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Doors

R & M Windows > Doors
Doors, Patio Doors

How Patio Doors Can Enhance Indoor–Outdoor Living

December 18, 20250

Indoor–outdoor living has become one of the most desirable home improvements across the UK, transforming everyday spaces into bright, open and welcoming environments. Patio doors play a major role in achieving this lifestyle, making it easier for homeowners to enjoy a seamless connection between their interior living areas and the outdoors. Whether you have a garden, patio, balcony or terrace, the right patio doors can help you make the most of your space all year round.

From improved natural light to greater accessibility and enhanced ventilation, patio doors offer a wide range of benefits that instantly elevate the way your home looks and feels.

A Seamless Transition Between Home and Garden

One of the greatest advantages of modern patio doors is the ability to create a smooth, uninterrupted link between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Their wide openings and large glass panels blur the boundaries between the home and garden, making your living environment feel more open and connected.

This seamless flow is ideal for:

  • Families who enjoy spending time outdoors

  • Homeowners who entertain frequently

  • Creating a sense of space in smaller rooms

  • Making the most of garden views and natural surroundings

Sliding and French patio doors both offer generous openings, making it easy to move between the home and garden with minimal effort.

Maximising Natural Light Throughout the Home

A key feature of patio doors is their ability to bring an abundance of natural light into the home. With their large glazed panels and slim frames, patio doors brighten interiors and enhance the feeling of openness.

Benefits of increased natural light include:

  • A more uplifting, welcoming atmosphere

  • Reduced use of artificial lighting

  • Better visibility and clearer sightlines across the home

  • A sense of warmth and spaciousness

For properties that feel dim or enclosed, patio doors can instantly transform the environment by introducing brighter, more expansive views.

Improving Ventilation and Airflow

Ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, comfortable home. Patio doors provide easy control over airflow, allowing you to let in a refreshing breeze whenever you need it.

Patio doors help improve:

  • Air circulation in kitchens, dining rooms and conservatories

  • Cooling during warmer months without relying on fans

  • Fresh air ventilation for open-plan living areas

  • Moisture reduction in rooms prone to condensation

The ability to partially open sliding or French patio doors gives homeowners flexibility without compromising security or comfort.

Enhancing Everyday Convenience and Accessibility

Patio doors are designed with convenience in mind. Their wide openings and smooth operation make everyday activities easier, whether you’re carrying food into the garden, hosting guests or simply enjoying the outdoor space.

Everyday advantages include:

  • Easy access for dining outdoors

  • Improved movement between rooms

  • Barrier-free access with low-threshold options

  • Better visibility when monitoring children or pets outside

For homes with limited rear access or smaller patio areas, patio doors can greatly enhance how functional and enjoyable the space becomes.

A Stylish Addition That Enhances Property Value

Patio doors are not only practical—they’re a stylish addition that boosts visual appeal both inside and out. Their contemporary design and clean lines add a touch of elegance to any home, whether traditional or modern.

They offer design benefits such as:

  • Sleek, minimal frames for a modern aesthetic

  • Customisable colours and finishes

  • Options for large glazed panels

  • A timeless look that complements various architectural styles

By enhancing both appearance and functionality, patio doors can increase the overall value of your home.

Versatile Options to Suit Any Home Layout

One of the reasons patio doors remain so popular is the wide variety of configurations available. Homeowners can choose from styles that best suit their space, preferences and lifestyle.

Common options include:

  • Sliding Patio Doors – Ideal for saving space, with smooth operation and uninterrupted views

  • French Patio Doors – A classic, elegant option with wide-opening doors for maximum airflow

  • Large Panoramic Panels – Perfect for modern extensions or open-plan spaces requiring maximum light

This versatility means patio doors can be tailored to suit both small cottages and large contemporary homes.

Improved Security With Modern Door Systems

Today’s patio doors are engineered with advanced security features to ensure your home remains protected. With strong locking systems and durable materials, modern patio doors provide excellent security without compromising on appearance.

Security benefits include:

  • Multi-point locking systems

  • Toughened or laminated glazing

  • Reinforced frames and hardware

  • Internal beading to prevent glass removal

When fitted by experienced professionals, patio doors offer strong protection and long-term peace of mind.

Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting Materials

Modern patio doors are built with durable, weather-resistant materials that require minimal upkeep. uPVC and aluminium frames do not warp, rot or fade, making them reliable and long-lasting in the unpredictable UK climate.

Maintenance advantages include:

  • No need for painting or varnishing

  • Easy cleaning with simple household products

  • Long-lasting performance

  • Excellent resistance to wind, rain and UV exposure

This makes patio doors a convenient choice for busy households looking for low-maintenance home improvements.

Perfect for Modern Open-Plan Living

Patio doors complement open-plan layouts beautifully, helping to unify kitchen, dining and living spaces. By opening up the rear of the home, they expand the usable living area and enhance the sense of flow throughout the ground floor.

Homeowners enjoy:

  • A brighter, more cohesive layout

  • Better interaction during gatherings

  • A spacious feel, even in compact homes

  • The freedom to customise furniture layouts

Whether you’re renovating an existing space or designing a new extension, patio doors play an essential role in creating a modern, open lifestyle.

Installed to the Highest Standard for Optimal Performance

To get the best performance from patio doors, professional installation is essential. At RandM Windows, every installation begins with a detailed survey to ensure a perfect fit, followed by expert fitting carried out by fully trained, MTC-compliant installers.

This ensures:

  • Smooth operation and long-term reliability

  • Maximum energy efficiency

  • Superior weatherproofing

  • Enhanced security and durability

With more than 30 years of experience serving Bracknell and the surrounding areas, RandM Windows provides trusted installations backed by a full 10-year guarantee.

Transform Your Home With Beautiful, Practical Patio Doors

Patio doors are a simple yet transformative addition to any home, offering improved light, better ventilation and a stronger connection to the outdoors. Whether you choose sliding or French doors, they play a key role in enhancing the comfort, style and functionality of your living space.

If you’re considering patio doors for your home, RandM Windows can provide expert advice and a free, detailed quotation tailored to your needs.

Doors, Stable Doors

How Stable Doors Improve Ventilation and Everyday Convenience

December 9, 20250

Stable doors have long been admired for their traditional charm, but in recent years they have become increasingly popular among UK homeowners for far more than their aesthetics. Their split-door design offers a unique combination of practicality, flexibility and improved airflow, making them an excellent choice for kitchens, utility rooms, rear entrances and even modern extensions.

While they bring a lovely cottage-style appearance to any home, stable doors also deliver a range of functional benefits that suit busy households, families with young children, pet owners and anyone looking to improve day-to-day convenience. From controlled ventilation to added security, stable doors are far more versatile than many homeowners realise.

Enjoy Excellent Ventilation Without Compromising Security

One of the biggest advantages of stable doors is their ability to provide fresh air while keeping your home secure. Because the top and bottom sections can operate independently, homeowners can open just the top half for ventilation while keeping the lower half closed and locked.

This provides:

  • A flow of fresh air throughout the day 
  • Reduced reliance on extractor fans 
  • Better temperature control, especially in warm weather 
  • Peace of mind knowing pets and children can’t wander outside 
  • Improved airflow without opening a full door 

This makes stable doors particularly useful in kitchens, where airflow is essential, or in utility rooms where moisture build-up can be a problem.

A Practical Solution for Households With Children or Pets

Families often struggle to balance ventilation with safety, especially in homes with toddlers or energetic pets. Stable doors offer an ideal solution by allowing fresh air to circulate without creating risk.

Key benefits for families include:

  • Bottom half acts as a secure barrier to keep children indoors 
  • Prevents pets from escaping 
  • Allows easy communication between rooms or outdoor areas 
  • Provides visibility and supervision without fully opening the door 

It’s effectively a built-in safety gate—only much sturdier, more attractive and more versatile.

Perfect for Kitchens and Utility Rooms

Kitchens and utility rooms are two of the most common places homeowners choose to install stable doors. These rooms often need controlled ventilation, especially when cooking, doing laundry or managing condensation.

Stable doors help improve everyday comfort by allowing:

  • Steam and heat to escape quickly 
  • Better air circulation while cooking 
  • Natural cooling during warmer months 
  • A brighter, more open atmosphere without losing security 

They’re particularly useful in properties where opening a full back door may be inconvenient, such as smaller kitchens or homes that back onto walkways or communal areas.

