Installation Guide: Energy Efficient Windows and Doors with 21 Degrees

Choosing the right windows and doors is important for a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient home. But selecting the right products is only half the story; expert installation is key to unlocking their full potential. 

At 21 Degrees, we combine high-performance products with meticulous installation, ensuring your home achieves best energy efficiency and comfort. Trusting us means you're partnering with experts dedicated to precision, quality, and helping you achieve your goals for a more sustainable and comfortable living space. 

New Builds, Retrofitting and Replacement

Whether you're embarking on a brand-new construction project or upgrading an existing property (retrofitting), the approach to installing windows and doors differs slightly. 

New Builds

Installing in a new build offers a blank canvas. We can work closely with your architects and builders from the first stages, integrating window and door installation perfectly within the construction schedule. This allows for best placement, sealing, and integration with the building's structure, ensuring maximum airtightness and thermal performance right from the start. It's the ideal scenario for achieving Passivhaus standards or simply creating a highly efficient home. 

Retrofitting

Windows into retrofit often requires the window position to change to ensure it meets with the proposed wall insulation. The most common retrofit measures are the addition of either internal or external wall insulation. We have lots of experience is ensuring the window is positioned in the optimal place to ensure maximum thermal performance and ensures structural integrity. Surveying in retrofit projects is often the most challenging, as both the existing structure and new proposed works need to be taken into consideration. 

Replacement

Replacement is just the standard windows out, and our new windows back in the existing space. This is ideal for those looking for a quicker solution without the upheaval of further works. On replacement jobs the work will be certified under FENSA. 

The Installation Process Explained

Getting your new windows and doors installed with 21 Degrees is a straightforward process, with clear communication and expert guidance every step of the way. 

Step 1: Choosing the Right Product / Consultation

It starts with understanding your vision. We'll discuss your needs, whether it's improving thermal comfort, reducing energy bills, enhancing security, or simply updating the look of your home. We'll guide you through our range of high-performance windows and doors, explaining the benefits of varied materials (like uPVC, timber, alu-clad) and glazing options. Our Low Energy Design Service can also help ensure your choices align perfectly with your overall energy efficiency goals. 

Step 2: Home Inspection / Measuring

Precision is key. Once you've got an idea of the products you like, our technical team will visit your property (for retrofit projects) or review architectural plans (for new builds). We take meticulous measurements of the openings to ensure a perfect fit. We also assess the surrounding structure and discuss any specific installation requirements. This step is crucial for a flawless installation and best performance, including achieving excellent airtightness. 

What to Expect on Installation Day

We aim to make installation day as smooth and undisruptive as possible. Here’s what typically happens: 

• Preparation: Our installation team will arrive at the agreed time. We'll start by protecting the work areas in your home, using dust sheets and taking care to safeguard your property. 

• Removal (Retrofit): For replacement projects, we carefully remove the old windows and doors, ensuring minimal disturbance to the surrounding walls and décor. 

• Installation: The new units are then expertly fitted. We use high-quality fixings and sealing techniques, focusing on creating a weather-tight and airtight seal between the frame and the building structure. This is vital for energy efficiency. 

• Finishing: Once the units are securely in place, we'll apply the necessary finishes for a neat, professional look, both inside and out. 

• Clean-up: We respect your home and will clean up the work area, removing the old units (if requested) and any installation debris. 

• Handover: Before leaving, we'll walk you through the installation, show you how to use your new windows and doors, and answer any questions you might have. 

To help us work efficiently, we appreciate clear access to the work areas. While we handle the heavy lifting, ensuring the space around windows and doors is relatively clear makes the process quicker and safer. 

How to Maintain Your Windows and Doors After Installation

Our windows and doors are designed for long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. However, a little care goes a long way: 

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the frames and glass with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. 

• Hardware: Check and lubricate moving parts like hinges and locks occasionally (as per manufacturer guidance) to keep them working smoothly. 

• Seals: Keep the seals (weatherstripping) clean and free from debris to maintain airtightness. Check them periodically for any signs of wear or damage. 

• Ventilation: Remember to ventilate your home regularly to manage humidity and air quality, even with highly airtight windows and doors. MVHR is the ultimate in comfortable ventilation. 

Following these simple steps will help ensure your windows and doors continue to perform brilliantly for years to come. 

Ready to Start Your Next Installation Project?

Investing in high-quality, energy-efficient windows and doors is one of the best ways to improve your home's comfort, value, and sustainability. At 21 Degrees, we provide not just premium products but also the expert window and door installation service needed to guarantee performance. Our in-house fitting team are highly experienced so you can be guaranteed that you are in the most professional of hands.  

Our meticulous approach ensures the best energy efficiency and airtightness, helping you save money and reduce your environmental impact. Contact us today to discuss your project and get a personalised quote. Let's build a more comfortable and efficient future, together.