Windows 101: Exploring Styles, Types, & More for Your Home

Window Style Options:

When upgrading your home with new windows, there are three main types of window styles to consider: uPVC, aluminum, and timber. Each of these options brings its own distinct set of features and advantages. uPVC windows are known for their affordability, energy efficiency, and low-maintenance qualities. Aluminum windows boast sleek, modern designs with exceptional durability and strength, ideal for contemporary homes. Timber windows, on the other hand, offer timeless charm and natural beauty, perfect for those seeking a classic or traditional look while benefiting from excellent insulation properties. It's worth noting that the thermal values of all our windows apply to the window only, not to the whole house.

Choosing the right type of window depends on your personal style preferences, budget, and specific needs. All our windows are made to order (supply and fit only), with no off-the-shelf options available. However, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that every made-to-order window is crafted based on our meticulous and detailed surveys of your property. Let’s dive into each of the three main types in more detail.

uPVC Windows:

Our fully customisable uPVC windows seamlessly combine style and practicality, making them a perfect fit for any home, whether traditional or contemporary. Available with double or triple-glazing, these windows are designed to improve your home's energy efficiency, helping to lower heating costs. Built from premium-grade materials, they offer outstanding durability and come equipped with advanced locking systems to provide enhanced security.

Not only do our uPVC windows improve the look of your home and boost its value, but they also create a quieter living space by minimising outside noise. Plus, we're proud to contribute to sustainability by recycling old uPVC windows. In fact, uPVC can be recycled up to ten times, and around 30% of new windows are crafted from recycled materials - a win for both your home and the environment.

Aluminium Windows:

Upgrade your home with the sleek and durable appeal of aluminium windows - a modern solution that combines style, performance, and sustainability. Aluminium frames are lightweight yet incredibly strong, offering exceptional value as a long-lasting and cost-effective choice. Designed with advanced polyamide thermal breaks, these windows provide excellent insulation, helping a typical terraced house save up to £95 annually on heating costs.

By choosing aluminium windows from Advance, you’re investing in Alitherm400 from SmartSystems, which combines performance and security. You also have the choice between 400x (standard) and 400i - which is a slimmer version of the 400x. Unlike PVC, timber, or even steel, aluminium frames are highly resistant to rust and rot, offering an unmatched lifespan that can last indefinitely without the need for frequent replacement. Also, maintenance is hassle-free; a simple wipe-down keeps them looking new.

There's also the option to choose Heritage aluminium windows which have been described as the modern version of Crittall windows and are ideal for Victorian and art deco projects as they provide a modern and slim appearance and of course, excellent energy efficiency too. 

Timber Windows:

With over 30 years of expertise, we are known for creating bespoke timber products that combine craftsmanship with durability. Our custom-made timber windows enhance your home with timeless charm and exceptional performance. Recognising that each home is unique, we tailor every window to your specifications, from size and shape to style and finish, ensuring the perfect fit for your vision.

Whether upgrading or embarking on a new project, our team is committed to providing solutions that meet your needs. Optional features include high-security locks, advanced glazing, and trickle vents, all available in a range of traditional and modern finishes. Sustainably sourced from FSC-certified forests, our locally sourced timber supports eco-friendly practices and reduces the carbon footprint compared to other materials.

Window Type Options:

Casement Windows

Casement windows feature single or double panels that can be hinged at the side, top, or bottom for versatile functionality. Operated using a simple handle, these windows open outward and sit slightly outside the frame when closed.

Their practicality and availability in a variety of designs make them one of the most popular choices among homeowners.

Available in:

• uPVC
• Aluminium

Flush Casement Windows

Available in:

• uPVC
• Aluminium
• Timber

Stormproof Casement Windows

Available in:

• Timber

Timberlook Flush Casement Windows

If you're looking for windows that capture the authentic charm of real timber at the cost-effective price of uPVC, our Timberlook flush casement windows are the ideal choice. While traditional timber is undeniably beautiful, it can swell, shrink, and warp, requiring consistent upkeep to preserve its appeal. Timberlook windows offer a maintenance-free solution that delivers the best of both worlds - a stunning, true-to-life timber aesthetic combined with the durability, energy efficiency, and reliability of modern materials. Elevate your home with timeless style and performance, without the ongoing hassle.

