Lots of people love DIY; It’s empowering to take care of general repairs and alterations around your home. However, it’s vital to know which jobs you can’t simply just figure out yourself, as certain specialist home improvement tasks require a level of professionalism and training to be done right.

Windows are expensive on their own, so it can be tempting to try and cut costs by installing them yourselves, but it can be a complicated job that requires the know-how and experience of a professional.

These are just three reasons why you should hire a professional instead of installing your own windows:

1. It might reduce the energy efficiency of your home

Installing your own windows may mean that it’s not installed tightly in the frame, which might result in them not being weather-tight leading to a draughty home. Retrospective repairs can be expensive so it’s a good idea to ensure that the job is done correctly by a professional in the first place.

2. Replacing windows is complicated and can take a long time

A professional will generally complete your window installation in a minimum of two hours, so even if you’re particularly handy, without the proper training and vast experience to draw on, it can take you a long time — potentially dragging on so long that it would have been far more economical to get our professional team of fitters on the job! Your time is valuable- don’t waste it!

3. You could cause damage to your home

With DIY installations there’s always the risk that you might damage your house. The fact that window installation is a complicated task increases the chances of a costly mistake, so it can be safer and cheaper to hire a professional to begin with. In the event that damage is still caused during the job, a trained installer will likely be covered with their insurance.

There’s no need to go through the hassle and head-scratching of attempting a window installation yourself, when you can instead call our expert team of fitters! We are always happy to help.

When choosing a front door you may be thinking about the aesthetics of the design and how this will fit with the rest of your property. While this is important, it is also necessary to consider that your front door has a vital role to play in keeping your home warm and, more importantly, secure from intruders. This is why choosing the right material for your front door is imperative.

What is a composite door?

One of the strongest doors on the market is the composite door. It is manufactured using multiple layers of compressed woods, which are then covered by a synthetic skin. It is the way in which these materials are sandwiched together that counters any weaknesses that may exist in the structure.

What are the benefits of a composite door?

Aside from being strong and robust, composite doors also offer a greater range of colour choice than uPVC doors (and require no redecorating, unlike timber). This means you can choose a door in the right colour and style that fits with your home.

In fact, composite doors don’t need regular upkeep to ensure the integrity of the material and there is also no risk of shrinkage as with timber. This gives your door a greater longevity than other materials.

If security is your main concern then rest assured composite doors are the right fit for you. While uPVC doors can be relatively inexpensive they are not always made using the strongest material nor are they always suitably reinforced, meaning your home can be at risk from intruders. For peace of mind, choose a composite door for your home.

Why should you choose Countryside Windows?

Countryside Windows gives you the ability to buy with confidence. We have a range of high-quality composite doors in styles to suit your needs, all available at affordable prices.

We also ensure every door is installed by our skilled and professional fitting team, meaning you can be assured of the quality.

Whatever your needs we can help. Get in touch with the Countryside Windows team to start your journey towards a safer and warmer home.

There is no doubt that winter is the favourite time of year for many people, especially with Christmas and the prospect of getting together with family to celebrate. However, it can also be an expensive time of year for your energy bills if you don’t take steps to address this issue in your home. Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to save energy and money this winter:

Turn down your heating

Many people think you have to do major things to make a difference, but this is not always true. The Energy Saving Trust has reported that turning down your heating thermostat by just 1 degree can save you lots of money. They even found that your annual heating bill could be reduced by up to 10% from following this one simple tip.

Layer up

In the same vein as above, you should really think about putting more layers on when it starts to get colder. An extra jumper or a snuggly blanket will keep you warm without costing you money. Many people will simply turn their central heating on instead, but this is an expensive way to do it when you can simply put an extra sweater on.

Insulation is key

One great way to become more energy-efficient is by making sure your property is insulated well. Cavity wall insulation could save you up to a couple of hundred pounds in bills per year, which is sensational. Simple to have done, it will fill any gaps in your walls with the relevant insulating material to leave you feeling snug.

You should also think about your loft insulation as a lot of heat can be lost this way. You will need at least 270mm of standard insulation to get the best results in terms of energy savings. This measure is one of the most inexpensive and easiest to install, so it’s worth considering if you haven’t got it already.

Get rid of those draughts

If you have any gaps around door or window frames, then you will be letting warm air out and cool draughts in. Not only will this make your house colder but it is also terrible for your energy bills! To combat this, you can buy draught excluders for doors or fill in any gaps around frames with common DIY materials. Just remember that you must not block up any air bricks that provide essential ventilation.

Make use of a smart energy meter

The most recent innovation in heating technology is a smart energy meter such as a Hive. These are highly energy-efficient as they mean you only use as much heat as you need, when you need it. Most will connect to your smartphone via an app which gives you the flexibility to amend your heating before you even get home.

