With temperatures dropping, now is the time to order replacement windows and doors for your home! During autumn we need to make sure that our homes are prepared for the cold winter months to come. As the sunny summer mornings start to become a distant memory and we start to feel a chill in the autumn air, you may…
Posted by tinaOur in-house architectural 3D visualisation service is a unique, one-of-a-kind visualisation software within the double-glazing window industry. Thames Valley Window company identified a need to provide a quality visualisation design service to residential customers for home improvements. We have been creating and offering this architectural 3D visualisation service for over 20 years, and it has evolved from traditional paper, pens…
Posted by tinaAluminium Flush Casement Windows – emerging technologies to look out for. There comes a time when we want more from a window than just looking through it! We want style, high security and thermal efficiency, and of course, long life durability. There has been much revolution in the window industry over the last few years with a big increase in…
Posted by LeanneWhether you’re planning a brand-new self-build, undertaking a conversion or renovating a property, how to choose your new windows is too important to be an afterthought. We all know that windows are crucial to the look and character of any home – from contemporary feature windows that make a bold statement to discreet styles that blend sympathetically with a period…
Posted by LeanneExtending your home can significantly improve it and can add substantial value to your property. Plus, if you love where you live, extending can breathe new life into the home you love. There comes a time when your home becomes a bit of a squeeze. Maybe growing children are filling the house with their friends, toys and noise and making the…
Posted by LeanneYou’d be forgiven for having a look at the title of this article and having a little chuckle to yourself, thinking we’ve completely lost the plot! Surely softwood is soft and hardwood is hard, no? It can’t be much simpler than that, you might think. But no, the terms softwood and hardwood timber don’t refer to the density or hardness…
Posted by CarlyA lot of people associate the idea of a Conservatory with a cheap looking, over-fussy extension that is out of date, too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. If designed correctly, a Conservatory doesn’t need to be any of these things. A Conservatory can be very current, either in a traditional or contemporary design, and can…
Posted by CarlyAt this time of year, we see an increase in the number of calls regarding condensation. Many people find that with their new windows, comes condensation, and this is often an unwelcome surprise. Although it may not be welcome, do be assured that condensation on the inside and/or outside of your windows is proof that your new windows are doing…
Posted by CarlyMost of us inherit our windows from the previous home owner and if we’re lucky, the windows are perfectly fine. However, if the windows are more than 10 years old, are damaged, ill-fitting, or just not looking their best, it may be time to think about replacing them. Other than the functional purpose of letting in light, your windows should…
Posted by CarlyThe 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…
Posted by CarlyTimber 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…
Posted by CarlyThe 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…
Posted by CarlyIt’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…
Posted by CarlyThere 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…
Posted by CarlySafety 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…
Posted by CarlyAn 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…
Posted by CarlyAnyone 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…
Posted by CarlyThere’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…
Posted by CarlyDeciding 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….
Posted by CarlyThe 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…
Posted by CarlyWe can provide you with full colour 3D visualisations, allowing you to explore options that you may not have considered, with complete peace of mind.
Designed to give you the chance to see most of our product range our show room will really 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.
