SAPLAST · Live
Which mistakes should you avoid when replacing windows?
Replacing windows often raises many questions. Before deciding which windows and doors to choose, it is important to research carefully. Ask relatives, neighbours or friends about their experiences with windows, and visit websites, forums and blogs about windows and doors to gain a basic understanding of what to expect and how much you will spend.
We will help you make the right decision and avoid mistakes that can prove expensive later. Any early mistake can be difficult or even impossible to correct. Investing in unsuitable windows can reduce your property’s energy efficiency, affecting heating or cooling bills and requiring additional expenditure on repairs later.
Some common mistakes when replacing windows and doors are:
Buying windows based solely on price can be a mistake.
When choosing windows, it is important to consider your available budget, but remember that windows are purchased once every thirty years or more. This means the quality of the product should be the deciding factor.
The market is flooded with cheap, poor-quality windows that may serve briefly but often develop problems after a few years. These windows have a shorter service life, poorer sealing and lower energy efficiency. Consider whether you are prepared to pay less now and face additional repair or replacement costs later.
Although energy-efficient, durable windows are not cheap, their long-term benefits are numerous. While the initial investment is higher, energy savings and lower maintenance costs over time can result in overall savings. Consider investing in quality windows as a long-term solution that offers greater benefits.
Buying an older generation of windows
Technology and modernisation continue to advance, so today’s windows are nothing like those from a few decades ago. Modern PVC windows use multi-chamber profile systems with a thermal conductivity coefficient (Uw value) below 1,4 W/m2K. They include double or triple low-emissivity glazing filled with noble gases such as argon, krypton, etc. Modern windows also come in different styles, colours, patterns and finishes.
These windows improve a property’s appearance and value as well as its energy efficiency. Buying windows similar to those you already have simply because you are used to them or because they are cheaper is therefore a major mistake.
Ignoring your location and climate
Windows are often chosen for their price, quality and appearance, while location and local climate are overlooked. Window materials behave differently in different climates. For example, wooden windows are not the best choice in areas with high humidity and frequent rain. For homes at high altitudes with long, cold winters, consider multi-chamber PVC windows with good insulation and double or triple low-emissivity glazing. In areas with cold winters and hot summers, remember that PVC windows provide the most effective energy-efficiency solutions. PVC windows have a lower thermal conductivity coefficient than aluminium windows, which is crucial for maintaining home comfort, preventing condensation and maintaining indoor temperatures in summer and winter.
It also matters whether you live in an apartment building or a house, on a higher or lower floor, in a busy or quiet area, and whether you use electric, gas or central heating, etc. Be realistic and aware of the advantages and disadvantages of your living space. Modern PVC windows will certainly give you a sense of harmony and peace.
As with temperature, PVC windows and doors offer better protection against noise pollution. In other words, they have better insulating properties, achieving their best performance with triple glazing and profiles with three seals. PVC profiles provide greater sound insulation by dampening noise through the material’s physical properties, reducing noise by up to 25% compared with windows of similar characteristics made from other materials.
SAPLAST PVC window and balcony door systems
Choosing the wrong glazing
The most important part of a window is glass, so when choosing it, pay attention to its thermal insulation properties, particularly the thermal conductivity coefficient, Ug. The lower the Ug, the better the glass insulates and the higher the window’s quality. Low-emissivity glass is an excellent choice, and triple low-emissivity glazing with argon is recommended for the best thermal and sound insulation. Double glazing can also be a good choice for energy savings and thermal insulation, depending on the building’s characteristics and insulation.
There are many types of glass, and the highest level of sound insulation is determined by its thickness. Thicker glass provides greater insulation. A wider gap between panes also improves sound insulation. Most modern windows use air or noble gas fillings to improve this insulation.
Laminated double glazing provides very good sound insulation. At the same overall thickness, asymmetric glazing performs even better. Its panes have different thicknesses, helping to “break up” sound waves and reduce their strength. For example, 6/14/4 glazing has better acoustic performance than 4/16/4, and can be improved further by replacing the 6-thick pane with 3+3 laminated glass, i.e. 3+3/16/4. A similar effect can be achieved with triple glazing for the highest level of sound and thermal insulation.
DIY, unprofessional installation
One of the biggest mistakes is homeowners installing windows themselves, particularly without the experience and knowledge to do it properly. Window installation is neither easy nor straightforward. Although it costs money, hiring professionals who know exactly how to install windows without mistakes is better. People often start installing windows themselves and then have to call an expert when they encounter a problem. If you install them yourself, the window manufacturer will also not honour the warranty.
Windows and doors must be installed correctly to last. Even the smallest mistake can cause problems, affecting their service life and functionality as well as living comfort and heating and cooling costs. If you have already budgeted for replacement windows and doors, spend a little more on RAL installation for even better thermal insulation and security. You can then be confident of enjoying your space.
