Whether you want to create a grand entrance or a bold first impression, windows and doors play an important role in enhancing a building’s kerb appeal. But with so many design options to choose from, how do you know which one to opt for, or what to recommend to your customers? As we head into a new year, Nick Cowley, managing director of manufacturer of uPVC windows Euramax, analyses some of the key trends for 2021. DIY sales soared in 2020, as homeowners spent their time indoors making home improvements. In fact, the Office for National Statistics reported a 1.5 per cent rise in DIY sales between August and September 2020, at a time when many industries stood still. This trend could well persist throughout 2021, with homeowners continuing to spruce up their spaces. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the window and door trends worth the investment. A splash of colour It’s a common assumption that poly vinyl chloride (uPVC) window frames come in standard white. While some may prefer to keep things simple, coloured window frames are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Dubbed “the new white,” grey frames work well across numerous house styles, from trendy modern spaces to more traditional, period properties. The neutral shade can create a sophisticated effect while offering a hint of colour, making it the perfect choice if you want a subtle break from conformity. Moving away from traditional woodgrain and white uPVC, doors could also receive a splash of colour in 2021. Composite doors are one of the most popular entrance door options, and are available in a range of colours. Inspired by perhaps the most famous front doors in the country, 10 Downing Street, black is an increasingly popular choice for those who prefer a sleek and simple statement. Taking inspiration from elsewhere in politics, Chartwell green is another shade that continues to gain traction. Named after Winston Churchill’s Kent home, the light and bright pastel shade provides a refreshing change from traditional colour options. Time to open up As well as revitalising homes, many homeowners paid extra attention to their gardens in 2020 — and what better way keep enjoying them than to bring a touch of the outdoors inside? Open plan has been a popular trend for many years as homeowners seek to create a large and airy space that transports them from feeling confined indoors. However, budget restrictions and the need for extensive remodelling can put the open plan dream on hold. Instead, additions such as bi-folding doors can make an effective replacement. In the warmer weather, bi-folds can completely fold away to create the illusion of more space and a fluid transition between the home and garden. In the winter months, their floor-to-ceiling glass panels bring in plenty of natural light. Opening just one panel at a time means they can still be used as an access point while keeping the heat in. Window shopping As we grow a year closer to the UK’s 2050 net zero emissions target, our homes need to do more than just look good. Among all building envelopes, the design of a home’s exterior, windows and doors are a main culprit for heat loss — with losses accounting for 20 to 30 per cent of a building’s entire energy consumption. To improve thermal efficiency, some may opt for triple glazing. The third pane of glass, located halfway between the inner and outer panes of double glazing, creates two air locks that beat the energy performance of regular double glazing by around 50 per cent. Between each pane is a pocket of air or inert gas, such as argon, which is heavier than air and works as an insulator for both noise and heat.  However, this window option can cost around 20 per cent more than double glazed options, so it’s worth evaluating if the extra pane is worth the upfront investment. Thermally efficient frames can also have a large bearing on the overall performance of a window, so should also be considered when looking to improve energy efficiency. Because argon gas is denser than air, adding it to the captive air in double glazed windows improves their thermal efficiency, without the needed for added glass. When used in conjunction with a special low emissivity glass coating, argon gas can bring the temperature of the window closer to room temperature. Whether you plan to continue sprucing up your space in 2021, or are looking to reduce your heating bills with smart upgrades, windows and doors could be the key to your new year’s refresh.

