Windows Buying Guide

Window Buying Guide: How to Choose New Windows

Start by identifying your priorities

Choosing new windows starts with understanding your priorities. The ideal windows strike the right balance between energy efficiency, security, style, budget and noise reduction, taking into consideration what best matches the needs of your home. Energy efficiency, security, style, budget and noise reduction.

Listing your priorities first helps keep the rest of the decision-making process straightforward. At our Rushden showroom, most customers start with their priorities, then choose the frame material before selecting colours and finishing details.

Step one, pick the right window material

Three main material options each suit different homes and priorities.

uPVC windows

The most popular UK window material. Multi-chamber profiles deliver good thermal performance. Multi-point locking handles security. Available in white, the full RAL palette and wood-grain foils. Low maintenance and the most affordable option. Suits most family homes and modern properties.

Aluminium windows

The contemporary choice. Slim sightlines, powder-coated finish that lasts 25 years or more, and the strength to handle larger panes than uPVC can. Best for new builds, modern renovations and properties wanting maximum glass area and a clean architectural look.

Wooden windows

Authentic timber for period homes, listed buildings and conservation areas. Real grain, the full RAL palette, and the option of natural stains and oils. Needs periodic re-painting or re-staining on exposed elevations every 5 to 7 years.

If you’re unsure which material suits your home, visit our Rushden showroom and compare samples side by side.

Step two, choose the window style

Six main window styles cover the UK market and each suit different applications.

Casement windows

Side-hinged windows that open outward. The most popular UK window style. Best for most modern installations and properties without specific style requirements. Available across uPVC, aluminium and timber.

Sash windows

Vertically-sliding windows with two glazed sashes. The traditional British style for Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian period properties. Available in uPVC and timber.

Bay windows

Windows that project outward from the wall, creating an angled or curved bay. Defining feature of Victorian and Edwardian terraced and semi-detached properties.

Tilt and turn windows

Dual-function windows that tilt for ventilation or fully open inward for cleaning without the need for access equipment or scaffolding.. Popular in flats, apartments and contemporary properties.

Flush casement windows

Casement variant where the sash sits level with the frame for a clean traditional appearance. Best for period properties and contemporary minimalist designs.

Bow windows

Curved variant of the bay window concept. Suits Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties and modern properties wanting softer rounded projection.

Step three, choose the glazing spec

The glazing specification of the sealed unit is largely what determines the level of energy and acoustic performance.

Double glazing

The standard UK glazing spec. Two glass panes sealed and gas filled. Delivers U-values from 1.4 W/m²K with Low-E glass. Standard across all our window ranges and the most popular choice for new installations.

Triple glazing

Three glass panes sealed and gas filled. Delivers U-values from 0.8 W/m²K, around 25 to 30% better than double glazing. Best for exposed elevations, properties near busy roads, and new builds aiming for the highest energy efficiency rating.

Low-E glass

Microscopic metallic coating on one glass surface inside the sealed unit. Reflects internal heat back into the room during winter whilst still allowing beneficial solar warmth to enter during summer. Comes as standard with our double and triple-glazed units.

Acoustic-laminated glass

Acoustic interlayer between glass panes absorbs sound energy. Cuts external noise by up to 45 decibels when combined with triple glazing. Best for properties near busy roads, flight paths, schools or commercial neighbours.

Step four, security spec for new windows

Window security is measured against recognised certification standards, not vague marketing claims. Look for these on the specification:

  • PAS 24:2022 tests the complete window assembly against forced entry methods
  • TS 007 3-Star cylinder resists snapping, drilling and picking at the highest tested level
  • Secured by Design (SBD) UK Police-backed certification with independent testing
  • Multi-point hook locking engages at multiple points around the frame perimeter
  • Internally-beaded glazing prevents the glass being removed from outside
  • Laminated security glass holds together when broken, preventing reach-through attacks

A well-balanced security specification is more eAective than relying on one premium component. The cylinder, hinges and locking hardware should be considered as a complete package.

Step five, energy performance

Energy performance is measured by U-value (heat loss through the window, lower is better) and BFRC energy ratings (A++ to E, like fridge ratings).

Look for U-values:

  • Below 1.4 W/m²K for standard new window installations
  • From 1.2 W/m²K for double glazing with Low-E glass
  • From 0.8 W/m²K for triple glazing with Low-E glass on premium installations

UK Building Regulations Part L require new windows to achieve at least band C BFRC rating. Our windows comfortably exceed the minimum requirement.

Step six, colour and finish

The full RAL colour palette is available across the uPVC, aluminium and timber window ranges. These are some of the most popular options among homeowners:

  • Anthracite grey as the leading modern colour
  • Classic white as the traditional timeless choice
  • Black for contemporary contrast
  • Chartwell green for period properties
  • Heritage cream for cottages and rural properties
  • Wood-grain foils for timber appearance without the maintenance

Dual-colour finishes give one colour outside and a different one inside. See our window colours page for the full palette.

Window Buying Guide FAQs

How do I choose the right windows for my home?

