Best windows for heat retention and sound insulation

Innys

Hi everyone

I am planning to replace my windows and doors and am interested in getting UPVC fitted. I want replacements which are best for both heat retention and sound insulation. Cost is an issue, but sound and heat insulation are more important to me.

Can anyone recommend a good brand they have experience of, with suppliers, ideally, in the South East?

Thanks

I

Innys

Bumping up

Ken68

Hi Innys....Pilkington do a glass that bounces back the heat from in the room, and as far as I know the best noise insulator is where the gap between the panes is wider. A local firm with a known record are the best people to consult, plus Google.
Triple glazing as in Scandinavia is quite expensive.
My local double glazings guys also supply Polystyrene inserts to go into the exterior reveal.

Innys

Flanker wrote: »

Might be worth thinking carefully about whether UPVC is the right choice, though. According to Greenspec, softwood timber frames have a thermal conductivity of 0.12-0.14 W/mK, which is better than UPVC's 0.16 W/mK.
QUOTE]

I have discounted wooden frames as I don't want to have to maintain them. Sanding, priming and painting annual is an annual chore I'd rather do without.

gmgmgm

Wooden windows can be easier to look after than PVC - and in ten years time will still look great. Old PVC windows are a sad sight.

Edited to add: the difference in thermal conductivity between wood and PVC shouldn't be even a factor- it's too small a difference to worry about.

Stigy

gmgmgm wrote: »

Wooden windows can be easier to look after than PVC - and in ten years time will still look great. Old PVC windows are a sad sight.

Edited to add: the difference in thermal conductivity between wood and PVC shouldn't be even a factor- it's too small a difference to worry about.

I agree some old PVC windows can look unsightly, although a good brand and well treated window frame will retain its new look for a fair few years!

Cheaper, B&Q specials tend to go yellow muck more quickly in my experience!

WestonDave

You can get timber frames that are aluminium clad - avoids the maintenance issue whilst retaining the insulation benefits of timber frames.