Double Glazing Windows Fortis Green

We supply and fit double glazing windows in Fortis Green, made to measure for each home. This page is for owners who want to replace old or failing windows and need clear advice on frames, glass and local rules.

You will learn which frame suits your type of house, what the glass options do, and how planning rules may shape your choice. We fit double glazing across East Finchley, but this page focuses on the homes and streets of Fortis Green.

Every job starts with a free survey and ends with a written, fixed quote. You can book your survey here.

Window Frames for Fortis Green Homes

The right frame depends on the age of your home, the look you want and how much upkeep you are happy with. We fit three main frame materials. Each one meets Building Regulations and comes with our 10-year guarantee.

uPVC

uPVC double glazing is the most popular choice we fit. It is low cost, holds heat well and needs no painting. A wipe with soapy water twice a year keeps it clean. It comes in white, cream, grey, black and a range of wood-grain finishes. It suits most post-war homes, flats and newer builds.

Aluminium

Aluminium double glazing gives thin frames and more glass. It is strong, so it can hold large panes without bulky bars. A thermal break inside the frame stops heat from leaking out through the metal. It suits modern homes, extensions and Crittall-style looks. The powder-coat finish lasts for years and comes in almost any colour.

Timber

Timber double glazing gives the warm look of real wood. It is often the best choice in conservation areas and on period homes. Modern timber frames are treated against rot and come factory finished. You will need to repaint or re-stain them every few years. In return they last a long time and can be repaired, not replaced.

Window Styles We Fit

The style of window should match the house. A wrong style can look out of place, even if the frame is good. These are the styles we fit most in Fortis Green:

• Casement windows: side or top hung sashes. Simple, strong and good value.
• Sliding sash windows: the classic choice for Victorian and Georgian homes. We fit timber sashes and uPVC sashes made to look like wood.
• Tilt and turn windows: open inward two ways. Good for flats, as you can clean the outside pane from inside.
• Bay and bow windows: a set of frames joined at angles. We often replace these as one unit with new posts and a new roof.
• Flush casements: the sash sits level with the frame, like old timber windows.

You can see all our styles on the main double glazing windows page.

Glass Choices and What They Do

The glass makes up most of a window. Picking the right glass for each room makes a real difference to comfort.

• Standard double glazing: two panes, a warm edge spacer and an argon gas fill. One pane has a soft coat that reflects heat back into the room.
• Triple glazing: three panes for lower heat loss. Good for cold, north-facing rooms.
• Acoustic glass: laminated or thicker panes that cut traffic noise. Useful on main roads and near rail lines.
• Toughened and laminated glass: safety glass for low panes, doors and areas near stairs.
• Obscure glass: patterned glass for bathrooms and landings.

Part L of the Building Regulations asks for a whole window U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better on a replacement window. Our standard units meet this, and triple glazing goes further. Lower numbers mean less heat lost through the window.

Planning and Conservation Rules in Fortis Green

Most window swaps fall under permitted development. That means you do not need planning permission if the new windows look like the old ones. Things are different in some cases:

• Listed buildings need listed building consent for almost any change to windows.
• Conservation areas may have rules on frame material, style and glazing bars, mostly on the front of the house.
• Article 4 directions can remove permitted development rights, so even a like-for-like swap may need consent.
• Flats may need the freeholder's consent under the lease.

We check the rules for your address at the survey. If consent is needed, we can supply drawings and product details for your application. In sensitive streets, timber sashes or slim flush casements often win approval where plain uPVC would not.

How We Make and Fit Your Windows

We measure every opening at the survey and have each frame made to fit. Once the frames are ready, we book a fitting date that suits you. On the day, we protect floors and furniture, take out the old frames and fit the new ones. We seal, trim and make good inside and out, then clear away all waste.

Every window is registered with FENSA, so you get a compliance certificate. Our full process, from first visit to aftercare, is on our how we work page.

What Affects the Cost of New Windows

We do not list fixed prices here, as every home is different. The main things that shape your price are:

• the size and number of windows
• the frame material and finish
• the style, with sashes and bays costing more than casements
• the glass spec, such as triple or acoustic glass
• access, such as upper floors that need a tower or scaffold
• any repairs to sills, lintels or brickwork

After the free survey, you get a written, fixed quote. It lists each window on its own line, and it will not change unless you change the order.

Caring for Your New Windows

Good windows need very little care. A few simple jobs will keep them working well for years:

• Clean frames and glass with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh cleaners and scourers.
• Keep drain holes at the bottom of the frame clear of dirt and leaves.
• Oil hinges and locks once a year with a light machine oil.
• Check seals for gaps or wear, and call us if a seal lifts.
• Repaint timber frames when the finish starts to dull or crack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frame colours be changed after fitting?

Yes, in most cases. uPVC frames can be sprayed with a special paint by a trained firm, though the finish will not last as long as a factory foil. Aluminium can be re-coated, but it is costly once fitted. Timber is the easiest to change, as you can simply repaint it. It is best to pick your colour at the survey so the frames arrive in the finish you want.

Will new frames affect ventilation or condensation?

New windows are much more airtight than old ones, so ventilation matters. We fit trickle vents where the rules need them, which lets fresh air in without draughts. Good airflow keeps damp down. Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and open a window when drying clothes. Our warm edge spacers also help stop condensation on the edges of the glass.

Are there grants for energy saving glazing?

National grants for windows are rare, and most schemes focus on insulation and heating. Some councils run local schemes for homes on low incomes. Check with your council or the government energy advice service to see what is open now. We do not run grant schemes ourselves, but we can provide the product details and certificates a scheme may ask for.

Can original shutters or decorative glass be kept?

Often, yes. Internal shutters can stay if the new frames fit within the same reveal. We can measure carefully to leave room for them to close. Stained or leaded glass can sometimes be set inside a new double glazed unit, or copied in a new design. We look at the condition of the glass at the survey and explain what is possible.

How soon can new frames be cleaned?

uPVC and aluminium frames can be cleaned straight away with warm, soapy water. Leave the outer sealant for a few days to cure before you scrub around it. Factory finished timber frames are ready to clean, but give them about two weeks before using anything other than a soft, damp cloth. We leave care notes with every job.