Advice for landlords and developers when upgrading windows

By Weru UK

20 May 2024

Beech Rock_Web-2 (1).jpg.jpg

Your property’s windows, along with the front door, often create the first impression of your asset. But replacing older, tired, window systems will not only increase the value of your investment, it can also impact monthly bills, increase security with burglary deterrent features and improve acoustics through effective soundproofing. 

Are you a property developer or a landlord, wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your property’s windows? We caught up with Graham Lindsay, managing director of Weru UK, a distributor for Weru, Germany’s market-leading supplier of windows and doors, who outlines six key areas to think through. 

When is it time to upgrade?

To fix or replace? Almost all UK homes are now double-glazed and with the advent of energy-saving glass, which has been mandatory since 2002, most homes already have that significant benefit. The last decade has seen huge growth in “replacing these replacements” which now offer big kerb appeal with lots of colours and contemporary styles that stand out from the crowd.

Surprisingly, however, this switch has remained on the whole very cosmetic, with disregard to thermal performance. Almost all remain double glazed still even in new homes. It was expected that recent 2023 building regulations would enforce using triple glazing in all new homes and phase-in for the replacement sector soon after. This didn't happen, but the latest UK Future Homes Standard for 2025 indicates it will certainly happen thereafter. Watch this space! The message here is to take care and don’t spend twice. 

DIY fixes

Either upgrade to a true 3rd generation window designed to use effective triple glazing (minimum 40mm), or if you’re not ready to replace, consider DIY or a cosmetic upgrade to get you another few years out of your existing windows. DIY can cover decoration, and on older, tired frames, easily applied draught sealing products can make a big impact on room comfort and heating bills. You could also consider retrofit locking devices. 

Choosing window styles

Today's huge choice of window types and materials ensures that even traditional properties can upgrade and benefit from the effectiveness of triple glazing, whilst making homes more comfortable and secure. When choosing windows, there are a huge variety of bespoke options to consider. Foil or paint finish, light or dark colours or matching internal colours to external ones. The colour is really personal preference, but it is wise to consider the location and environment of the property and look at the other homes in the area. If you are looking for an extremely modern and contemporary finish, your window choices need to reflect this. 

Comparing window materials: pros and cons 

Over recent years, there has been a demise in PVCu and a significant increase in demand for aluminium windows - which now offer a choice of over 5,000 bespoke shades across the RAL and NCS colour swatches - and hybrid alternatives. There are extremely innovative hybrid solutions available on the market, which deliver superb quality and unrivalled thermal and acoustic properties.

For example, at Weru UK, we manufacture a hybrid alternative to aluminium called AFINO-tec, which is 25 per cent lighter and allows for a 30 per cent increased aperture than PVCu, making it an ideal option for bespoke, architecturally designed builds which demand larger, stronger glass areas.

The AFINO-tec system has load-bearing hardware components screwed into the steel at several points, ensuring enduring functionality and long service life of the window. This steel reinforcement, paired with the GFP high-tech material in the sash, will guarantee outstanding stability and tensional rigidity. For the customer this reinforcement means exceptionally large windows can be installed, allowing up to 30 per cent more daylight to enter the home.

Security considerations

In many cases, window hardware is often overlooked, with a higher focus being placed on the glass itself. However, we are starting to see that built into most of the latest, innovative designs are various burglary deterrent features, with resistance class 2 tilt hardware and security corner transmission hardware becoming standard. This advancement in technology is becoming a staple with homeowners and UK architects, as the remarkable strength and durability provide a greater level of burglary deterrent, ensuring ultimate protection for the home.  

Latest news

1

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception Networking photograph

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception

24 Apr 2025

2

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities Head of Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications Professor Nigel Davies, Chris Ensor, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Sarah Kemp

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities

24 Apr 2025

3

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director Craig Bancroft and Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director

24 Apr 2025

4

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

5

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin