Choosing the type of windows/doors is a very important decision to make as it frames the landscape, views and provides us with shelter from the outdoors. We decided to work with Lynch Windows, Buncrana and we found them to be very professional and well experienced. We were delighted to be able to work with such a professional local company that was right on our doorstep and who were very competitively priced.
We weighed up the options of double versus triple glazed and aluminum versus UPVC frames and decided to go with an anthracite grey, A-rated, triple glazed, UPVC windows, with an aluminum corner glazed patio lift and slide door. To give an example of the cost comparisons, aluminum framed windows costs approximately double the price of UPVC and triple glazed units will cost approximately 15% more than the double glazed units, which is a very minimal increase for a more efficient glazed unit. We felt the triple glaze would also help reduce noise pollution from the main Derry/Buncrana road to the front of our house as well as the extra thermal performance.
I had always wanted the anthracite grey exterior coloured window but when we went to Lynch Windows showroom in Umricam to view their products, (which is well worth a visit for anyone looking at windows…they’ve a great display and beautiful showroom), we hadn’t decided on what colour we wanted for the inside. After much discussion (and patience from Gavin of Lynch Windows) we decided to carry the grey colour inside as well. In the photos attached there’s a protected cover on the window frames and the grey we choose is actually a dark colour and not light like the protected cover. I love how the dark grey coloured frame blends with the glass when looking at a house from a distance, it somehow makes the window look bigger, were I find a light coloured frame has a very definite break from frame and glass. I was a bit skeptical with grey as I know its the buzz colour at the moment but it is a colour I’ve always admired and it will blend with the zinc cladding feature we have chose for our front entrance.So we finally got over the colour decision then it was onto the obscured glazing options for bathrooms and our staircase. Who knew obscurred glazing came with so many options! We wanted a very minimal obscured glass and not one with floral patterns so we chose a stippolyte glass, which also allowed plenty of light to flood through.
In the ideal world fully glazed units in our first floor bedrooms looking out to the views of Lough Swilly would have been perfect but we were tied with having to create a fire escape opening in the event of a fire. This is a building regulation that all habitable rooms must adhere to, and it can unfortunately interfere with design options.
As our front entrance door is 2.4 metres high and most UPVC doors have a standard height of 2.1 metres we decided to go with a bespoke timber made door from O’Neill Bros Master Joinery, Derry. The door is currently in production and photos will follow.
To finish I thought I’d share this cute little photo of Carrie. To me it sums up the purpose of our windows…protection from the weather and a framed portrait of our surroundings.