Available in:

• uPVC

Tilt & Turn Windows

Tilt and turn windows are crafted to bring more natural light into your home while offering unmatched versatility. Their unique dual-function mechanism allows the window to swing open from the side for maximum airflow or tilt inward from the top for controlled ventilation. This adaptable design ensures you can easily adjust ventilation to suit changing weather conditions.

Available in:

• uPVC
• Aluminium

Bay Windows

Bay windows are an ideal choice for brightening up your home and creating a more open, airy atmosphere. With their distinctive outward projection and multi-pane design, they provide panoramic views and bring in plenty of natural light. Beyond their stylish appearance, bay windows can also be transformed into functional spaces, offering options for cosy seating or additional storage.

Available in:

• uPVC

Sliding Sash Windows

Our uPVC sash windows, often called sliding sash or vertical sliding windows, combine classic elegance with modern practicality. Offering the charm of traditional timber with the added benefits of enhanced energy efficiency, robust security, and minimal upkeep, they are an excellent choice for any home. The vertical sliding mechanism and tilt functionality ensure ease of use and effortless maintenance, making them a favorite among homeowners.

Customisable options include run-through sash horns and a deep bottom rail for an authentic look. You can also choose 90-degree mechanical joints to replicate the timeless aesthetic of original sash windows with remarkable precision.

Available in:

• uPVC
• Aluminium
• Timber

Roof Windows

Modern lantern or flat roof lights feature an innovative design that allows an abundance of natural light to fill your home. These eye-catching architectural elements enhance the aesthetics of your property, creating a striking focal point both inside and out. Whether you’re planning a home extension or looking to brighten an existing room, a roof window is a fantastic way to transform your space with style and functionality.

Available in:

• uPVC
• Aluminium

Colour Options:

uPVC Windows

With a variety of elegant colour combinations to choose from, selecting the perfect finish for your windows can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you prefer the rich warmth of Rosewood, the classic charm of Light Oak, or the modern sophistication of Anthracite Grey, each option is designed to enhance the character of your home. Subtle tones like Cream, White Grain, and Chartwell Green offer a softer, contemporary touch, while bolder choices such as Black Brown add depth and distinction. All uPVC windows begin as white, with a durable foil finish applied to achieve their vibrant colors.

Standard Colour Options

Premium Colour Options

Aluminium Windows

Our aluminium window range features a variety of sleek, modern, powder-coated colour options designed to complement your home's style. Standard finishes include REAL stock white, anthracite grey (RAL 7016M), black, and a contemporary anthracite grey on white combination. For those looking for a more personalised touch, we also offer a wide selection of additional RAL colours available upon request (at an additional cost), ensuring you can find the perfect shade to match your style and preferences.

Glass Type/Glazing Options:

Glass Type Options:

Our extensive range of decorative uPVC window glass designs allows you to strike the perfect balance between style and privacy. From subtle textures like Arctic and Autumn, which softly diffuse light, to more intricate patterns like Florielle and Mayflower, each design brings its own unique character to your windows. Options like Chantilly and Charcoal Sticks add a modern flair, or go for the understated simplicity of Clear glass to enjoy uninterrupted views.

Glazing Options:

When upgrading your windows, glazing options play a vital role in improving not only the aesthetic appeal but also the functionality and efficiency of your home. Whether you’re seeking privacy, security, or energy efficiency, our comprehensive range of glazing solutions ensures you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs.

Choose from Our Range of Glazing Options:

• Obscure Glass
  Maintain your privacy without compromising natural light. Ideal for bathrooms and other private spaces, our obscure glass comes in a variety of patterns to suit your home’s style.
  
  
• Acoustic Control Glass
  Reduce unwanted noise with our acoustic glazing, designed to create a peaceful indoor environment. This is the perfect solution for homes in busy areas or near main roads.
  
