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casement windows

What Is a Casement Window?

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A Simple Guide for UK Homeowners

Everything you need to know about this classic, practical window style.

When choosing new windows for your home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different styles and options. One of the most popular – and versatile – choices is the casement window. But what exactly is a casement window, and is it right for your home?

At Select Windows, we’re here to break it down simply and clearly. Whether you’re renovating, replacing old windows or building from scratch, here’s everything you need to know.

What is a Casement Window?

A casement window is a window that is attached to its frame by one or more side hinges. It opens outwards (or sometimes inwards) like a door, using a handle or crank mechanism. They’re typically hinged at the side, but you can also get top-hung (awning) or bottom-hung (hopper) versions.

They’re one of the most common window styles in UK homes — and for good reason!

Key Features of Casement Windows

  • Available in uPVC, aluminium or timber finishes
  • Side-hinged opening – usually opens outward for maximum ventilation
  • Slim, modern frame – maximises natural light
  • Secure locking system – multi-point locks for enhanced security
  • Energy efficient – tight seal when closed to prevent draughts
casement windows

Why Choose a Casement Window?

Here’s why so many homeowners love casement windows:

1. Excellent Ventilation

Casement windows can open fully, allowing you to direct fresh air into your home – especially useful in kitchens or bathrooms.

2. Unobstructed Views

With no sash bar running through the middle (like with sliding windows), casement windows give you a clear, uninterrupted view of the outside.

3. Energy Efficiency

The seal around a casement window closes tightly when shut, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

4. Easy to Operate

Ideal for hard-to-reach spots like above sinks or in smaller rooms – the handle makes them easy to open and close.

5. Customisable Designs

Available in a wide range of sizes, colours, materials and glazing options to suit traditional or modern homes.

Where Are Casement Windows Best Used?

Casement windows are extremely versatile and suit most rooms in the house. They work especially well in:

  • Living rooms and bedrooms for light and air
  • Kitchens or utility rooms where ventilation is important
  • Bathrooms when fitted with frosted or obscure glass for privacy
  • Anywhere you want a clear view and strong energy efficiency
casement window

Casement Windows from Select Windows

At Select Windows, we supply and install high-quality uPVC casement windows across the West Midlands. All of our windows are made to measure, highly energy-efficient, and come in a wide range of colours and finishes to match your home perfectly.

We also offer acoustic glass, and security upgrades if you want extra personalisation and peace of mind.

Ready to Upgrade Your Windows?

If you’re considering new windows and want something that’s stylish, secure, and energy-efficient – a casement window might be just what you need.

📞 Get in touch today to book a free consultation and get a quote. Our expert team is here to help you choose the right style for your home.

clean upvc windows

How to Clean uPVC Windows: Glass, Frames & More

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Keep your windows looking brand new with these simple cleaning tips

uPVC windows are known for being low-maintenance — but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a little TLC now and again! Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking fresh but also helps extend their lifespan.

At Select Windows, we install high-quality uPVC windows built to last. But to help you get the most out of them, here’s our complete guide to cleaning every part of your uPVC windows — the glass, frames, seals, hinges and sills.

🧼 What You’ll Need:

  • Soft cloths or microfibre cloths
  • Warm soapy water (mild washing-up liquid works well)
  • Non-abrasive sponge or soft brush
  • White vinegar or glass cleaner
  • Old toothbrush or soft paintbrush (for tricky corners)
  • Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment (optional)
spraying liquid detergent on window

Step 1: Clean the Glass

Let’s start with the obvious bit — the glass.

How to do it:

  1. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove loose dust and dirt.
  2. Use a glass cleaner or a solution of water and white vinegar.
  3. Apply using a soft cloth or spray bottle and wipe in circular motions.
  4. Buff dry with a clean microfibre cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Pro Tip: Don’t clean windows in direct sunlight — it causes streaks.

using a soft cloth cleaning uPVC window frames

Step 2: Wash the uPVC Frames

Your white uPVC frames can attract grime over time — but don’t worry, it’s easy to clean.

How to do it:

  1. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.
  2. Use a non-abrasive sponge to gently wipe the frames.
  3. For stubborn marks, use a uPVC-specific cleaner or a paste of bicarbonate of soda.
  4. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid: Harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scouring pads — they can damage the surface.

cleaning sash window rails

Step 3: Get Into the Hinges, Seals & Tracks

These hidden spots can collect dirt, leaves and even mould if left unchecked.

