Single, double and triple glazing. What’s the difference?

Posted on 20th March 2015 by Inspire Team

Experts estimate that over 10% of the heat in your home is lost through inefficient glazing. Knowing the difference between the three main types: single, double and triple glazing, can potentially save you a lot of money in the long term. Here’s a quick guide to the differences between the three. U values: how the thermal performance of a window is measured Before we go into detail about the differences between single, double and triple glazing, it’s good to get an idea of how thermal performance is measured. U values measure the rate at which heat escapes through a window. … Continue reading →

What type of wood should I choose for my timber windows?

Posted on 10th March 2015 by Inspire Team

When it comes to choose the type of wood in your timber window, there’s a huge variety of options. Here’s a quick guide to deciding what type of wood would work best in your new window. Hardwood vs. Softwood windows The wood used in the windows of your home can be divided into two types: hardwood timber or softwood timber. The term ‘hardwood’ and ‘softwood’ is actually a misnomer: some hardwoods are incredibly soft, and some softwoods are incredibly hard. The important thing to remember is that both types of wood have different properties, suited to different needs in a … Continue reading →

The ultimate guide to sash window styles

Posted on 26th February 2015 by Inspire Team

Here at the Inspire range we offer a variety of sash windows. Here’s our ultimate guide to sash window styles. What is a sash window A sash window is made of movable panels called ‘sashes’. These form a frame that holds panes of glazing. These panes are separated by narrow strips of wood or uPVC called ‘astragal bars’. How they work Vertical sliding sash windows are ‘hung’ (mounted) in grooves at the side of the frame. Each sash has springs and counterweights to help its opening operation. The weight of the sash is balanced with a sash weight: traditionally made … Continue reading →

Say goodbye to DIY

Posted on 24th February 2015 by Inspire Team

Timber products from the Inspire range are so easy to maintain that you’ll never have to pick up a screwdriver or hammer again! Here’s why.

If you read one article about triple glazing, make it this one

Posted on 30th January 2015 by Inspire Team

Triple glazing is one of the most effective forms of energy efficient glazing available. With over 26% of heat in a domestic home lost through it’s windows, finding ways of retaining this heat for longer is more important that ever. Here at Inspire, we offer triple glazing so that your window or door can achieve exceptional levels of thermal retention and acoustic insulation. Frequently asked questions about triple glazing What is triple glazing? Triple glazing, as the name suggests, uses the insulating space between three panes of glazing to provide enhanced levels of thermal retention, compared to double glazing. This … Continue reading →

5 must watch home improvement shows this Christmas

Posted on 19th December 2014 by Inspire Team

For many families, Christmas without television is unthinkable. Watching hours of festive television has become something of a British Christmas tradition. What better way to while away the cold nights than by watching some home improvement programmes? We’ve come up with our 5 favourite specials and shows on offer over the festive period. George Clarke’s Amazing Christmas Spaces Heir to Grand Design’s Kevin McCloud, architect George Clarke and his Amazing Spaces series has become a firm favourite with homeowners, thanks to its exploration of unique home improvement projects. The Christmas special of ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Christmas Spaces’ is sure to … Continue reading →

Forget A rated windows, ask for an A rated installation

Posted on 9th December 2014 by Inspire Team

Here at the Inspire Range we pride ourselves on the quality of our A rated windows. We think that when it comes to the perfect home improvement project, there’s something more important than simply just the quality of your products: the quality of your installation is also an important factor in the success of failure of a project. Skilled craftsmen for exceptional installations You could have a product of the most impeccable quality, but if its installation is sub-standard, all of its enhanced properties will be negated. That’s why it’s important to balance an A rated window with an A … Continue reading →

Timber windows that could last until 2064

Posted on 17th November 2014 by Inspire Team

When it comes to choosing a natural window frame material with great thermal retention properties and great aesthetics, timber is the best material available. Timber windows are perfect for heritage properties, homes in conservation areas or modern properties aiming to achieve a traditional look. Timber windows: incredibly long lifespan What many people don’t know is that windows made of timber have an excellent lifespan; anywhere from 40-60 years up. When compared to the lifespan of other common window materials such as uPVC, timber is one of the most long-lasting materials currently available on the market. A longer lifespan in a … Continue reading →

10 questions to ask your window installer

Posted on 29th October 2014 by Inspire Team

You should always feel completely confident in the knowledge, skills and experience of your home improvement installer, before you buy a product or service from them. Having trust in the person renovating your home really does give you extra peace of mind. We’ve come up with a list of 10 must-ask questions you should ask your window installer: 1. How much experience do you have? As with anyone who practices a skill, generally the more experience you have, the better your finished result. You need to be certain that the person who’ll be modifying your home actually knows what they’re … Continue reading →

6 things to look for when buying secure windows and doors

Posted on 15th October 2014 by Inspire Team

You may not know it, but October is National Security Month. Unsurprisingly, statistics show that there is a 20% increase in home burglaries as it begins to darker in the autumn and winter months, so October is the perfect month to be thinking about improving the security of your home. To help you out, the Inspire Range have created a list of six important security features to look for when buying new windows and doors. 1. Toughened glass Glazing is obviously the most vulnerable area of a window. Therefore, ensuring that the glazing of a window is toughened is a … Continue reading →