Improved Everyday Convenience and Versatility

Stable doors excel at offering the sort of day-to-day convenience that homeowners quickly come to appreciate. Their dual-opening design makes it easy to interact with delivery drivers, accept parcels, pass items through the top half or simply enjoy the feeling of openness while maintaining privacy.

Everyday advantages include:

  • Easy parcel deliveries without opening the full door 
  • Convenient ventilation while cooking or cleaning 
  • Quick access to the garden for pets 
  • Flexible opening options depending on the weather 
  • A welcoming, open feel without losing control over entry 

This versatility makes stable doors ideal for both traditional homes and modern renovations.

Traditional Charm With Modern Performance

While stable doors are often chosen for their charming, country-style appearance, today’s designs offer far more than character. Modern stable doors come with impressive thermal performance, high security features and durable construction.

Modern features include:

  • Multi-point locking systems for both door halves 
  • Strong, insulated panels to keep homes warm 
  • High-performance glazing options 
  • Low-maintenance uPVC or composite materials 
  • Weather-resistant seals to prevent drafts 

You get the timeless look of a cottage-style door with the reliability and performance expected from modern manufacturing.

Great for Enhancing Natural Light and Connection to the Outdoors

When the top half of a stable door is open, it invites natural light and outdoor views into the home—ideal for properties that want to make the most of their gardens or surrounding greenery.

Homeowners often enjoy:

  • A brighter interior throughout the day 
  • A stronger connection to nature 
  • The feeling of open space without exposing the home 
  • Gentle breezes circulating through ground floor rooms 

This helps make everyday living more enjoyable while contributing to a more pleasant, open-plan atmosphere.

Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting Materials

One of the key reasons stable doors remain so popular today is the low level of maintenance required. Modern uPVC or composite stable doors are designed to withstand everyday use and the unpredictable UK weather.

Homeowners benefit from:

  • No need for painting or varnishing 
  • Resistance to warping, fading and cracking 
  • Long-lasting performance 
  • Easy cleaning with simple household products 

With their sturdy build and weatherproof properties, stable doors provide excellent long-term value.

Ideal for Both Traditional and Contemporary Properties

Although stable doors are closely associated with traditional cottages, they now come in a wide range of colours, finishes and styles that suit many different types of homes.

Homeowners can choose from:

  • Classic white or wood-effect finishes 
  • Contemporary colours such as grey, black and green 
  • Fully glazed or part-glazed styles 
  • Decorative glazing options 
  • Matching side panels or complementary rear-door styles 

This makes stable doors a versatile choice for homeowners looking to add character or a functional design feature.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Like all exterior doors, proper installation is crucial to ensure your stable door performs at its best. At RandM Windows, our experienced installers ensure that both halves of the door align perfectly, seal correctly and operate smoothly.

Professional installation guarantees:

  • Effective weatherproofing 
  • Enhanced security and locking performance 
  • Smooth, reliable operation 
  • Long-term durability 
  • Maximum energy efficiency 

With over 30 years of experience in the Bracknell area, RandM Windows provides customers with trusted service, detailed surveys and a full 10-year guarantee for peace of mind.

A Smart, Practical Upgrade for Everyday Living

Stable doors offer a unique blend of charm, practicality and modern performance, making them a smart investment for homeowners looking to improve ventilation, comfort and convenience. Whether used in a kitchen, utility room or rear entrance, their dual-opening design provides greater control over airflow and access while maintaining excellent security.

If you’re considering a stable door for your home, RandM Windows can guide you through your options and provide a free, detailed quotation.

Blog, Doors, Windows

Why Spring Is the Best Time to Replace Your Windows and Doors

March 20, 20250

Spring is a season of renewal—a time when homeowners start thinking about freshening up their living spaces, making home improvements, and preparing for the warmer months ahead. If you’ve been considering replacing your windows or doors, there’s no better time than spring to get the job done.

