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How to use your windows to create stunning interiors

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How to use your windows to create stunning interiors

 

While windows may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about interiors, they have a significant impact on the ambiance of your home.

Not only do they usher in natural light, the keystone to a comfortable ambiance, but they can also provide the most attractive feature of any room – a stunning view.

Read on to see how you can use your windows as a point of focus to create stunning interiors

 

Choose windows that complement the room

If you are fortunate enough to plan your home design, there are options available that can benefit your living space.

Consider that a small room can benefit from the extra sunlight and outdoor views that a taller custom window will bring.

Sash windows are packed with character, and they are also are perfect for upper stories, as they allow easier access to the outside for cleaning and provide free air conditioning, boosting the air quality of your room (find out more in our piece about sash windows here.)

When you choose styles, think about how you can not only accentuate but enhance your home.

 

Frame the perfect view

It is difficult to match the feeling of serenity in waking up to an ocean view, seeing the seasons change outside your window or watching the world pass by.

Windows are more than functional, they capture the outside world and usher it in to your living space.

When choosing your perfect windows, think about how to maximise your view when framing these outdoor scenes. Not only do you have many options when it comes to materials, you can also consider adding a pop of colour to the frames or interior sill to complement the view outside.

 

Cast some light on your dream design

Natural light is a must for comfort and good health. Plants will thrive in conditions where they have plenty of light and wither in the darkness, and we are not so different.

Ample natural lighting is the foundation of a bright and healthy interior, so consider how to maximise the resource of natural daylight when thinking about your window and interior layout.

Consider that the colour and finish of paint can lighten a room – while bold, rich colours like burgundy, navy and even black can be stylish and welcoming, in a dim room they will have the opposite effect. Glossy paint rather than matte will also give a boost to your interior lighting.

You can also boost the amount of light in a darker room by pairing windows with strategically placed mirrors, reflecting daylight and lifting the ambiance of your interior.

 

Embrace your history

Original sash windows have bags of character, and it just takes a little care and attention from skilled craftspeople to breath life back into them

Historically, sash windows were made to last for generations, and with a little effort and expertise even those that look beyond repair can be returned to their former glory.

By taking the time to care for existing windows in your home, you can preserve a feature that brings character to your interiors that cannot be replicated.

 

Consider your privacy needs

The functionality of a room has an impact on its ambiance, and when considering the light in a bathroom, bedroom or hallway, the balance when obscuring natural light in exchange for privacy is a delicate matter.

There are many situations where privacy is the priority, but that doesn’t mean that natural light is off the table as an option.

The good news is that the translucency of glass can be tailored to your needs, and experts can help you navigate the choices available to ensure that every room in your house is functional and tasteful.

 

Live your best life, safe and sound

The best windows will give great views and function seamlessly while working double time in the background.

Experts in the industry will be able to provide you with features such as burglar-proof fittings and the option to drown out outside noise, literally keeping you safe and sound.

Draft and weather proofing are also options, so that none of the warm and cosy feelings are lost to the outside.

If you never have to think about how good of a job your windows are doing, it is likely that your windows are doing their job, leaving you free to create your dream space in your home.

 

Design your interiors to account for your windows

When thinking about your interiors, consider the orientation of your windows and how this may affect your lifestyle.

The morning sun flooding a bedroom can be a dream for some, but for those working late nights the addition of blackout blinds can be a lifesaver to catch extra sleep in the day.

If you have a large window that maximises the light, consider how the addition of extra blankets and rugs to that room will add an element of cosiness when watching the winter bluster outside, these can then be stored away during the warmer months.

Maximise the assets of your home with your choice of windows and remember that interior choices can then be used to enhance these assets and tailor them to changes in life.

 

Create visual interest

There are more options for window placement than the standard classic proportions, and playing around with the configurations of your windows can add character to your home, inside and out.

Expert fitters can guide you through the process of choosing custom windows shapes and sizes.

This can help you make the most of views and lighting while highlighting the architecture of your home and creating points of interest.

 

Use your window wall as artwork

Using the view from your windows as inspiration for your interiors guarantees that your décor won’t go out of style.

Creating a harmony with colours and textures inspired by the view is a classy way of creating a seamless style where your windows become a timeless work of art.

Embrace the changing seasons with seasonal décor and choose styles which reflect or contrast with the exterior views for impact.

 

Trust the experts to help bring out the best from your home

The logistics and functioning of windows is rarely something that homeowners need to think about.

The unique Fairco finish on our products means minimal maintenance, leaving you free to enjoy your newly transformed home.

This year, Fairco are hosting our own Operation Transformation, helping you create a home which sparks joy.

With over 35 years of experience, 18,000 delighted customers and 65% of our custom coming through recommendations, you can trust Fairco to transform your home.

Visit us for a free consultation at fairco.ie

How to soundproof your home from stressful urban noise

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How to soundproof your home from stressful urban noise

From the roar of traffic to the rattle of the Luas, there is no doubt life is getting noisier for those living in urban areas.

More than just a nuisance, noise can become a considerable source of stress, particularly if you live close to a motorway, busy road, tramline or other source of constant background din.

Fortunately, there is a solution that doesn’t involve moving house: acoustic glass.

According to windows expert Jim Toal of Fairco Windows and Doors, acoustic glass dials down the volume outdoors so those indoors can enjoy peace and quiet.

“Acoustic glass is the equivalent of moving the road 28 meters further away from your home. Even if you live beside a busy thoroughfare, you won’t hear the traffic at all,” said Jim.

For those who want to understand the science behind using glass to reduce the racket, acoustic glass consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with one or more acoustic interlayers.

Depending on your needs and budget, the experts can either greatly reduce or even totally remove background noise from your home environment.

“By varying the thickness of the sheets of glass, different levels of sound insulation can be achieved,” said Jim.

“For ultimate sound proofing in a home setting we recommend laminated glass. This is where two panes of glass are used with a layer of plastic in the middle. The thicker the plastic laminate layer, the more sound will be deflected,” he explained.

The window expert says for serious noise reduction double glazing is not enough.

“It will help to some degree, but as sound operates in waves, to really make a difference you need acoustic glass. Its variations in glass thickness and interlayers are scientifically calculated to disrupt how sound frequencies operate.”

For those seeking the quiet life the good news is the cost of sound proofing your home need not break the bank and acoustic glass can be retro fitted to existing window frames.

“Ideally acoustic glass is best installed when people are getting new windows, but it can be fitted in existing window frames.

“Sound proofing is also more pocket friendly than people think as specifications vary from very high to more moderate. We work with people based on their needs and budgets to achieve the best possible result.”

And it is not only the roar of traffic that you may want to eliminate from your domestic life.

“We recently had a customer living close to a football stadium where matches are played regularly. They couldn’t believe the difference after we installed acoustic glass, the noise levels have been dramatically reduced and now they have no idea who’s scored.” said Jim.

Trust the experts to transform your home. Find out more at Fairco.ie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 things you should know about sash windows

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7 things you should know about sash windows

 

Nothing adds character to a home quite like a sash window.

Traditional sash windows are a beautiful addition to any building but, unfortunately, age and lack of proper maintenance can see them lose their charm.

The good news is, no matter what the problems are – you don’t need to give up on your sash windows just yet.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about renovating sash windows.

 

1. Ventilation

Sash windows contain a free and noiseless air conditioning system by design.

With both the top and bottom sashes sitting open, cool air will be drawn in through the bottom while warm air will circulate out the top of the window.

This simple system will effectively cool your home during the summer months and is efficient for airing out rooms at any time of the year.

2. Counterbalance

The working system of a sash window is not visible, so it is easy to miss its genius.

A cord connects the sash to a weight hanging in a hidden chamber within the frame of the window.

The weight moves up and down the chamber, and keeps the window sitting in position when open.

This system ensures that the window will never drop closed of its own accord.

3. Double glazing

When it comes to sash windows, it is easy to assume that you must choose between preserving original fittings and the heat retentive benefits of modern windows.

In reality, sash windows can be sympathetically fitted with double glazing while retaining the features of the original window, meaning that you can enjoy insulation while preserving the original features of your home.

4. Compliance

Industry experts can help you to be navigate building regulations and requirements when you replace your windows.

These can be ensuring the correct level of insulation is met and the windows are safe and correctly fitted.

To guarantee compliance with all household insurance requirements, make sure that all of the windows that are accessible from the outside are fitted with key operated locks on both sides of the window

Opening restrictors, which restrict the ability of children to open windows, can also be fitted to comply with new legislation.

5. Installation

Installation is a far easier process than you might imagine.

99% of all sash windows are installed from inside the property, meaning that most installations will not require scaffolding.

6. Draught proofing

Draught proofing your sash windows makes for a warmer, cosier home as well as a significant reduction in heating bills.

Draughts are mainly caused by badly aligned sashes and a lack of compression between the sashes, both of which can be easily addressed by experts.

Even if sash windows are draughty or rattling, they can be returned to all their former glory and even improved upon.

One sash window can also be totally draught proofed in about four hours.

7. Built to last.

Historically, sash windows were made to last for generations.

With a little effort and expertise, even those that look beyond repair can be returned to their former glory.

Woodwork will rot over time, but the rotten timber can be removed and replaced in profiles that are the exact replica of the original.

Frayed cords are also replaced so the sashes can operate smoothly.

It just takes a little care and attention from skilled craftspeople to bring life back to a sash window.

You can trust Fairco’s expert restorers to be mindful of maintaining the beauty of traditional sash windows while bringing them up to modern standards.

If you would like to find out more about restoring your sash windows, visit fairco.ie

 

 

Fairco Windows Prevent Day Time Burglary

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Fairco Windows Prevent Day Time Burglary

 

fairco windows

Fairco Windows are known to stand the test of time, but earlier this week our windows were put through their toughest test of all, an attempted burglary.

We recently received a phonecall of thanks from some Fairco customers, an elderly couple from Dublin, who were recent victims to a daytime intrusion in their home.

On Saturday, November 10th, at around 2pm, the burglar attempted to enter the property while the woman of the house was still at home going about her afternoon business.