To choose the right windows for your home, start with your main priorities: energy efficiency, security, style, budget, maintenance and noise reduction. uPVC windows are a practical all-round choice, aluminium windows suit modern homes and slim sightlines, and timber windows are often chosen for period properties. You can then compare window styles, glazing options, colours and hardware to create the right specification for you.

Which window material is best: uPVC, aluminium or timber?

The best window material depends on your home and priorities. uPVC is cost-effective, low maintenance and suitable for many family homes. Aluminium offers slim frames, strength and a contemporary appearance. Timber provides natural character and is often chosen for period homes, listed buildings and conservation areas, although it usually needs more ongoing maintenance.

Which window security features should I consider?

Useful window security features include multi-point locking, strong hinges, lockable handles, internally beaded glazing, reinforced frames and laminated security glass for accessible windows. For ground-floor or exposed windows, enhanced security hardware and upgraded glazing can provide extra protection and peace of mind.

What U-value should new windows have?

A lower U-value means better insulation, because less heat passes through the window. Modern double glazed and triple glazed windows can offer strong thermal performance when specified with Low-E glass, warm edge spacer bars, insulated frames and effective seals. The right U-value depends on your home, budget and energy efficiency goals.

What types of windows does Homeefe offer?

Homeefe offers a range of window types, including casement windows, sash windows, bay windows, bow windows, tilt and turn windows and flush casement windows. Each style suits different property types, design preferences and ventilation needs, from traditional sash windows for period homes to aluminium casement windows for modern properties.

Can I customise the style, colour, glass and hardware of my new windows?

Yes. New windows can be customised with different frame materials, colours, glazing specifications, privacy glass, decorative glass, acoustic glass, handle finishes, locking systems and opening styles. This allows you to balance appearance, performance, security and budget in one tailored window package.

Do I need planning permission for new windows?

Most like-for-like replacement windows on standard homes do not need planning permission. However, consent may be needed for listed buildings, conservation areas, major style changes or changes to original materials. It is always best to check local requirements before work begins, especially on heritage or protected properties.

What paperwork should I expect after new windows are fitted?

After new windows are fitted, you will receive installation paperwork including: guarantee documents, product information and certification provided for the project. These documents should be kept as they can be useful for future maintenance, warranty queries and property sales, especially if solicitors ask for evidence of replacement glazing work.

How long does new window installation take?

The full new window installation timeline depends on the material, colour, glazing specification, window style and project size. uPVC windows are often quicker to manufacture than aluminium or timber, while specialist colours, bay windows or heritage-style designs may take longer. Once the windows are ready, many standard installations are completed in one to two days on site.

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Which Window Type Suits Your Property?

Different UK property types suit different window styles:

Victorian terraces

  • Sash windows as the original style for most front elevations
  • Bay windows on ground-floor front elevations
  • Heritage colours including white, Chartwell Green and Oxford Blue

Edwardian semis

  • Bay windows on ground floor and sometimes first floor
  • Flush casement for rear and side elevations
  • Sash windows for properties desiring period authenticity

1930s semis

  • Casement windows as the original style on most properties
  • Smaller bay configurations on ground floor front elevations
  • Anthracite grey or classic white for contemporary update

Modern townhouses

  • Aluminium casement windows for slim sightlines
  • Tilt and turn windows for upper floors
  • Anthracite grey or matt black from our contemporary colour palette

Country cottages

  • Timber flush casement windows for authentic appearance
  • Wood-grain foil uPVC for timber look with lower maintenance
  • Heritage colours including cream and Chartwell Green

New builds

  • uPVC or aluminium casement windows in contemporary colours
  • Bi-fold and tilt and turn in larger configurations
  • Anthracite grey, matt black or warm white reflecting modern preferences

Window costs by style and material

Typical UK fitted prices:

  • uPVC casement windows £400 to £800 per window
  • Aluminium casement windows £700 to £1,200 per window
  • Timber casement windows £900 to £1,800 per window
  • uPVC sash windows £600 to £1,200 per window
  • Timber sash windows £1,400 to £2,800 per window
  • uPVC bay windows £1,800 to £3,500 fitted for the bay assembly
  • Aluminium bay windows £3,000 to £5,500 fitted

Regulations and paperwork

FENSA registration

FENSA-registered installation ensures your replacement windows meet UK Building Regulations and are registered with the local authority. The certificate stays with the property and is often requested during a house sale.

Planning permission

Replacing windows with similar style and size doesn’t usually require planning consent. Exceptions apply for listed buildings, conservation areas and significant style changes. Check before ordering if you think your property may be affected.

Our window buying process

The full process from first enquiry to fitted windows takes 4 to 10 weeks depending on frame material.

  1. Free quote with itemised pricing covering material, style, glazing and colour
  2. Survey by our FENSA-registered team with accurate measurements
  3. Manufacture built to spec and quality-checked before dispatch
  4. Fit and sign-off with FENSA certificate and full guarantee paperwork

For the full installation process, visit the page how we work.

We serve Northampton, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Kettering, Cambridge, Peterborough, Rugby, Hemel Hempstead and surrounding towns within 80 km of Rushden. UK-wide delivery covers supply-only orders.

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