly-rated double-glazed window should be more than capable of repelling anything the UK weather can throw at it.
Connect with us
View by date
Recent Posts
Motivation: It’s an attitude thing
Are you struggling to keep your motivation up working from home? Here are some helpful tips to keep you at your best. A lot of us have been working at home for nearly a year now. Some are lucky and have a natural motivation, while others may struggle, perhaps without other people in the …
Continue reading “Motivation: It’s an attitude thing”
Read more...
End of homeschooling to increase the number of properties coming to the market
Buyer demand and house prices rising and new properties coming to the market are expected to rise in line with the schools going back The latest study by Rightmove shows that demand from buyers is growing, with numbers so far this year way ahead of last year, however, buyer demand is outstripping new supply. …
Continue reading “End of homeschooling to increase the number of properties coming to the market”
Read more...
118 days to go!
Light at the end of the tunnel, as Boris Johnson announces ‘Roadmap” out of Lockdown which could mean a return to normality in 118 days Yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the “roadmap” for easing restrictions in England and finally coming out of this long winter lockdown. The long-term aim is to lift all …
Continue reading “118 days to go!”
Read more...
Top Lockdown gadgets
The top 5 gadgets that have made lockdown more bearable Over the past year, people have been finding new hobbies and gadgets to get them through spending so much time at home… While some have turned to Netflix and other streaming services, others have turned to consoles, while others have spent more time …
Continue reading “Top Lockdown gadgets”
Read more...
Feng shui: the basics
During these lockdowns, it’s important to stay positive and be comfortable in your surroundings, which is what makes the practise of Feng Shui perfect Feng shui was developed over 3,000 years ago in China. It teaches people how they can balance the energies in any space with the arrangement of objects. This could be …
Continue reading “Feng shui: the basics”
Read more...