Invest in new windows from Countryside Windows

One of the biggest drains on your energy bill by far can be old, draughty windows. This is especially true if you do not have double glazed windows at present. Here at Countryside Windows, our fantastic windows are highly energy efficient. This means that the heat is kept in and the cold is kept out to give lower energy bills along with a cosier house. The superb insulation they will provide is a sure way to save money this winter!

Why not give us a call today on 01242 821 122 to see how we can reduce your bills and keep you warm this festive season?

Every year, there are over one million burglaries or attempted burglaries in the UK – roughly one every 40 seconds! As winter approaches and the nights get longer and darker, instances of burglaries increase by up to 20% across the country. With this in mind, we present our top tips to protect your home during the winter.

1. Security alarm system

A decent home security system is a great deterrent for would-be intruders. Indeed, the sight of an active alarm is often enough to put them off altogether. At the very least, if they do attempt a break-in, the alarm going off will make them leave in a hurry. Making sure potential burglars know your house is alarmed is vital: put stickers in your windows showing that your house has a security system in place.

2. Lighting up the property

Most burglaries happen in the hours of darkness, which is why winter is such a hotspot for them. Having a well-lit property affords would-be burglars fewer opportunities to hide as they approach. Motion sensor lights at the front and rear of the house are ideal ways to increase your home security.

3. Keep approaches to the house tidy

Untrimmed hedges, disused garden furniture, and stacks of bin bags all over the back garden are ideal hiding places for the potential intruder. Keeping all approaches to your home tidy means you’re depriving someone of an easy route to creep up unseen.

4. Lock all doors and windows

Most burglars are opportunistic. Locking windows and doors avoids handing them an easy way into your home. Countryside’s range of doors and windows include such security features as multi-point locking mechanisms, as well as strong, high-quality glass that is capable of withstanding any effort to break in.

5. Get a CCTV system

Not only an excellent deterrent, a good quality CCTV system can be useful in prosecuting any offender who does manage to get inside your home. Focus the cameras on the main entrance routes (front and back door approaches, for instance), as well as areas that are hidden from view from the main road. As with the security alarm system, be sure to sticker your house so a would-be intruder knows you are protected.

But, the best advice we can give you to keep your home secure, is to replace your old windows with new ones from Countryside Windows. Modern windows have strong glass, more secure locking systems and are much harder to damage or break. So call Countryside Windows today on 01242 821 122, and speak to a member of our team about keeping your home and family safe this winter.

Winter is on its way, which means to cold is coming too. Cold weather can weaken the glass and allow it to develop cracks. Leaving old, decrepit windows standing during the winter can actually be quite dangerous, especially if you have children in the house. So why not replace your windows now, and keep your house warm and safe in winter!

A reason to replace leaky old windows before the winter is that you can avoid the draughts of cold air it would allow in. This means that the windows no longer fit in properly. The discomfort can be completely prevented by just putting up new windows before the onset of cold weather.

By installing well-fitted windows, you can also actually decrease your heating bill by a large amount. If the windows keep the cold out, then naturally less energy will be used for heating. The same goes for the summer months when less energy would be used for cooling the place.

If your window leaks, then any dampness that seeps in can damage your walls and furniture. It can also destroy draperies and carpets. Replacing the furniture and draperies, and repainting the walls would be definitely more expensive than repairing or replacing the windows.

Every year, there are new window technologies on the market. You can replace your old windows with glass that protects your home better from the outside elements. You can make a choice depending on the climate of the place you live, the size of your house, and other factors to give you best results.

And last, but not the least, new windows will improve the curb appeal of your home and give it an automatic facelift. You can increase the visual appeal of your home by choosing decorative glass too. It is one way of sprucing up your home for the Christmas season.

A question that arises here is how you would know if your windows need replacement. Obviously, warped or broken windows would need replacement. It is time to act when your windows don’t operate smoothly, get stuck, allow air draughts inside, or don’t stay open. You can get them checked out by an expert and then proceed with any repairs or replacements required.

So call us today on 01242 821 122 to get your new windows before winter arrives!

Window condensation

Autumn is here, and winter is fast approaching! As the days get colder this means one thing; condensation. Condensation can cause huge problems for homeowners and cause real damage to your property if left unmanaged. Here is a guide to what condensation is, what problems it can cause and how you can prevent it throughout your home.

What causes condensation?

Briefly, condensation occurs when warm air that contains water vapour cools down. This can happen anywhere from windows during the winter to bathroom mirrors after you have had a shower and even on a cold glass of water in the summer months. However, it is a common misconception that condensation on windows during the winter months means that your windows are faulty. This is far from the truth, but condensation can be problematic in the long-run, so it’s good to look at measures you can take to prevent it.

