WINDOWS
What types of windows are available?
Thereīs the traditional window – side or top opening – and these can sit alongside fixed (non-opening)
windows. There are push out openers from the bottom, these are usually used for fire escapes as they open wider
than a traditional side opener.
What is beading and is it important?
Beading is the surround that holds your glass in place and by selecting a design that complements your frames and reflects
your home interior, you can provide the perfect finish for your replacement windows.
What is the most secure beading – internal or external?
Most people say that internal glazing is more secure as there is no external beading that can be prised open to allow
the glass to be taken out.
Should I use toughened safety glass?
Toughened and Laminated glass are types of safety glass. Toughened glass is designed to break safely if smashed –
so that the you donīt get sharp shards of glass. Toughened safety glass must be used in all doors and windows
connected to a door or below 800mm from the floor.
What wood finishes are available?
Various wood finished – such as rosewood and light oak – are all now available. Advanced new technology has
created a look and feel that is close to wood – plus thereīs the flexibility of having either wood or white finishes
for the interior.
To have a closer look at wood finnishes just pop into the showroom.
Is decorative
glass available?
Queen Anne, Square and Diamond Lead and Georgian Bar – these
are just some of the options you can choose for your glazing. These patterns add a distinctive touch to your windows. There
are also bevelled glass designs – in either clear crystal or colours.
Is PVCu the same
as UPVC?
They are both the same – unplasticised (or hard) PVC .
How can I tell good quality
PVCu?
One way to assess the effectiveness of a frame is to examine the thickness (depth from inside to out). Ideally choose
65 mm or 70-mm thickness. At Solitaire Windows our frames are 70mm.
CONSERVATORIES
How do I choose the right conservatory for my home?
First consider your house. What general style of conservatory
would work with your home perhaps a traditional Victorian conservatory or a more ornate Edwardian style; perhaps you - prefer
something more modern and minimal. Then thereīs your garden what shape is it, how do you use it, how can you make best use
of the space available.
Do I need planning permission?
One of the great advantages of adding a conservatory to your home is that in England
and Wales you wonīt usually need planning permission provided you do not exceed the permitted development limit for your property
(which is 50-70 cubic metres, depending on where you live).
Are there Building Regulations I need to consider?
Conservatories are usually exempted under Building Regulations in England
and Wales although there are some exceptions (for example it should not have more than 25% of its wall as brickwork, it should
have a transparent/translucent roof and no drainage is required; above 30 m2 of floor area building regulations would apply).
DOORS
What types of door are available?
There is
a wide range of external doors available. First, there are traditional timber doors — although these tend to warp and
rot over time; plus they need a considerable amount of maintenance. Next there are PVC-U doors; these have the advantage of
being easy to operate, stylish and virtually maintenance free. They are highly secure with strong multi-point locks and superb
thermal properties make them highly energy efficient.
How do I choose the style of door?
When
you need a replacement door, start by looking at your existing door – and those of your neighbours. What would look
good? Do you need to fit in with other doors on the street? Or do you need something different (particularly with a back door).
Full panel doors are ideal for entrances that open on to pavements or for entrances that are shared – you gain
maximum privacy. Where you need more light consider a semi–glazed style. And for rear or side doors that open onto more
secluded or secure areas you may want to consider a more open style with fewer panels and a generous amount of glazing.
We have a wide range of panels in the brochures in the showroom.
Can my PVC-U door have a wooden finish?
New
woodgrain finishes – including light oak and rosewood – combine the look of wood with all the practical benefits
of PVC–U. More importantly advanced new performance woodgrain foiling processes mean that the wood finish wonīt bubble
or peel in extreme temperatures. And thereīs the option to combine wooden exteriors with white inside on your doors –
so you donīt even need to paint inside.
What sort of hardware can I select for my door?
You
can have whatever you want. Thereīs a vast range of handles, letter plates and knockers available. Choose from brass, black
or white.
Should I have toughened glass in my door?
Toughened
glass is one form of safety glass and the rules are quite clear on the use of safety glass for replacement doors and new homes.
Internal
or external doors (or windows) in 'critical locations" – locations where a human could walk into them – must use
safety glass. Also side panels to doors should have safety glass in any glazing or part of that glazing, which is within
300mm of either side of a door edge.
