How to Choose the Right UPVC Windows for Your Project

Selecting the right uPVC windows for a project can significantly impact the end result. With various styles and systems available, making informed choices helps ensure the windows meet project requirements, building regulations, and budget constraints.

This guide covers the key considerations for trade professionals when specifying uPVC windows.

Understanding Project Requirements

Every project has specific needs that will determine the most suitable type of window frame. Consider these factors before making your selection:

New Build

For new builds, you have more flexibility in window choice and can focus on current building regulations for energy efficiency. Modern uPVC windows with multi-chambered profiles are an excellent option, providing the thermal performance new properties require.

Conservation Areas and Period Properties

For a renovation, such as when replacing old sash windows, planning restraints likely come into play. Period properties often need special consideration.

Our Residence Collection windows are designed specifically for conservation areas, offering the appearance of traditional timber with the benefits of uPVC. These windows feature authentic details that satisfy planning requirements.

uPVC Profiles

We offer three main profiles, each with specific advantages.

Elite from Spectus

Our main uPVC window systems come from Spectus, one of the UK’s leading profile manufacturers with over 40 years of experience. The Elite range is designed specifically for the UK market. These profiles offer excellent durability, low maintenance requirements, and a variety of styles to suit different projects.

Elite 63 System

This 63mm system is designed for straightforward installation and offers excellent performance. It’s popular for standard residential projects and delivers good energy efficiency.

Why Choose the Elite 63 System?

Here are the key features that make Elite 63 an excellent choice for installers:

• Flexible profile styles – Chamfered and ovolo options help match modern and traditional properties
• Reliable thermal performance – Can achieve an ‘A’ WER and U-values down to 0.8W/m²K
• Versatile glazing sizes – Compatible with glazing units from 24mm to 40mm
• Style add-ons – Georgian bars, arched heads, decorative horns, and a range of colours and finishes to meet client or planning needs
• Faster fabrication process – Co-extruded gaskets allow faster fabrication and quicker lead times
• Security assured – Secured by Design approved

Elite 70 System

Our Elite 70 system features a 70mm frame depth with multi-chambered profiles that provide superior thermal efficiency. This makes it ideal for projects where energy performance is a priority.

Why Choose the Elite 70 System?

Here’s why the Elite 70 system is a trusted option for a wide variety of projects:

• Strong thermal performance – Five internal chambers and triple glazing options allow U-values down to 0.8W/m²K and WER ratings up to an A+
• Wider glazing compatibility – Accommodates glazing units from 24mm to 44mm, including 40mm and 44mm triple glazed options
• Quick, clean installation – Knock-in beads and co-extruded gaskets reduce fitting time and eliminate corner gaps
• Reinforced for strength – Large internal reinforcement chambers provide stability and strength
• Versatile frame options – Suitable for casement, tilt & turn, fully reversible, and flush tilt & turn.
• Secure by design – Fully Secured by Design accredited

Residence Collection

This premium uPVC system is specifically designed for period properties and conservation areas. With authentic detailing and traditional aesthetics, Residence Collection windows replicate the appearance of timber while offering modern uPVC performance. They’re available in various styles and heritage colours, making them perfect for traditional homes.

Why Choose the Residence Collection?
With three distinct systems (R2, R7, and R9), the Residence Collection offers flexibility, authenticity, and outstanding performance for traditional and heritage homes:

• Choice of systems – R2, R7, and R9 cater to different project needs, from contemporary flush finishes to authentic styles for strict conservation areas
• Installer-friendly design – All profiles are mechanically joined, removing the need for welding and allowing faster, cleaner installations
• Thermal efficiency – Multi-chambered designs and triple glazing options achieve U-values as low as 0.74W/m²K
• Conservation-grade aesthetics – Suitable for listed buildings and heritage areas with traditional sightlines, flush sashes, and timber-style joints
• Colour and hardware – Offers a vast range of heritage colours, dual-colour frames, and period-appropriate hardware
• Secure and compliant – Fully PAS 24 and Secured by Design certified across all three systems

Types of uPVC Windows

We offer various styles of uPVC windows to suit different project requirements:

Casement Windows

The most common window type in the UK is casement windows, which are side-hinged and open outward. UPVC casement windows are versatile enough for most projects and offer a great balance of affordability and energy performance. Available in various colours and configurations, they suit both traditional and modern properties.

Tilt and Turn Windows

These unique windows offer dual functionality – they can tilt inward at the top for ventilation or turn fully inward for cleaning. This makes them practical for upper floors where outside access is difficult. The tilt feature allows safe ventilation, making them suitable for family homes.

Vertical Sliding Sash Windows

Our uPVC sliding sash windows replicate traditional timber designs with improved thermal performance. With two vertically sliding sashes, they’re perfect for period properties where maintaining character is essential. Modern uPVC sash windows eliminate the common problems of old sash windows, like draughts and sticking.

Flush Casement Windows

Flush casement windows have sashes that sit flush with the frame when closed, creating a sleek, minimal appearance. This design makes them suitable for both traditional homes wanting a heritage look and contemporary projects.

Fully Reversible Windows

These windows can rotate a full 180 degrees, with the outside surface rotating inward for easy cleaning. They’re handy for high-rise applications or where external access is challenging.

Compliance and Specifications

All our windows meet building regulations for thermal performance, ventilation, and safety. The multi-chambered profiles in our uPVC windows help achieve excellent U-values, meeting or exceeding requirements for both new builds and replacements.

Our double glazing comes as standard, with triple glazing options available for projects requiring exceptional thermal and acoustic performance. The additional pane of glass creates better insulation, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

Making Your Decision

When selecting windows for your project, balance technical requirements with practical considerations. While energy efficiency and compliance with building regulations are essential, also consider factors like:

• The architectural style of the building
• The expected lifespan and durability needs
• Natural light requirements and ventilation needs
• Available budget

Getting professional advice from our team can help you navigate these considerations and find the best window style for your specific project.

Contact Our Trade Team

For help selecting the right uPVC windows for your next project, contact Trade Windows Bristol on 0117 978 4444, sales@tradewindowsbristol.com or use our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you supply uPVC windows to?

We supply our range of uPVC windows to trade customers across Bristol, the South of England, and Wales. Our Bristol location allows us to provide reliable delivery service throughout these regions.

Which uPVC window style is most popular with homeowners?

Casement windows remain the most popular choice in the UK due to their versatility, energy efficiency and simple operation. However, we’ve seen growing demand for flush casement windows for modern properties and uPVC sash windows for traditional homes.

Do you offer aluminium windows as well as uPVC?

Yes, alongside our comprehensive range of uPVC windows, we also supply high-performance aluminium windows from Smart Systems. This allows our trade partners to offer the right material based on project requirements.

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