At R&M Windows and Conservatories, we understand the importance of timing when it comes to home renovations, and we strongly recommend spring as the ideal season for window and door replacements. Here’s why:

1. Perfect Weather Conditions for Installation

One of the most practical reasons to replace your windows and doors in spring is the mild weather. Unlike winter, where cold temperatures and unpredictable snow can delay installations, or summer, where extreme heat can be uncomfortable for installers and homeowners alike, spring provides the perfect balance of warm days and cool breezes.

Why This Matters for Installation:

✅ Easier sealing and insulation – Window sealants and adhesives cure better in moderate temperatures, ensuring a long-lasting and secure fit.
 ✅ No major temperature fluctuations – Avoid issues like expansion and contraction of materials, which can happen in extreme heat or cold.
 ✅ Less disruption to your home – You won’t have to deal with freezing drafts (like in winter) or excessive heat (like in summer) while installers work on your home.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency for Summer

New windows and doors can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency, reducing the need for excessive heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.

How Spring Window and Door Replacements Help:

✅ Prevent heat gain – Older windows with poor insulation can allow excessive sunlight and heat to enter, making your home uncomfortably warm in summer. New energy-efficient windows, such as those with low-E glass and double or triple glazing, help keep your home cool.
 ✅ Reduce energy bills – By improving insulation and preventing drafts, you can save money on air conditioning costs as the temperatures rise.
 ✅ Better ventilation – Spring is the perfect time to increase airflow and reduce moisture buildup inside your home, preventing problems like mold or dampness.

3. Get Ahead of the Summer Rush

Spring is a sweet spot for home improvement projects—early enough to avoid the peak demand of summer, but late enough to avoid the challenges of winter installations.

Why Acting Now Matters:

✅ Faster scheduling – Summer is one of the busiest seasons for window and door replacements, meaning longer wait times. Spring gives you a better chance of securing a convenient installation date.
 ✅ Avoid supply chain delays – Many manufacturers experience increased demand in summer, which can lead to material shortages and price hikes. Replacing your windows in spring means you can lock in current pricing before peak season.
 ✅ Less disruption to your summer plans – Nobody wants to deal with home renovations when they should be enjoying holidays, BBQs, or family gatherings. By getting the work done in spring, your home will be ready to enjoy for the summer months.

4. Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal for Spring and Summer

Your home’s exterior is one of the first things people notice, and old or damaged windows and doors can make even the best-kept property look outdated. Spring is the perfect time to give your home a facelift and increase its curb appeal.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Windows & Doors:

✅ Instantly modernise your home – New window designs and stylish door options can completely transform the look of your property.
 ✅ More natural light – Spring is all about embracing sunshine! Upgrading to larger, clearer windows can bring in more natural daylight, making your home feel brighter and more inviting.
 ✅ Increase property value – Whether you’re planning to sell soon or not, modern, energy-efficient windows and doors add significant value to your home.

5. Prepare Your Home for Unexpected Spring Showers

Spring may bring sunshine, but it also comes with heavy rain showers. If your windows or doors are outdated, they might not be effectively protecting your home from leaks, drafts, or moisture damage.

Why You Should Replace Windows & Doors Before the Rain Gets Worse:

✅ Avoid water damage – Old, leaky windows and doors can lead to dampness, mold, and rot, which are costly to fix.
 ✅ Better insulation from wind and rain – Modern windows and doors are weatherproof and designed to withstand unpredictable British spring showers.
 ✅ Protect your interior – New doors with improved sealing and windows with water-resistant framing help keep your home dry and comfortable.

6. Take Advantage of R&M Windows’ Spring Promotions

At R&M Windows and Conservatories, we understand that home improvements are an investment. That’s why we offer special deals and flexible financing options to make replacing your windows and doors in spring even more affordable.

Why Choose Us?

✅ Over 35 years of expertise – We’ve been installing high-quality windows and doors in Bracknell and surrounding areas since 1987.
 ✅ Top-quality materials – We only install the best uPVC and aluminium frames for durability and energy efficiency.
 ✅ Free, no-obligation quotes – We provide detailed pricing, product specifications, and design recommendations tailored to your home.
 ✅ Full 10-year guarantee – All our installations are covered, so you can have peace of mind.

Don’t Wait—Book Your Free Spring Consultation Today!

