This is a question we are often asked. Both are extensions of your living space, both have a mix of brick and glazed areas and both have glass roofs. So, what is the difference between a Conservatory and an Orangery? The simplest explanation is that a Conservatory has a roof that is all glass whereas an Orangery has a roof…
The good old British weather; anybody who has lived near the coast, or in an exposed location, has probably seen the worst of it! These areas tend to get even wetter and windier and our homes – including the windows and doors – bear the brunt if it! Having a marine grade finish on your windows and doors is therefore…
If you’re looking to add a conservatory to your home, you may not need planning permission. Conservatories are usually exempt from building regulations when: They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area The conservatory is separated from the house by external walls, doors or windows There is an independent heating system with…
Timber has long been associated with windows and front doors but not necessarily bi-folding doors. Timber bi-folds are as versatile as the more well-known aluminium bi-folds when it comes to colour and double and triple glazing options, and can suit both a contemporary and traditional setting. Timber bi-fold doors are typically available in Spruce (softwood) or Meranti (hardwood) but also…
If you’re looking for new windows, either in a new build project or to replace your existing windows, you may not consider a seemingly insignificant part of the window. You’ll deliberate over uPVC windows versus timber windows versus aluminium windows, colour options, grains, opening configurations, glazing, but the joint? What difference does the joint make? It’s all in the detail….
Metal windows have been used for centuries, way back in Tudor times in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The Georgian period saw timber take over as the most popular option and this carried on through the Victorian and Edwardian times. In the 1920s and 30s, steel windows took centre stage once again, most notably through the Art Deco period with…
The double glazing boom began in the 1970s with the introduction of aluminium windows, sliding patio doors and secondary glazing. By the 1980s, property prices were starting to increase, uPVC windows were introduced to the UK from Germany and replacement windows were all the rage. Aluminium was a cold material and the thermal break systems weren’t effective, causing the frames…
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…
There is a stated guideline for an extension that the glass area must not exceed 25% of the overall floor area. However, this is a guideline and not a rule and there is a common misconception that this cannot be overcome. There are many ways to get around this issue to maximise the glazing in your extension and these are…
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…
Part Q is the latest industry buzz word, but what does it mean and will it affect your project plans? Building regulation Part Q applies to new builds only (or where a new build is formed by a material change of use such as a renovation or refurbishment) and took effect on 1st October 2015 in England. Part Q does…
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…
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.
