Choosing the Perfect Windows

Selecting the right windows for your home can be a daunting task.

Windows and doors account for up to 10% of the budget in typical domestic new build projects, and choosing the right products is a decision that will impact your home’s aesthetics, energy efficiency, and overall value. With numerous options available, making an informed decision can be overwhelming.

How to choose the right windows? Let’s dive in.

This guide will explore the world of windows, comparing timber, aluminium, and composite frames, as well as the benefits of double and triple glazing. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to choose the perfect windows for your home.

What types of windows are available?

Window Frame Materials

There are several main types of window commonly available in the UK: uPVC, Timber, Aluminium and composite windows (made from either uPVC-Aluminium or Timber-Aluminium composites).

An image of a traditional barn conversion with anthracite grey aluminium clad timber composite windows

Composite windows: aluminium-clad timber windows can be used in heritage and period properties like this beautiful barn conversion.

uPVC Windows

UPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) windows offer budget-friendly, low-maintenance practicality with a range of styles. While they excel in durability and ease of care, they often fall short in terms of thermal performance, property value uplift, and aesthetic appeal compared to premium options like timber or aluminium.

uPVC: the pros

Cheaper to buy and install than other alternatives
Lightweight
Easily customisable

uPVC: The Cons

Not as energy efficient as timber or aluminium windows
Shorter lifespan than alternatives
Less money saved on energy bills
Less attractive
No uplift in property value compared to alternatives
Difficult to repair; need replaced when damaged
Less environmentally friendly (in materials, production & recycling)
Not as strong as other frame materials; needs a metal core for structural support

Aluminium windows

Known for their modern aesthetic, all-aluminium windows are durable, low maintenance, and can accommodate large glass panes. However, they are more expensive than uPVC, and even with thermal breaks and multi-chambered extrusions in the frame aluminium cannot match the thermal performance of timber in window frames.

Aluminium Windows: The Pros

Stronger than uPVC
Thin sightlines
Powder coated; attractive and more curb appeal than uPVC
Possible property value uplift
Finishes in any RAL colour (versatile design options)
Contemporary look
Low maintenance
No rotting or warping

Aluminium Windows: The cons

Not as energy-efficient as timber or alu-clad timber windows, even with thermal breaks - aluminium as a raw material is naturally a worse insulator than timber (around 800x less effective).
Less warmth and charm than timber
Less suitable for heritage or listed properties
Can be more expensive than timber-aluminium composite products, depending on the specification

The warmth of wood: timber finishes internally provide a natural finish in this award-winning extension project.

Timber windows

Timber windows offer a classic, traditional look and excellent insulation. However, they may require more regular maintenance than aluminium and uPVC models to prevent rot and warping if engineered (or ‘laminated’) timber is not used. Learn more about the timber used in Norrsken windows here.

Timber Windows: The Pros

Stronger than uPVC
Better insulator than aluminium or uPVC; better window thermal performance
Made from a renewable resource; a more environmentally friendly choice
Durable and no warping when engineered timber is used
Attractive, increased curb appeal and property value uplift
Can be used in listed or heritage buildings

Timber Windows: The Cons

Can require more maintenance than uPVC or aluminium windows if construction quality is poor
Can be expensive if rare hardwood or oak is used

Composite windows

Composite windows blend two or more materials for enhanced performance, or to derive the benefits of two different materials. Aluminium-clad timber windows are the highest performing composite windows available. They provide exceptional thermal performance with minimal maintenance and maximum versatility.

Aluminium Clad Timber Windows: The Pros

Best of all worlds: the best thermal performance available with engineered timber and low-maintenance, weather-resistant sleek aluminium externally
Stronger than uPVC
Long lifespan (50 years + with good care)
Easier to repair than uPVC windows
Energy efficiency provides a more comfortable living experience
Attractive, natural beauty of wood
Made from environmentally friendly timber, and aluminium can be recycled
Versatile design options: dual colour finish in any RAL colour (depending on supplier), range of stains and finishes are possible
Both contemporary and traditional style is possible with variable internal frame design - suitable for listed and period properties
No rotting or warping with engineered timber
Initial investment is recouped over long window lifespan with energy savings
Cheaper than some all-aluminium options

Aluminium clad Timber windows: The Cons

More expensive initially than uPVC and some all-aluminium options
Sightlines are often not as slim as all-aluminium products

Double or Triple Glazing: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between double and triple glazing depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, energy efficiency goals, and specific needs.

According to the 2023 changes to UK Building Regulations, new builds need windows with a U-value of 1.2 W/m²K or lower, and replacement windows must have U-values of 1.4W/(m²·K) or lower. Double-glazed composite windows, like the alu-clad P11A model, meet the Building Regulations. Those looking to comfortably exceed the regulations or aim towards Passive House requirements should opt for triple glazing, like the award-winning P31A composite window.

Key factors to consider:

Budget: Norrsken triple glazing is typically 10-15% more expensive than double glazing, but the long-term savings on energy bills might offset the initial cost.
Energy Efficiency: If energy efficiency is a top priority, triple glazing is the better choice - Norrsken triple-glazed units offer a 40-45% improvement in thermal performance from double glazing.
Noise Reduction: If you live in a noisy area, triple glazing can offer superior noise insulation.
Climate: In colder climates, triple glazing can be more beneficial due to its superior insulation.
Window Size and Orientation: Large south-facing windows might benefit more from triple glazing due to higher solar gain.

Double glazing

Norrsken's double-glazed composite windows are a popular choice for homeowners looking for superior windows and doors. These products require a slightly lower initial investment than triple glazing but can still provide good energy efficiency benefits.

Triple Glazing

Triple glazing offers superior insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. In Norrsken models, triple-glazed windows provide a 40-45% improvement in thermal performance from double glazed alternatives, but cost just 10-15% more on average.

This provides greater comfort, lower heating bills, and an uplift in property value. These windows and doors are durable, secure and aesthetically pleasing - and they're not just for Passive Houses, either. Read all you need to know about triple-glazed windows here.

Window Style: Fixed panes and top-hung outward opening windows were used in this award-winning Passivhaus.

Window Style: what will you choose?

Once you have selected a frame material and glazing package, you'll need to decide what styles of windows you want. In most cases, Norrsken customers opt for a mixture of fixed and opening windows to meet personal preference and the ventilation requirements set out in Part F of the Building Regulations.

Discover our range Select Your Perfect Window

FIXED PANEs

Generally cheaper than opening windows, these thermally efficient units offer slim sightlines and can be specified to save money on your window budget while allowing light into your home.

Norrsken's most popular window profiles are available as fixed panes, like the award-winning P31 composite window.

Casement windows

These swing outward to open and offer good ventilation. Outward opening windows can be: top hung, side hung or fully reversible. Triangular, circular and semicircular fixed windows are also available.

Inward opening windows

While having identical build quality and similar thermal performance to outward opening windows, larger opening sashes are possible with inward opening windows, as the hardware can typically carry more weight.

Bay windows

These angular units are common in traditional british homes and create space and light, although they usually involve more complex installation.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific circumstances and priorities. It's often worthwhile to get quotes for multiple options - timber and alu-clad timber; double and triple-glazed to compare costs and benefits. To discuss your project with our expert team, contact us today.

Choosing Norrsken isn't just about windows and doors; it's about choosing a partner in your building journey

We take pride in exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and outstanding customer service. From initial consultation to after-sales support, we're here to ensure your complete satisfaction. So ditch the window search blues and embrace a smoother, more streamlined building experience with Norrsken by your side. Explore our stunning range of alu-clad timber windows and doors today, and discover the Norrsken difference.

why triple glazing?

Learn about triple glazing, and see why triple glazed windows are integral to the future of building.

explore our range

With bespoke production and a range of options for windows and doors, there's a product for everyone.

Resources & guidance

Read more information about UK Building Regulations, including Part L, Part F and the Future Homes Standard.

passive houses with norrsken

At Norrsken, we're passionate about Passive House. View our range of PH windows and doors and learn about the standard here.

view our gallery

From historic barn conversion projects to futuristic passive house and low energy homes, get inspired by the Norrsken gallery.

Norrsken customers say:

You cannot go wrong with Norrsken

I can highly recommend Norrsken. Originally I was going to have double glazed windows but after much research I found that Norrsken could beat all of the quotes for a high quality triple glazed option... you cannot go wrong with Norrsken.

Douglas

Superb quality windows and doors

The quality of the triple glazed, alu-clad windows and doors is superb. They feel so reassuringly solid when opening and closing them. I opted for a wood stain for the internal finish on the frames, and am so glad I did, as it shows off the beauty of the wood perfectly.

Gareth

Read more outstanding reviews of our expert team, our attention to detail and our fabulous products across a range of self-build, new build and renovation projects:

Trustpilot Google