Spring is the best time to replace your windows and doors, but appointments fill up fast as more homeowners take advantage of the perfect weather and cost savings.

Upgrade your home this spring with beautiful, energy-efficient windows and doors from R&M Windows & Conservatories—because every home deserves the best. 

Blog, Doors, French Doors

What Are The Main Benefits Of French Doors?

August 12, 20220

One popular way to enhance your property is the addition of French doors. Here at R&M, people often ask us about the perceived benefits of this type of patio door and whether they’re really worth investing in for a home.

Over the last two or three years, against the background of the pandemic, more of us have been looking to improve our homes. Equally, the amount we’re spending on home renovations has surged by over a third (36%) to a median of £15,000 during the year to October 2021, according to a report by Houzz & Home. This is probably unsurprising given that we all had to spend far more time at home than we would usually during the long months of lockdown.

The reality is that French doors can make a significant difference to your living space while boosting what estate agents often call ‘kerb appeal’, which refers to how attractive, or otherwise, a house is when seen from the street, particularly within the context of selling a property.

Here, we take a closer look at what French doors specifically are, and the advantages of investing in them.

What Are French Doors?

The current market offers French doors in myriad different sizes and styles and in many varied materials. And although they’re not the same as sliding patio doors, they’re a popular way of accessing outdoor areas like gardens and patios.

French doors are generally of a fairly light construction, with glazed panels along most of their length. Typically, they’re fitted singly, and they work very similarly to French windows.

The style originated in France in the 1700s and 1800s as a way of introducing light, vital given that this was before the advent of electric illumination, but also a sense of regularity and proportion to a room. French doors were also in keeping with the Renaissance notions of architecture that were popular at that time. They started to appear in the UK from the seventeenth century onwards.

French doors open outwards to create a full opening, and can also feature side panels of glass, which let in additional light and work well for larger spaces. Typically, uPVC or aluminium is used in their construction. Many high-end uPVC models feature a woodgrain finish and are virtually indistinguishable from timber doors, but with numerous extra benefits which make them more robust and longer-lasting than wooden alternatives.

The Key Benefits Of Investing In French Doors

There are many reasons why we’d always say that French doors have benefits which make them a worthwhile investment for your home, including:

#1 They work well in smaller spaces

If the space you have for patio doors is limited, French doors work excellently as an alternative, since they have very slim profiles and don’t take up much space, making them a great choice if you’re keen to transform a living room or kitchen that previously had a smaller back door, or to replace smaller windows.

#2 French doors make excellent replacement windows

French doors make ideal replacement windows if you don’t have any patio doors at all at the moment, or just have a single back door opening from your kitchen.

You could well be amazed (and in a good way!) by just how transformative replacing a small window with a pair of French doors can be.

If you have larger windows or several small windows you want to replace, French doors with side panels may be more suitable, or you could consider having a set of sliding or bi-folding doors instead.

#3 French doors improve the flow from living spaces to the garden

These models can drastically improve the flow in your home and connect the interior space to the garden, breaking down the barriers between the inside and outside worlds.

#4 Help shape a view and let the light in

Even a small pair of French doors can really help to accentuate the best aspects of your garden, especially if you’re replacing a panelled back door or a small window. The floor-to-ceiling glass panels which are typical of French doors also help to give a stunning view across the garden.

#5 Safe and secure

Modern versions of French doors are incredibly safe and secure, with advanced locking mechanisms and extra-strong frames, so they make a highly reliable choice of backdoor.

#6 A boost to property equity

A new set of French doors can substantially increase both ‘kerb appeal’ and, often, actual property value, especially if they bring in more natural light than you had previously, or you’re replacing a window.

#7 Stylish

French doors are invariably smart-looking and elegant. They can be made in many different colours to match your home and they can also be finished in a highly realistic woodgrain look for added class and style.

#8 Versatile

French doors are highly versatile and so suit properties from all periods. What’s more, they can be styled with panelling, Georgian bars, side panels and hardware including handles to match your home, whatever its style. Equally, they’re a distinctly desirable feature for larger and smaller homes alike.

#9 They can be triple-glazed

If noise pollution is a concern, either because you live near a busy main road or experience heavy traffic noise, or have the misfortune to have noisy neighbours, French doors can be triple-glazed to give extra soundproofing qualities.

