subject: Complementing your home with doors and windows [print this page] Complementing your home with doors and windows
The doors and windows of any home should enhance the appearance, improve security, retain heat and maximise space in a house. Your choice of doors and windows is crucial to maintaining a secure functional home whilst creating the impression you want to convey. The exterior of your home will benefit from double glazed doors and windows, whilst a stylish interior can be created with the wealth of interior doors available. It is possible to update a house without totally refurbishing each room. By replacing the doors to rooms and cupboards you can create a whole new image.
For small rooms, mirrored doors are available to create a greater illusion of space. You can also purchase sliding mirrored doors so that you use the minimal amount of space for everyday use. Folding doors are another way to maximise limited space, and are extremely versatile as they can be used for any room in the home.
When renovating a room, textured doors can add interest, such as Louvre doors that can be painted to match your dcor or left unfinished. Wardrobes are particularly suitable for folding or sliding doors, with at least one mirrored door to check your look before you leave.
The exterior of a house should look attractive and many will prefer that the doors and windows complement surrounding houses, but they should also be safe and secure, which means fitting double glazed windows and doors. Security lighting and lockable gates are also used to make a home secure. Here at Wickes we have over 150 double glazed doors and windows in our range, meaning you can guarantee you will find a style to suit your home. We also have a range of door furniture, handles and locks to keep your home secure. Many home insurance companies insist on specified types of locks on doors and windows before they will insure you. It is worth checking your locks and replacing them if necessary to avoid your home insurance policy being deemed null and void.
Double glazed windows and doors are more energy efficient and will retain heat, acting as a barrier to cold draughts and reducing your energy bills. There are local grants available in some areas to help you to replace old, inefficient doors with new ones in a bid to conserve energy. As much of the heat from a home is lost through the doors and windows it is cost efficient to replace old ones.
There are health and safety regulations that apply to windows and doors in houses. If your windows or door glass are lower than 800 mm above the ground, then you must use toughened safety glass. This is the area where children and toddlers are likely to reach and are most at risk. If you have a loft that has been converted into a living area such as a bedroom, then a fire door will have to be fitted.
Double glazed windows and doors play a large role in the security and energy efficiency of your home as well as contributing towards the appearance of your home, which is why you should seek a reputable store to make your purchase.
