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Aluminium windows have a range of benefits that make them a great alternative to uPVC windows. Developments in technology have meant that modern aluminium windows now have the same energy efficiency levels as uPVC. Plus, their strength and flexibility make them a more attractive choice to many homeowners, particularly for more modern buildings.

Aluminium frames are typically much thinner than uPVC frames, allowing more light in and wider views. The metal can also be moulded to suit custom shapes, making it ideal for unusually shaped windows. Aluminium windows are available in lots of different colours, so can be designed to suit a wide range of interiors and exteriors.

These days, buyers expect homes to have double glazing. People recognise the benefits of installing double glazing, so if you don’t have it installed you should consider it. You’ll increase your property’s value and give it a better chance of selling faster, since single glazed properties are also more likely to have problems with damp and mould which could put buyers off.

Most installers will not need you to be at home while they are fitting your windows. It is a good idea to be present though, just in case they have any questions for you and perhaps for your own peace of mind. If you cannot be there, you will need to arrange access to the property and/or agree securing the property at the end of the day.

Whether you’re hiring a professional to replace your double glazing or are considering DIY, it’s a good idea to know how to fit a double glazed window.

You need to start by assembling your window. Fit any handles and cut the outer sill to size by measuring the outer wall depth. Then, screw the outer sill to the window frame and attach the frame fixers. Screw the ventilation grilles onto the inside of the frame and fix the vents on.

Next, you need put the window into place, using spacers to wedge it in. Use a spirit level to check it’s level horizontally and vertically, adding extra spacers if needed. Then, fix the frame into place at each fixing point using a drill, wall plugs and screws. Measure and cut the interior sill, and check that it’s level, adding spacers if needed. Then fix it using screws, masonry nails or adhesive.

Finally, fill in any wide gaps with foam filler and small gaps with sealant. You can get interior and exterior trims to cover these up, making your window look neat and professional.

You can only repair blown double glazed windows in the sense that you can replace the sealed unit (the glass part of the window) instead of having to replace the entire window.

When a double glazed window is blown, it means that the seal around the window has failed and is now letting air in and out. Often the first sign that the sealed unit has blown is condensation on the inside of the window, which is annoying since there’s no way to get rid of it! When your sealed unit has blown, you’ll be losing heat out of the window, meaning you could be spending more on your energy bills.

As a temporary fix, you could see if you can buy a misting repair kit online, but the condensation will eventually occur again as the air gets in. The best thing to do is ask a window installer or glazier to replace the sealed unit for you.

It's simple to replace the glass in a window – the specialist will remove the beading around the window, remove the blown glass from your window frame and set it to one side. They will then clean up around the frame before adding spacers in, then fitting the new sealed unit into the frame. They’ll make sure it’s a snug fit before replacing the beading back around the window to secure it.

There's no reason to put off repairing a blown double glazed window since the cost is generally much less than replacing the entire thing. A sealed unit with installation costs an average of £100, whereas a completely new window will cost around £400. You’ll soon notice that it’s less draughty and will be able see out of your window once you’ve had the blown glass replaced.

It depends on a few factors whether a new double glazed window will look different to existing ones. If your existing windows are very old, perhaps 10 years or more, then it’s likely that there will be some small differences.

The first thing to remember is that your double glazing is exposed to the elements as soon as it’s installed. So over time, unless you’re very good at cleaning and maintaining your windows, they’re likely to look a bit dirty. Window frames that are south-facing may also become slightly discoloured from the sun, so if you install a new window right next to it you might notice a difference.

Also, there have been lots of technical advances in windows over the years. If your existing windows are significantly older, you might notice a difference in the handles on openers, and if your existing windows were installed before 2010 they might not have trickle vents, which is an extra strip on the inside of your window to keep air flowing through your home. While it’s not a legal requirement for replacement windows to have trickle vents if the original one didn’t, it’s a good idea to have them installed as they help prevent condensation and mould.

The only truly noticeably different elements to a new double glazed window compared with existing ones are likely to be on the inside, which might not be a problem for you if you only have one window in a room. However, if you know the brand of your existing windows, you can ask your window installer if they can source the same ones. Even if they’ve been updated slightly, the difference should be minimal.