Looking For a French Doors Company?

If you’re looking for a French doors company, we at R&M install and supply a superb range of models from top supplier Platinum NRG whilst we also offer beautiful French windows to match. We’re Bracknell-based but cover nearby towns in Berkshire, including Ascot, Maidenhead, Windsor and Wokingham. Get in touch today to learn more.

 

 

 

Bi-Folding Doors, Blog, Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors

Bi-Folding vs. Sliding Doors – The Pros And Cons

June 21, 20220

When considering bi-folding doors vs. sliding patio doors, the first thing to say is that each type of door is hugely popular. Bi-folding or sliding doors are also a great addition if you’re building a conservatory or extension in a bid to let more natural light into your home.

People often ask us about the differences between the two, so in this blog, we’re comparing them both to help you make an informed decision for your own home.

Why are bi-fold and sliding doors so popular?

It’s not hard to see why both sliding and bi-folding doors are so sought after, since both offer excellent ways of merging the inside and outside worlds of your home and garden, flooding your space with natural daylight and framing the view of your garden or other scenic outside area.

They are also great options if you’re replacing a window with patio doors and have sizeable wall space on either side or if you want to replace two smaller windows to create a single bigger opening.

Sometimes bi-fold or sliding doors are also used to replace French doors.

Excellent extensions

If you’re planning an extension for your property, you’ll probably design a space with more room for wider doors than you previously had. This makes sliding patio doors or bi-folding doors the ideal choice for opening up this space and creating a better transition into the garden and your outdoor seating or dining area.

What are bi-folding doors?

Bi-fold doors are constructed from a series of folding panels which concertina up against the wall, opening up all the available space in a way that standard single-leaf doors don’t. Typically, these models are built from either uPVC or aluminium.

What are sliding doors?

Sliding patio doors are usually made up of two large sliding panels, one fixed while the other slides open. In some instances, where there are particularly large openings, there is the option to have a single or double fixed panel in the middle, with a sliding panel either side.

Just like their bi-folding counterparts, sliding patio doors are also made from either uPVC or aluminium.

Comparing bifold and sliding patio doors

At R&M, people often ask us about the main differences between bifold and sliding patio doors. While these models share some similarities, each type also has distinguishing features, and these will help you decide which is more suitable for what you need for your property.

#1 Aesthetics – which looks better?

In truth, both of these kinds of doors can look very stylish and suit a broad range of homes. That includes period or more traditional-looking dwellings.

Bi-folding doors will display a greater frame area since they’re made up of a greater number of smaller panels than their sliding counterparts. So if you want to maximise your view of the outside world by minimising the frame area whilst the doors are closed, then sliding doors are probably the better choice.

#2 Opening space

Both types of doors offer a considerable amount of space on opening, but here bi-fold doors may just pip sliding ones at the post, since they open fully, look superb and when opened up, seriously help break the barriers down between the inside and outside worlds.

With sliding patio doors, there is a single fixed panel, so that they usually open up halfway or possibly slightly more, but never 100%.

#3 Which type is more user-friendly?

Ease of use of doors may well be another consideration for your household. Sliding patio doors are actually easier to operate since you just slide them open and closed.

For their part, with bi-fold models, you need to go through a few more steps to open and close them. When it comes to locking them, all of the locking points of each panel (sometimes as many as seven or more panels) must be engaged. This means that, when comparing bi-fold and sliding patio doors, bear in mind that bi-folding models take slightly longer to open and close, lock and unlock.

#4 Affordability

When it comes to the affordability aspect of bi-folding doors vs. sliding patio doors, you’ll find that bi-folding doors are the more expensive option. That’s because bi-folding doors require a large frame area and more locking mechanisms (for each panel). Sliding patio doors require less framing and locking mechanisms as it tends to be just one opening part.

#5 Maintenance

The good news is that both sliding patio doors and bi-fold doors are pretty low-maintenance. Since both are made from weather-resistant uPVC or aluminium, neither requires much upkeep beyond a quick, regular wipe-down with a damp cloth. However, if forced to choose, we’d probably say sliding doors need slightly less TLC, given that they tend to have fewer frames, locks and panels to worry about.

