The double glazing industry has earned itself a bit of a mixed reputation – and rightly so! Many homes have been visually destroyed in the name of better thermal performance – and a salesman’s commission! Due to the nature of double glazing sales, and the fact that most homeowners didn’t appreciate the potential return on investment, we’ve ended up with…
Flush casements are increasing in popularity for home improvement projects but what exactly does the term ‘flush casement window.’ mean? The easiest way to explain it is that when the window (or sash) is closed, it sits flush within the frame, creating a flat surface on the outside. A lipped casement window is a more widely known design today. This…
It’s highly unlikely you’d buy a car without first visiting the dealer’s showroom. The same should be said for your new windows and doors too. They are likely to be one of the largest investments you make, and arguably the most important when it comes to the look and value of your home. Even if you have a very good…
Safety glass, acoustic glass, self-cleaning glass, privacy glass, the list is endless! You’ve already spent a considerable amount of time choosing your windows and doors, and now there’s glazing to consider too! There’s a plethora of glazing options available today, all designed to keep you safer, warmer and more comfortable, with the odd added luxury thrown in too. Glass can…
Many terms are used for a glazed extension these days including conservatory, orangery, lean-to, livin room or glass structure. Regardless of the description, they all fall under the same guidelines when it comes to planning permission for extending your home. Over the years, planning laws have changed and continue to do so. In recent times the majority of these changes have…
You may have heard a number of terms being banded around when looking for your sliding doors. These refer to the different types of operation and result in a variation in both their performance and looks. In-Line Sliding Doors are the conventional method that we are all familiar with. Normally in two, three or four-panel configurations, the doors sit on…
Sliding patio doors have taken a bit of a backseat since the early 1990s. Considered old fashioned and passé, the market turned to the French Door for well over a decade. Then came the emergence of the bi-fold door in the UK, pushing its predecessor even further in to the shadows. However, the desire to integrate bi-folding doors in to…
An engineered timber window is only as good as the environment it is built in. As discussed in our earlier blog, ‘What is the Difference Between Solid Timber and Engineered Timber?‘, the latter is by far the stronger, more robust of the two materials. Engineered timber is 60% stronger than solid timber, making it perfect for windows and doors where…
Engineered timber is created by joining three sheets of timber together, where the middle sheet sits against the grain of the one above and below it. This is known as laminated timber. Alternating the grain of the wood like this prevents the timber from moving, swelling, shrinking and warping, creating a very strong and stable piece of timber. The timber…
Anyone can make a dramatic visual change to the appearance of their home, regardless of the age or style of property. When was your property built? If you have a property that was built before 1950, it is likely that any changes made by the previous owners over the years have detracted from the original character of the building. A…
There’s no doubt that investing in new windows, doors or glazed extension is a bit of a daunting prospect. It can be overwhelming – especially in this time of information-overload that we live in. The research stage is probably the most fun. Who doesn’t love watching the likes of Kevin McCloud and George Clarke. Their passion and enthusiasm is enough…
Deciding on the right doors for your home improvement project is often given little, or no consideration. A door is a door, right? Wrong! From single doors, to French doors, to sliders to bi-folds, deciding on what’s right for your project is essential. Often the size of the opening will dictate the style of door that’s right for your property….
The latest innovation in timber-alternative windows is a timber-look joint on the exterior frame. Timber-alternative windows are the perfect solution to the ongoing maintenance required with timber windows. They look just like the real thing – so much so, they have been approved for use in conservation areas where the character or appearance of the area must be preserved or…
Bi-fold doors are a popular choice when looking to maximise space and light. The concertina design can literally open up an entire wall of glass, connecting the inside to the outside with a level threshold. When closed, the expanse of glass offers much bigger views in comparison to a standard window or door. In smaller properties, bi-folds will give the illusion…
Your front door is an important aspect of your home, both visually and practically. It serves a number of purposes, most of which we take for granted. It endures the scuffs of daily use, the battering of wind and rain, but ultimately, it protects you and your loved ones from uninvited visitors. Most people inherit their front door through the…
Finding the right retailer to install your windows and doors is essential. Not only do you need to find a retailer with a solid reputation, you also need to find a company that can guide you through the latest window and door systems. What you have installed today, needs to last at least ten years, if not longer. So how…
First impressions count. Whether it’s tackling an overgrown front garden, replacing a tatty front door or changing rotting windows, if you’re looking to improve the kerb appeal of your home, these quick wins will give your house instant impact. Try to look at the front of your house with a critical eye. It’s easy not to notice things you live with…
Updating your windows is a fantastic and immediate way of giving your home a makeover. New windows can jolt a tired, run-down property out of the dark ages and bring it bang up to date. Getting new windows right can be a hard decision. Getting it wrong can be costly and of course, you’ll need to live with your decision…
We love this short 90 second video created by Hans-Jörn Eich. We have included the transcript below. While most people wouldn’t build to a full Passive House certification level, it is good practice to implement many of the ideals. High energy glazing is a good place to start! Passive House Explained in 90 Seconds Does your house have a heater in the…
Secondary glazing is a fully independent internal window, fitted on the room side of an existing window. The frames are slim but strong. They are made from durable aluminium and require little maintenance. Replacing your current windows isn’t always an option, particularly if you live in a listed building or conservation area. Secondary glazing gives you many of the benefits offered by…
We can provide you with full colour 3D visualisations, allowing you to explore options that you may not have considered, with complete peace of mind.
Our showroom consists of:
Thames Valley Window Company
Head Office & Showroom
44 Longshot Lane
Bracknell
Berkshire RG12 1RL
United Kingdom
Designed so you can view most of our product range, our show room will help you understand what options will work best for you and your home.
Making plans to improve your home is exciting. If you would like to download any of our product brochures, please visit our brochure download page.