Hinges & Locks:

  • Use a small brush or toothbrush to loosen dirt.
  • Wipe clean and apply a tiny drop of light oil (like WD-40) to keep them moving smoothly.

Rubber Seals:

  • Gently clean with soapy water and avoid pulling or stretching.
  • Apply a little silicone spray to keep them supple and prevent cracking.

Window Tracks & Drainage Holes:

  • Remove debris with a vacuum or brush.
  • Check drainage holes at the bottom of the frames — if they’re blocked, gently clear them with a cotton bud or small stick.

Step 4: Finish with the Window Sills

Don’t forget the inside and outside window sills!

  • Clean with soapy water and a soft cloth.
  • Rinse and dry to prevent watermarks or mould buildup.

Bonus Tips:

  • Clean your uPVC windows twice a year as a minimum — more if you’re in a coastal or high-pollution area.
  • For extra shine, use a dry cloth to polish the frames once finished.
  • Installing blinds or curtains can help protect your frames from constant sun exposure, which can discolour white uPVC over time.

Clean your uPVC windows twice a year as a minimum — more if you’re in a coastal or high-pollution area.

For extra shine, use a dry cloth to polish the frames once finished.

Need Replacement Windows?

If your uPVC windows are looking tired or you’re dealing with draughts, misted glass or damage — it might be time to upgrade.

Select Windows offers a wide range of energy-efficient, secure and stylish uPVC windows tailored to your home. 📞 Get in touch today for a free quote or expert advice.

conservatory roof lanterns

Conservatory Upgrade with the Guardian Warm Roof

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If your conservatory has seen better days and you want to transform it into a comfortable, year-round living space, upgrading the roof is the most effective solution. A roof replacement not only gives your conservatory a fresh, modern look, but it also offers energy-saving benefits, helping you reduce your utility bills. At Select Windows, we offer the Guardian Warm Roof, designed to breathe new life into your conservatory with style and efficiency.

The Guardian Warm Roof

Why settle for a conservatory that is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter? The Guardian Warm Roof is the perfect solution for improving the thermal performance of your conservatory while also enhancing its aesthetics.

This advanced roofing system is thermally efficient and durable, keeping your conservatory warm during the colder months and cool during the summer, so you can enjoy the space all year round. Plus, it’s a beautiful addition to any home!

Roof Styles to Suit Your Home

No matter the shape or size of your conservatory, the Guardian Warm Roof comes in various styles to match your home’s design:

  • Victorian
  • Edwardian
  • P-Shape
  • Gable Ended
  • Lean To

Each style can be tailored to fit your existing conservatory structure, so your upgrade is seamless.

Customise with Tile Choices

Personalise your conservatory roof by choosing from a range of stylish tile colours:

  • Stone Black
  • Pewter Grey
  • Brick Red
  • Ebony
  • Antique Red

These durable tiles will give your conservatory a sleek finish that complements your home’s exterior.

Add the Finishing Touches

Complete your conservatory transformation with practical and stylish extras:

  • Roof Windows – Let natural light flood into your conservatory.
  • LED Roof Spot Lights – Enhance the ambience with modern lighting.

Benefits of the Guardian Warm Roof

Upgrading to a Guardian Warm Roof not only improves the appearance of your conservatory but also offers several practical benefits:

Reduces Noise and Controls Sunlight

Whether it’s the noise of heavy rain or the sun glaring through your windows, the Guardian Warm Roof helps you enjoy a peaceful, comfortable environment. The roof design eliminates weather noise and significantly reduces sun glare, preventing sun bleaching on your furniture and fittings.

Regulates Temperature for Year-Round Comfort

Forget the days of your conservatory being unusable during extreme weather conditions. The Guardian Warm Roof ensures that your conservatory maintains a comfortable temperature, no matter the season. With high-performance insulation, you can enjoy cosy winters and cool summers.

Minimal Disruption Installation

Worried about the hassle of home renovations? The Guardian Warm Roof is pre-assembled in factory conditions to the highest standards, ensuring a quick and efficient installation with minimal disruption to your home.

Peace of Mind

With the Guardian Warm Roof, you’re not just investing in comfort and style—you’re also investing in quality. Each roof comes with a 10-year product guarantee, giving you peace of mind that your conservatory will remain efficient and beautiful for years to come.

Some of our Roof Transformations

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Upgrade Your Conservatory Today

Ready to transform your conservatory into a space you can enjoy all year round? View our replacement roof options and let us help you choose the perfect Guardian Warm Roof for your home.