#6 Soundproofing

Both bi-folding and sliding patio doors come with double glazing as standard. However, there are options for triple-glazing and even acoustic glazing if you really want to reduce noise pollution. Acoustic glass is particularly beneficial if you live in a built-up area, under a flight path or have noisy neighbours.

#7 Security

The good news when comparing bi-folding doors with sliding patio doors is that both provide a high degree of security thanks to their locking systems, secure glazing and strong frames.

Energy efficiency

Our Aluminium bi-folding doors are the only ones on the market today that meet the new building regulations for thermal efficiency. Our sliding patio doors are also A-Rated! So whichever you choose, you can be sure you’re getting the best energy rating on the market!

Looking for new patio doors?

At Bracknell-based R&M Windows, we supply a broad range of replacement doors and windows across our local area, including in Ascot, Wokingham, Maidenhead and Windsor. We sell and install both sliding patio and bi-folding doors, alongside a number of other home improvements, from front doors to conservatories and orangeries.

We won’t give you the hard sell. Get in touch today for an informal, no-obligation consultation.

Blog, Composite Doors, Doors, uPVC Doors

uPVC vs. Composite Doors – Which is Best?

June 6, 20220

Customers often ask us about the various pros and cons of composite doors vs. uPVC doors; not least because when you’re choosing a front door it can be difficult to fully appreciate the differences between the two.
While both uPVC and composite doors remain a popular front door choice, composite doors have now rapidly overtaken their uPVC counterparts in popularity. We’ll assess the reasons for that in this article.

Visitors to your home can get a first impression of your personality just from your front door. It’s a focal point for all other exterior décor, whether you live in a modern dwelling or a period property. That means that choosing the right front door is key to preserving or enhancing your home’s individual style and character.

What Is A uPVC Door?

uPVC doors became increasingly common in UK households throughout the 1990s as a timber replacement. Put simply, a uPVC front door is constructed with a fully insulated panel and steel frame at its core. This is then encased in Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride to create a strong, durable product. uPVC doors are more hardwearing than the timber alternatives and shrug off the worst that the British weather throws at them. However, their plastic appearance and feel tend to give an outdated look.
In recent years, composite doors have overtaken uPVC models in the popularity stakes. That said, the latter remains a popular option for products such as patio, French and sliding doors.

What Are Composite Doors?

As mentioned, these models have grown considerably in popularity in recent years and are now overtaking uPVC as the most popular type of front door. They’re a more realistic, alternative to timber versions when compared to those made from uPVC.

Composite designs combine a classic look with the best of modern technology. They typically feature a solid timber core, surrounded by other materials such as uPVC, laminate or fibreglass, depending on the specific range of composite doors. These are available in an array of different colours so you can add a little of your own personality.

How do composite and uPVC doors compare?

To help you decide on the best front door for your home, we’ll take a look at the various features of both composite and uPVC models.

#1 Security

Both uPVC and Composite front doors are highly secure and carry the “Secured by Design” status. With hook bolts (a claw-like locking system), at the top, centre and bottom of the doors, these doors can deter entry by force and stop attempts to lever the door apart!

However, the structure and enhanced features of composite doors mean they provide an enhanced level of security and are a more solid choice compared with uPVC options.

#2 Thermal efficiency

Similarly, both composite and uPVC perform well when it comes to thermal efficiency, especially when you compare them with their timber counterparts. However, once again composite front doors typically have the edge. This is due to their extra density and thickness, so they are the obvious choice if you’re keen to reduce both your carbon footprint and heating bills, while also keeping chilly draughts at bay.

#3 Maintenance

Both uPVC and composite doors are very low maintenance, with neither type requiring more ongoing upkeep than the occasional wipe-down to stay looking as good as new. So if you’re considering upgrading a traditional wooden model which typically needs a lot more time and care, you will find both uPVC and composite options hassle-free in terms of maintenance.

#4 Design and Style Options

When it comes to style and design, composite doors definitely have the advantage. uPVC front doors come in a range of varied styles, so they can still enhance the appearance of your home. However, for the most part, they are white, with a coating that’s typically a standard plastic or uPVC untextured surface.