Problems caused by condensation

You might think that a bit of excess moisture won’t cause any harm. This is true to some extent, but if your windows are clouding up with condensation often then it could become troublesome over time. Excess moisture left on surfaces effected by condensation can quickly turn to mould if it is left untreated. Inhaling mould spores can be problematic if you have respiratory problems, a weakened immune system or are allergic to spores as this could cause further health problems.

How to stop it

You can’t get rid of condensation 100%, but you can take measures to prevent the annoying and unsightly problem from happening in the first place. Windows have a “dew point” and when the temperature goes below this point, condensation will start to form. Making sure that your home is well insulated is one of the best ways to discourage condensation from forming. Insulating your home can be as simple as installing double or triple glazed windows because they retain more heat, which means a lower “dew point”.

What is the best solution to combat condensation?

The best solution to minimise condensation is to buy efficient double glazing from Countryside Windows. Our windows are made to measure boasting either double or triple glazing meaning that your windows will be warmer and therefore attract less condensation. So what are you waiting for? We have a huge range of window solutions to fit your needs, so call us for a free and no obligation quote today!

Safe and Secure Windows

We all want to feel safe and secure in our home. One way of doing this is by fitting secure windows. The problem with this is what is it that makes windows safe and secure? The best option is to make sure that any new windows have the latest features that support safety and security. This can be anything from strong window frames and locks to being able to limit window openings.

Comparing Windows Security
If you’re going to install new windows, you want to know that they are safe and secure. You can find this out by comparing the different features windows have. For any home, there are a minimum set of standards that define the features that new Windows should have. This is PAS 24:2012 set by the British Standards Institute. Also, there is a project that aims to reduce crime through the use of secure glazing. The project has the backing of the UK police. This can lead to official recognition of windows as being ‘Secured by Design’.

Beaded Windows
If you look at a window, there is a small strip known as a ‘bead’ that runs along the edges of a window. It’s this small strip that keeps the window glazing in place against the frame. In the early days, these strips would be on the outside and not as secure. These days’ windows have internal glazing beads as they tend to be more secure.

Locks and Handles
You’ll find that the handles on today’s modern windows are lockable with a key. Although it makes things hard for intruders trying to break in, it does keep children safe. It’s not so easy for children to open windows and fall out. Also, on older windows, adding locks around the window can help improve security. By adding two or more locking points, the window is ‘multi-locking’ and secure.

Hinges and Brackets
Windows can help you feel safe in your home by offering you a way of escaping a fire. Egress hinges on a casement window allow you to fully open a window to make your escape from the house. On the other hand, strong interlocking brackets can help secure a window from the outside. When shut and locked an intruder won’t be able to force a window open.

Opening Restrictions
One way that you can stop someone from falling out of a window is to use opening restrictors. These limit how far you can open a window. It does this by connecting the window and frame via a cable. Another way of securing windows involves using a key to lock restrictors. Although restrictors mean you can open windows for ventilation, they stop you from opening them fully.

And Finally
Staying safe and secure in your home is important. Do this by making sure that you install windows that include the latest security and safety features.

Ways to Keep Your House Cool in the Summer.

Air conditioning units, fans and chillers can keep your house cool during the scorching summer months. However, they are not energy efficient and you will notice a rise in your electricity bills associated with their use. There are other, cheaper energy efficient ways to keep your home cool in the summer.

Using your windows is a simple way to keep your home cool. Opening windows around the house can result in increased air circulation which reduces the mugginess associated with hot summer days. Heat rises, so opening upstairs windows allows heat to escape, whilst downstairs windows draw cooler air in and create some much needed air movement that can help to keep the house cool.

Double glazing is often associated with keeping the house well insulated and warm during the colder months. But not only does it keep the heat inside the house during winter months, it can also keep hot air out during the scorching summer months. Double glazed windows prevent the convection of heat from the outside to the inside of the house. They do this by the empty space in between the two panes of glass that is found in double glazed windows not allowing the heat to pass through. Double glazing is an energy efficient way of keeping your house cool during the summer and is an excellent investment.

Shutters, blinds and curtains can also keep the house cool during the summer. Closing them shuts out the sun and prevents it from beaming into the room and heating it up. Working out when the sun is due to be beaming through your windows allows you to close the shutters, blinds or curtains, and opening them once the sun has moved around to allow the cool air to circulate and to enjoy natural daylight without your room becoming uncomfortably hot.

We can provide you with energy efficient double glazed windows that can help keep your house cool in the summer. The insulation provided can keep cool air in and hot air out, and is an investment that will ultimately save you money. Use our online form to contact us to request a callback or to arrange a free, no obligation quote or one of our brochures. Alternatively you can call us and one of our knowledgeable and friendly customer support assistants can help with your questions or enquiries and help to arrange a quote for your double glazing.