  
• Solar Control Glass
  Keep your home cool and comfortable with our solar control glass. By minimising glare and man
  aging solar heat, it prevents excessive heat buildup and protects your interiors from harmful UV rays.
  
  
• Safety Glass
  Ensure your home’s safety with toughened glass engineered to resist impact. It minimises injury risks by shattering into safer, small fragments if broken.
  
  
• Security Glass
  Add an extra layer of protection with security glass. Its robust build offers enhanced resistance against break-ins and vandalism, giving you peace of mind.

Decorative Options to Add Character:

• Georgian Bars
  Create a timeless look with traditional Georgian bars, perfect for adding a touch of classic elegance to your windows.
  
  
• Astragal Bars
  Get the charm of traditional multi-pane windows without compromising modern performance. Our Astragal bars provide the perfect balance of beauty and practicality.
  
  
• Lead Designs – Square and Diamond
  Add unique style with our lead patterns, available in both square and diamond designs for a classic or contemporary finish.

Performance-Driven Solutions

• Double and Triple Glazing
  Enhance energy efficiency and comfort with our double and triple-glazing options. They offer superior insulation, helping you reduce your energy costs while keeping your home cosy.

• Integrated Blinds
  Streamline your interiors with blinds enclosed between glass panes. These integrated blinds offer excellent light control and privacy without the need for traditional window coverings.

Handles, Trickle Vents & Other Useful Information:

Window Handles

When it comes to handle options for your windows, there are two main options for uPVC windows: modern handles and monkey tail handles. Modern handles are your standard offset window handles whereas monkey tail handles are charming, decorative handles inspired by traditional wrought iron designs, featuring an elegant, curled end that resembles a monkey's tail. These handles add a vintage touch and are often chosen for period properties or homes with a classic aesthetic, offering a timeless and unique look. For aluminium windows, offset handles are an option; however, the standard handle design typically features a sleek, straight-down style rather than an offset configuration and is known as a tilt and turn handle.

Trickle Vents

Trickle vents are small openings in window frames that provide consistent background ventilation, improving indoor air quality and reducing condensation and mold. In the UK, updated building regulations (June 2022) now require trickle vents in most replacement windows and doors to ensure sufficient airflow in airtight, energy-efficient homes.

These vents must offer a minimum ventilation equivalent area of 8,000 mm² per habitable room. Exceptions apply to listed buildings and conservation areas, so it’s important to consult your installer or local authority. Trickle vents help maintain a healthy environment while ensuring compliance with building regulations.

We will provide trickle vents where required.

Frame Profile

Chamfered and sculptured frames are popular choices for homeowners, each offering a distinct style. Chamfered frames feature clean, straight edges for a sleek and modern look, while sculptured frames have a curved, decorative profile, adding depth and a traditional touch.

Both options can be customised to match your windows, with a range of colours and finishes to perfectly complement your home. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference: chamfered frames suit minimalist, contemporary aesthetics, while sculptured frames provide classic charm and elegance. Either way, both frames are designed to enhance the overall appeal of your home.

Warranty Information:

All our windows are backed by a comprehensive 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind in the quality and durability of our products. Additionally, our glazing options come with a 5-year warranty, ensuring lasting performance and clarity. For added assurance, all window hardware is covered by a 1-year warranty. These warranties reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and reliability for every component of your windows.

Conclusion

At Advance, we understand that no two homes are the same, which is why all our windows are made to order. Whether you’re drawn to the affordability of uPVC, the sleek strength of aluminium, or the timeless charm of timber, we offer a fully bespoke service tailored to your vision. From style and colour to glazing options and decorative details, we’re here to help you design the perfect windows to enhance your home.

With no window idea ever off the table, we’re ready to bring your unique ideas to life. If you have a specific style or feature in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every option, ensuring your new windows are not only functional but a true reflection of your personal style.

Let us help transform your home with stunning, expertly crafted windows designed to meet the highest industry standards - contact us today to begin your journey to custom-crafted windows that are as beautiful as they are practical.

Contact Advance today to upgrade your home's windows and keep the warmth in, this winter!