Explore more about the Guardian Warm Roof and find out how you can start saving on energy bills today!

Tilt Turn windows

Replacement Hardware: Your Go-To Guide

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From door and window handles to hinges and locks, selecting the right replacement hardware is crucial to ensuring everything fits and functions properly. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the correct replacement hardware for your home.

Window Handle Identification Guide

Choosing the right window handle is essential to maintaining both the appearance and functionality of your window. Here’s how to get it right:

  • Identify the Window Type: First, determine what type of window you have. Is it a casement, sash, or tilt-and-turn window? The handle style will depend on the type of opening mechanism your window uses.
    Window Handle Identification Guide
  • Handle Style: Window handles come in different styles like cranked or inline. Inline handles are straight, while cranked handles are offset, so they don’t protrude far into the room. Make sure the replacement matches the style of the original handle for consistency and ease of use.
  • Measure Key Dimensions: To ensure a perfect fit, measure any key dimensions such as the spindle length and width. The spindle connects the handle to the locking mechanism inside the window, so getting the measurement right ensures smooth operation. Also, note any specific features like a locking mechanism or push button to match your current handle.

Having these details will ensure you buy the correct handle for your window, making replacement straightforward and hassle-free.

Door Handle Measuring & Identifying Guide

Replacing a door handle, especially for UPVC or composite doors, requires precise measurements to ensure the new handle fits securely. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Measurements for Door Handles

There are two essential dimensions to get right when replacing a door handle:

  1. PZ Dimension
    The PZ dimension is the distance from the centre of the spindle (the part of the handle that turns when you rotate the handle) to the centre of the euro cylinder hole (where the key enters the lock). This measurement is crucial because it ensures that the lock and handle align correctly. Different door handle designs have varying PZ dimensions, so measure carefully to ensure compatibility.
    Key Measurements for Door Handles
  2. Screw-to-Screw (Fixing Centres) Dimension
    This is the distance between the two screws that secure the handle to the door. Measure from the centre of the top fixing screw hole to the centre of the bottom screw hole. Getting this measurement right ensures that the handle mounts securely onto the door without any gaps or misalignments.

Additional measurements you may need:

  • Top Screw to Spindle: Measure the distance from the centre of the top screw hole to the spindle hole. This dimension is important to ensure the handle’s fixing points align with the internal locking mechanism.
  • Overall Back Plate Length: Measure the total length of the back plate (the part of the handle that sits flush against the door). This ensures the replacement handle covers the same area and looks proportionate to your door.

Taking these measurements accurately will help you find the perfect replacement door handle and avoid unnecessary returns or adjustments.

UPVC Door Lock Measuring GuideUPVC Door Lock Measuring Guide

When replacing a multi-point lock in a UPVC or composite door, knowing the right measurements is critical for smooth operation and security. Multi-point locks have multiple locking points along the length of the door, making them more secure, but they also require careful measurement.

Critical Dimensions for Multi-Point Locks

  1. PZ Dimension
    Similar to door handles, the PZ dimension on a multi-point lock measures the distance from the spindle (follower) hole to the centre of the euro cylinder hole. This ensures that the handle and lock align perfectly for a smooth locking mechanism.
  2. Backset Dimension
    The backset dimension is the distance from the front face of the lock (the part visible on the edge of the door) to the centre of the spindle hole. This dimension ensures that the internal mechanism aligns properly with the door frame, allowing the lock to engage smoothly.

Without these two measurements, it can be difficult to find a replacement lock that fits and functions correctly. Always use a ruler or calliper to measure in millimetres for accuracy.

Euro Cylinder Measuring & Identifying Guide

The euro cylinder is the part of the lock where you insert your key. To replace it, you’ll need to know the correct dimensions for both the internal and external sides of the cylinder.

How to Measure a Euro Cylinder

  1. Internal Size
    This measurement is taken from the internal side of your door (the side facing into your home) to the centre of the black rotating clip, known as the cam. Make sure you measure from the edge of the cylinder to the centre of the cam accurately.
    How to Measure a Euro Cylinder
  2. External Size
    Similarly, measure the external size from the outside face of your door (facing the exterior of your property) to the centre of the cam. These two measurements are crucial for ensuring the cylinder fits snugly and offers maximum security.

By measuring both the internal and external sizes of your euro cylinder, you can confidently purchase the correct replacement and avoid the common mistake of choosing a cylinder that’s too short or too long.

