When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics, energy efficiency, and functionality of your home, windows and doors play a vital role. However, selecting the right type of windows can be a challenging decision. Two popular options to consider are:

• Full Replacement windows & Doors
• Insert Windows & Doors

Each option has huge benefits, and you will ultimately get the best outcome if you choose the correct option for your situation. The guide below will explore the key differences between these two window solutions, helping you make an informed choice that is the best solution for your home.

Insert Windows & Doors

Insert windows and doors provide a more cost-effective solution by replacing old timber windows with new aluminium joinery, without compromising the tradition style of your home. You keep the chunky timber look but have modern aluminium windows and doors that have weather-tight seals and less ongoing maintenance. However, insert windows cannot be done if the existing wooden window frames and sills are rotten or are in poor condition.

The benefits:

• You keep the look of the timber windows from the outside (the sills, jambs and head of the timber windows are left in place) so you keep the chunky timber style look.
• You get the timber look with modern Aluminium windows and doors that have great seals and are higher performance.
• Low ongoing maintenance
• You can change the configuration of the windows and doors
• You can choose any colour you want
• Greater security
• No additional work required after the inserts are installed
• Installation of inserts generally complete in 2-3 days
• This is the middle of the range price wise

The disadvantages:

• Windows work really well with the insert option, but doors often have difficulties with frame widths and often have limitations with the sills (too high a step over)
• The timber frames are still in place and will require maintenance

Full Replacements

Full replacement, as the name suggests, involves removing the existing joinery entirely and installing a new window or door structure. This option gives you the opportunity to change your windows and doors to suit any colour, style and configuration.  A key benefit of replacing the entire window structure is that you can update your windows to make them more energy efficient.

The benefits:

• Everything is new
• You can choose any style, colour, configuration
• Installation is to the current building code
• You can change the sill height of your windows easily (e.g. take out a window and make the hole big enough to change it to a door)

The disadvantages:

• You need to fill and paint the interior liner and architraves after the installation is complete
• It is the most disruptive process. We need to work inside and outside each window with full access. Although the house will be secure every night furniture will need to be moved and drapes taken down.
• All windows and doors will require architraves. Any existing windows not being changed without architraves will not match
• Changing your existing windows and doors to incorporate Double Glazing will have huge benefits. It will increase the comfort of your home, reduce condensation, make your home a warmer and healthier environment.

Whether you opt for full replacement or insert windows and doors, both options have their advantages. Full replacement windows provide superior energy efficiency, design flexibility, and structural integrity.

On the other hand, insert windows offer a cost effective solution, convenience, and are ideal for situations where you wish to retain the traditional or original look of your home, where your existing window frames are still in good condition. Consider your specific requirements, budget, and long-term goals to determine the best window solution for your home.