The impact of a front door on a home’s kerb appeal September 2020 was a month of records for the UK housing market. The stamp duty holiday triggered the highest number of residential property sales ever agreed in a month. When selling or looking to purchase a house, first impressions really do count. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of uPVC windows and uPVC doors manufacturer Euramax, explains the impact of a carefully selected front door on a home’s kerb appeal. Homes are selling faster than ever before in the UK. The average time to sell is 50 days quicker than any previously recorded figure, according to a report by real estate website Rightmove. In such a saturated market, it’s vital that a property stands out, for the right reasons. In the initial stages of selling a property, the exterior appearance holds great importance: the front exterior shot of a home typically takes centre stage on online listings and many prospective buyers will make an informal drive-by visit before requesting a viewing. With such a great focus on the home’s exterior, maximising kerb appeal is a crucial element of a successful exchange. Whether a homeowner is enhancing their property’s sellable status, or plans to remain there for years to come, the front door is commonly regarded as a property’s focal point, connecting the inside with the outside. It should reflect the personality of the home, and can provide a subtle hint towards the interior décor inside the property. Selecting a front door that successfully achieves this requires three key decisions: colour, material and design. Colour choice A front door’s colour is ultimately down to personal preference, but there are a few essential considerations that should be made when creating a stand-out first impression. The goal is to radiate a welcoming feel, which can be reached either by adding a new colour or by maintaining the property’s existing colourway. One of the most popular colours to add to a property is a pale green. Inspired by nature, this hint of colour subtly matches any surrounding foliage. This promotes a view of the house and its garden as a single entity, helping the home to blend in with its exterior environment. Alternatively, neutral shades bring a classic and sophisticated style to any property. Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of grey interiors, so selecting a grey front door complements the interior décor and sets the tone of what’s to come if you were to enter through it. It’s also worth taking the style of the property into account, to ensure the door colour helps rather than hinders the home’s aesthetic appeal. For example, dark colours such as Anthracite grey may be too bold for ornate period homes, but the perfect fit for a modern or Tudor-style property. Considering all these points in advance gives homeowners some creative freedom with their door colour, without compromising on style. Material matters Material is not only key to a door’s aesthetics, but also its functionality. Meeting a door’s aesthetic goals should not come at the expense of performance. Ultimately, a front door must provide security without sacrificing energy efficiency, so material choice should support these performance objectives. A traditional material choice would be timber, thanks to its timeless look and customisability. There are many types of wood to select from and it can be painted any colour. However, timber comes with its downsides. Repeated exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause warping and peeling, hampering the door’s insulating properties and demanding periodic maintenance. PVCu is another material option, which outperforms timber on energy efficiency and maintenance. PVCu doors have a smooth finish that is naturally insulating and weatherproof, requiring minimal maintenance. Contrary to popular belief, PVCu doors are now available in a range of colours, including Anthracite grey and Chartwell green. Their sleek, clean appearance makes PVCu doors an ideal option for modern properties. However, the modern appearance of PVCu may look out of place on a traditional property, while timber doors may not meet all the performance goals. Composite doors combine the benefits of different materials to offer maximum security, unrivalled energy efficiency and virtually zero maintenance. With a variety of colour choices and the option to add a woodgrain effect, composite doors are suitable for any home, whatever its style. Design details Having decided on colour and material, it’s important to think about the door’s design. As with colour choice, homeowners should be mindful of their property’s architecture and ensure that their door is in keeping with the style. The UK’s most popular four-panel door with two glass panels at the top and two solid panels at the bottom is a classic option that suits most properties. However, a modern property may benefit from a trendy design such as a door with four central glass square panels. It’s also advisable to spend some time considering the door’s accessories. Every front door must have a handle and a letter box, but you may decide on additional features such as numbers or a door knocker. Traditional doors may suit gold fittings, whilst contemporary properties may better suit chrome hardware. Euramax is a leading UK manufacturer PVCu and composite doors, which come in a range of colours with an array of customisable glass and accessory options. What’s more, our made-to-measure service allows us to offer bespoke products to meet any homeowners’ specific requirements. Whether your contemplating selling or just want to improve your property’s exterior, the front door holds the key to success. Carefully selecting a door’s colour, material and design ensures that the door seamlessly fits with the property’s style, while allowing the home’s interior style to shine through, making the property stand out for all the right reasons.

Euramax explores energy-saving home improvements The average UK home spends around £550 a year on space heating alone. Surely there is a smarter way to invest this money and achieve long-term savings? Leading uPVC windows and doors manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that examines five ways homeowners can improve their home this winter to keep warm, without turning up the heat. When winter approaches and the temperature starts to drop, many homeowners begin thinking about how they can reduce the cost of their energy bill. This year, keeping homes warm without excessive costs is more relevant than ever. In April 2020, 46.6 per cent of people in employment did some work at home, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Many people traditionally turn their heating off during the day while they are out of the house. However, with government advice to work from home wherever possible not set to cease, this will not be the case. Many people will spend their days inside their homes this winter, meaning heating expenses will rise. As a result, homeowners will need to take actions to keep their homes suitably warm, without increasing their financial outgoings. As well as lowering costs, homeowners may also want to explore more environmentally friendly heating methods. In summer 2020, the UK government announced that it would be supporting homeowners that want to make energy-efficient home upgrades, with its Green Homes Grant. As part of the scheme, the government will provide a voucher worth up to £5,000 or £10,000 to cover the cost of making energy-efficient home improvements. Homeowners and private and social landlords are entitled to the vouchers, which can be used for changes such as improved insulation or low-carbon heating. “Elevated energy bills are a worry for many people across the UK, especially in winter. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to help bring these costs down and relieve some financial strain,” explained Nick Cowley, managing director of Euramax. “Some of these changes are things that can be done at no extra cost, like setting your thermostat effectively, while others do take a bit more preparation. “We wanted to suggest some possible uses of the Green Homes Grant, while demonstrating how high-quality windows and doors can improve the energy efficiency of a house. This infographic offers some suggestions that will allow homeowners to optimise their home this winter, whatever their budget.” To learn more about Euramax and their products, visit euramaxuk.com.