Friction Hinge Measuring Guide

Friction hinges are critical for maintaining the smooth operation of your windows, especially in casement designs. Choosing the right replacement hinge requires three key steps:

  1. Hinge Type
    First, identify whether your window is Top Hung (opens from the bottom) or Side Hung (opens from the side). The hinge type will differ depending on the orientation of your window.Friction Hinge Measuring Guide
  2. Hinge Length
    Measure the length of the hinge from one end to the other, rounding to the nearest inch. Common sizes include 10″, 12″, 16″, etc. Accurate measurement is crucial for ensuring that the hinge fits properly and supports the weight of your window.
  3. Stack Height
    The stack height refers to the thickness of the hinge when it’s closed, either 13mm or 17mm. If you can’t measure this directly, consider using stack packer caps to convert a 13mm hinge to a 17mm stack. For each pair of hinges, you’ll need six packer caps to complete the conversion.

By following these steps, you can easily find the right friction hinge for your window and ensure smooth, reliable operation.

hardware handing guideHardware Handing Guide

Lastly, it’s important to determine the correct hand (left or right) for your door or window hardware. This step ensures that the replacement part opens and functions as intended.

  • For door handles, stand facing the door from the outside. If the hinges are on the right, you’ll need a right-handed handle, and if they’re on the left, you’ll need a left-handed handle.
  • For window handles, open the window and check which side the handle is on. This will help you determine whether you need a left- or right-hand replacement.

By ensuring you get the correct handing, you avoid the frustration of ordering the wrong part.

With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently select the right replacement hardware for your windows and doors. Taking accurate measurements and understanding the key components of each part will make the replacement process smooth and stress-free.

era locks

Keep Your Home Safe: The Best Solutions for Home Security

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Worried about home security? You’re not alone. Homeowners today are more concerned than ever about the safety of their homes, and it’s no wonder—76% of all burglaries occur through a poorly secured door, and 31% happen by forcing a lock. So, how can you protect your home and give yourself peace of mind? At Select Windows, we’re here to help you secure your home with the latest in high-quality locks and security features.

The Importance of a Secure Lock

Your door is your home’s first line of defence, and having a strong, secure lock is essential. At Select Windows, we recommend the British Standard 3-Star Maximum Cylinder Security Lock from ERA. This lock is independently tested to meet the latest industry security standards, offering you maximum protection against potential intruders.

What Makes This Lock So Secure?

  • Six Hardened High-Security Pins: These provide robust protection against common break-in methods like snapping, bumping, and picking. By securing the inner workings of the lock, this lock prevents intruders from tampering with the mechanism.
  • Anti-Snap Protection: The lock contains two sacrificial sections designed to break off if someone tries to snap the cylinder, leaving the inner parts inaccessible and keeping your home secure.
  • Anti-Pick and Anti-Bump Protection: With six trap pins and over 98,000 differs (unique key combinations), this lock makes bumping or picking practically impossible. Any attempts would take far too long to succeed, making it a strong deterrent for burglars.
  • Anti-Drill Protection: The use of hardened pins ensures that drilling through the keyhole becomes extremely difficult. The pins block a drill bit from penetrating the lock, providing another layer of maximum protection.

More Than Just Locks: Comprehensive Home Security Features

At Select Windows, we know that security doesn’t stop with just a lock. That’s why we offer additional security features to enhance the protection of your home:

  • Reinforced Hinges: Strengthened hinges prevent doors from being forced open, adding durability and protection.
  • Locking Systems: Advanced multi-point locking systems distribute security across the door, ensuring that it can’t be easily pried open.
  • Child Safety Mechanisms: To protect young children from accidents, our products include safety features like child-proof locks.

secured by design licensed consultantSecured by Design: Police-Approved Security

We take security seriously, and all of our products are Secured by Design accredited, a police-backed initiative that highlights products prioritising security. This means our products have been rigorously tested and certified to ensure they offer the best possible protection for your home.

Why Choose Select Windows for Your Home Security?

At Select Windows, we believe every homeowner should feel safe and secure in their own home. Our attention to security extends to every product we offer. From our high-performance ERA locks to our reinforced security features, you can relax knowing that your home is safeguarded by the best in the industry.

Don’t leave your home’s security to chance. With the British Standard 3 Star Maximum Cylinder Security Lock and other advanced features, you can rest easy knowing that your home is protected from common burglary methods.

Ready to Secure Your Home?

Contact Select Windows today to learn more about our range of high-security products and how we can help keep your home safe. With our expertise and commitment to your safety, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is fully protected.