Composite models feature a high-quality, laminated, woodgrain effect finish that is almost indistinguishable from genuine timber, giving your home a far more elegant look.

Additionally, if you choose a composite front door, you’ll find a greater variety of available styles and colours to match everything from the latest new build to a traditional property. If you’re lucky enough to own a period property, composite doors are the superior choice when it comes to retaining or enhancing period character, or if you are replacing a timber front door.

#5 Affordability

You’ll find composite and uPVC doors do have different price tags, with the former typically costing more. However, choose a composite front door and you can look forward to many more benefits, from higher thermal efficiency to a longer-lasting, better-looking door. Plus superior security.

So if you have the budget to do so, fitting composite doors is always worthwhile. However, if you are improving your home on a more limited budget and need to replace your front door, you should find uPVC a perfectly suitable choice.

#5 House Value

There’s never any cast-iron guarantee that any home improvement will actually raise the value of your property. However, if you’re thinking about selling up, and your budget allows, then composite doors will certainly help enhance that all-important first impression and make your home appear more desirable. So consider joining the numerous homeowners who are now replacing their uPVC doors with composite versions.

Looking For a New Composite or uPVC Front Door?

At R&M Windows, we’ve been installing front doors for more than three decades, and we make sure we keep across all the latest industry innovations. We offer both composite and uPVC front doors to customers in our home town of Bracknell as well as the surrounding areas in Berkshire, from Windsor to Ascot, Maidenhead and Wokingham. If you’re looking for a complete renovation of your home, we also fit a great line-up of windows, patio doors and conservatories.

Get in touch today for an informal chat and a no-obligation quote. We don’t give anyone the hard sell, so you’ll never feel pressurised into anything.

Blog, Cladding, Conservatories, Doors, Fascia and Soffits, Roofline

Was Your Home Thermally Efficient This Winter?

March 3, 20220

March is here, the weather is still miserable but spring is very much on the horizon.

Over the winter months, with the heating turned up, energy bills rising and cold in the air, you may have felt less inclined to open windows and let fresh air circulate your home. You’re not alone.

It’s perhaps not surprising that, that over the winter, we tend to see an increase in the number of calls and emails concerning condensation. This usually starts in October when we can advise how to deal with the issue of condensation. However, now we’re in March, we have the repercussions of not dealing with this condensation earlier.

What is it?

Condensation refers to the drops of moisture which collect on cold surfaces. This occurs when the warm air in your home, collides with these cooler surfaces. Where this collects, this can then cause issues with rot or mould which presents potential health risks.

We’re all told we need to make our homes more thermally efficient by adding insulation and double glazing. What we’re not told is the impact this has with regards to condensation. Homes that are less thermally efficient allow air to flow in and out of the property with ease. Therefore the condensation can escape. With thermally efficient homes, this moisture in the air cannot escape, and therefore collects in the coldest parts of the room.

So what can you do about it?

  • Poor ventilation is a key cause of condensation so it’s important to open windows where you can. It may also be of benefit and to add window vents to the top of frames which can really help. However, you do need to balance that against the loss of heat from your home.
  • Bathroom and kitchen extractor fans will also reduce moisture, as will a dehumidifier, especially if you dry clothes indoors. Ideally your tumble dryer should have an external vent.
  • In the winter months, it’s important to keep your home sufficiently heated. Changes in temperature can worsen condensation issues.
  • Consistent insulation, such as that provided by cavity wall and loft insulation, or having specialist materials fitted outside your house (cladding), can help, too.
  • Single glazing will mean your home will be colder inside, which doesn’t help issues with condensation. It may be time to consider double glazing instead.

Prevention is better than cure

Preventing condensation is preferable to trying to cure it. One of the best ways of doing this is with replacement windows.

The average UK home loses 25%-30% of its heat through its windows, so installing energy-efficient windows really helps bring your energy bills down, while also making your home a more comfortable place to live in.

Give the idea some serious thought, especially if the issue is with condensation between the two panes of glass on double-glazed windows.

At R&M Windows, we have a wide variety of replacement windows to suit all styles of property, and with double and triple-glazing options. Get in touch today for an initial, hassle-free and no-obligation consultation.