And taking into account both aesthetics, security, insulation and even clarity, the purchase of my new windows turned into a real obstacle course. It is therefore with great pleasure that I offer these tips to my readers.
Already it is difficult to navigate among the many references offered on the market, choosing a window adapted to your needs can quickly become complicated when you do not know the standards in force. In fact, many of these certifications are simply mandatory. First of all, there is compliance with the thermal insulation imposed by RT 2012. This is essential if you want to take advantage of a tax credit.
In order not to make a mistake, I ordered windows with the Acotherme label, which guarantees me good thermal and acoustic performance. As for the solidity and resistance of the joinery, I recommend the Center Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment or CSTB label. This signature is the promise of a window that will last you for years. In any case, do not dwell on product ranges that do not include the NF stamp or the CE logo.
You have the choice between contemporary, chic, traditional, Japanese, etc. You must also define the material of your windows. For me, it was the most pleasant stage, since it was finally a question of aesthetics. And of course, like many owners, I let myself be tempted by the very fashionable material of the moment, aluminum. Lightness, discretion, little touch of modernity and minimum maintenance, range of colors… Aluminum really has it all. And I was quite simply seduced even if at the beginning I wanted to bet on a safe bet such as wood.
Indeed, as my old windows were made of wood, it was only natural that I turned to models in this material. But I quickly changed my mind. Nevertheless, in some cases, I remain a fan of this material which is both noble and elegant. What's more, with hard species such as oak for example, you invest in robust joinery. And it's even better if you opt for exotic woods. The only downside is that a window can be expensive, especially if there are several to replace. However, softwoods such as pine and larch are not lacking in charm either.
But hard not to talk about PVC. It is not my favorite material, but this type of window is of very good quality with very competitive selling prices.
This third paragraph will be devoted to the other selection criteria, which are just as important and therefore not to be neglected, such as glazing for example. I immediately rule out single glazing, which is no longer made at all because of its very low coefficient of thermal conductivity. The minimum to choose is double glazing, and the must is triple glazing, but its cost is above my budget.
Finally, comes last the type of opening. French, Italian, hinged or fixed… For me, it was above all their practicality and their ease of handling that prevailed. Hence my penchant for sliding windows.