Clearly experienced, the thief tried a number of schemes to enter through the windows, including forcing a screwdriver between the opening sash and the window frame. He was able to get purchase and tried to lever the window open.

However, due to the unique locking system which is exclusive to Fairco Windows, the burglar could not generate enough force to pry the window open. It takes approximately 6kN of force to pry a Fairco window open. A human being cannot generate 6kN of force therefore the window wouldn’t open.

The burglar fled the property empty-handed and no damage was done to the house. The couple included in their phonecall  words of thanks and relief at the strength and durability of their Fairco windows.

Here at Fairco, we use a combination of locks including a unique bear-grip locking system coupled with hinge-claws, which allows no weak point on the opening sash.

To find out more about what Fairco can do for your home safety, visit one of our permanent display showrooms at Santry, Terenure or Howth Junction. You can also call us on 01 816 5080, and get your free, no-obligation quote. We do not believe in a “one-size fits all” solution, that’s why we give each enquiry a personal assessment free of charge.

 

House warming – the clever way to better window glazing

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House warming – the clever way to better window glazing

When it comes to making your home warmer this winter, if double glazed windows are good, then triple glazed ones must be better?

The surprising opinion from the experts at Fairco Windows and Doors is no, not necessarily.

In fact, according to Fairco’s Jim Toal who has over 30 years experience in the trade, it takes a thoughtful mix of both double and triple glazing to get the best heat value from your windows.

“The trick is to maximise the amount of solar gain – that is the free heat from sunshine on the window which modern glazing technology will release into your home,” said Jim.

“People may not be aware but if you put triple-glazing in south or west-facing windows, you will lose solar gain and the extra money you spend won’t gain you any extra heat.”

Now for the science bit. The international standard that measures the insulation performance of windows is called the U-value.

The lower the number the better their U-value, and traditional one-pane windows have a U-value in excess of five.

Thanks to improvements in windows technology, any double-glaze windows you install today will have a U-value of no worse than 1.6 and at Fairco they work to a U-value standard of 1.2.

“Double-glazing has made amazing progress in the past five years and double-glazed windows are now capable of being net heat contributors to your home,” said Jim.

“Replacing single-glazing or old double glazing, with new, is simply a no-brainer.

Triple-glazed windows, on the other hand, may not always be worth the investment.

“They are ideal for north-facing windows which get almost no direct winter sun and are usually net losers of energy.

“On the other hand, triple-glazed windows in sunlit south or west-facing rooms will reduce heat absorption and by adding extra weight, increase the strain on hinges.”

The Scandinavians with their very cold winters have led the way in improved window technology and triple-glazing is their ideal choice.

However what works for them doesn’t necessarily work for us.

“In Scandinavia the winter air is cold and dry, while Ireland has a damp, wet and windy climate with a high level of humidity.

“With the wind lashing the windows, an Irish home at six Celsius outside can feel colder than a Scandinavian home where the outside temperature is minus 10,” said Jim.

While that sounds rather chilly the good news is that by combining good insulation with Fairco’s clever use of glazing you can now get a warm and comfortable home with A-rated energy efficiency.

Ireland's first frameless windows bring a wall of light to homes

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Ireland’s first frameless windows bring a wall of light to homes

 

Ireland’s first frameless windows and doors look set to bring a wall of light to Irish homes and revolutionise the residential market.

Lumi by Fairco is a complete range of customisable, matching frameless windows and bi–folding, patio and residential doors which were voted the industry’s new product of the year.

With their completely flat, uninterrupted profile, these radically-styled windows increase the amount of light flooding into homes.

With their completely flat, uninterrupted profile, Lumi windows increase light in your home.
With their completely flat, uninterrupted profile, Lumi windows increase light in your home.

Hidden under the ceramic colour lies the secret to Lumi’s strength – energy efficient triple glazing that has been structurally bonded to an internal core of high strength, glass-fibre reinforced profiles.

This intelligent piece of engineering is the first of its kind on the market, bringing all the design benefits of frameless glazing with all the strength, security and internal styling of more traditional windows and doors.

“The Lumi system is a radical new approach for residential windows and doors, which the judges at the G Awards in the UK recently described as a product that truly reinvents the window,” said Fairco Windows and Doors Managing Director Jim Toal.

“The product has already received widespread acclaim from homeowners and architects through several outings at events such as Grand Designs.

“The complete Lumi system means that anyone can have a combination of windows, doors and bifolds that are an exact match, not just a close approximation as in many other cases.

“Lumi has been specially developed for our weather conditions. Available in six different finishes, all colours are protected from the elements reducing the possibility of fading over time.

“Plus, having no external frames means that maintenance and cleaning are every bit as minimal as the styling.”

Lumi by Fairco has been designed to conserve energy and withstand even the most extremes of weather.

With a state of the art 50mm insulated triple glazed unit, an 80mm draught free double rebate system with a double gasket seal as standard, Lumi by Fairco windows are among the most energy efficient on the market.

The Lumi window brake lock system from Winkhaus allows the window to be locked into any opening position simply by using the window’s handle – adding an extra dimension to Fairco’s already high-end security fittings as standard.