Accessories

Handles and other door furniture can make a noticeable difference to a new entrance door.

The right choice depends partly on the style of the door. A contemporary aluminium or composite entrance door may suit simple modern hardware, while a timber or traditionally styled front door may require fittings that complement its character.

Depending on the selected door range, options can include lever handles, pull handles, letter plates, knockers and other entrance door fittings.

Colours and finishes can also be considered alongside the frame, door panel and glazing.

For French doors, sliding doors and bi-folding doors, the hardware needs to work with the operating system as well as the overall appearance.

South Lakes Windows can help you select door furniture as part of the complete door specification rather than leaving these details until the end of the project.

Security hardware is another important part of the specification.

Modern replacement windows and doors use locking systems designed around the individual product. The available security features therefore vary between window, entrance door, French door, sliding door and bi-folding door systems.

South Lakes Windows supplies products with a range of modern locking options, including Ultion locking systems on suitable doors.

Security should be considered as a complete system. A lock is one component, but the frame, hinges, glazing, hardware and installation also contribute to the security of the finished window or door.

Where security is a particular priority, tell our team during the initial discussion so we can explain the relevant options available with the products you are considering.

Glass provides another opportunity to personalise new windows and doors.

Decorative glazing can be particularly effective within entrance doors, side panels and traditional window designs.

Depending on the chosen product, options can include leaded designs, coloured or stained effects and patterned glazing.

Traditional glazing details can also be used to give replacement windows a particular architectural character.

Georgian bars and astragal bars can divide the visual appearance of a larger pane into smaller sections. This can work particularly well with cottages, Georgian properties, Victorian houses and other homes where traditional window proportions are important.

The appropriate design depends on the architecture of the property and the selected window or door system.

Not every window needs clear glass.

Obscure glazing can provide privacy while continuing to allow daylight into the room. It is commonly considered for bathrooms, toilets, entrance doors and windows positioned close to neighbouring properties or public areas.

Different patterns and privacy levels may be available depending on the glazing specification.

The location of the glass should be considered alongside the level of privacy required.

For an entrance door, for example, a homeowner may want glazing that introduces daylight into the hallway without providing a clear view into the property.

South Lakes Windows can discuss suitable glazing options when specifying the window or door.

Different areas of a home can require glass with additional properties.

Laminated glass can be considered where additional security or safety performance is required. Its construction helps hold the glass together if it is broken.

Safety glazing is required in certain locations where there is an increased risk of accidental impact, including specific areas around doors and low-level glazing. The appropriate glass specification should be selected according to the position and installation.

Homeowners affected by road traffic or other external noise may also want to discuss acoustic glazing.

Noise reduction depends on the complete glazing specification and window construction rather than simply selecting thicker glass. We can discuss the available options for properties where external noise is an important consideration.

Small design details can have a considerable influence on traditional windows.

Glazing bars can help replacement windows reflect the proportions of older timber designs without requiring individual single-glazed panes.

South Lakes Windows offers products that can incorporate Georgian, astragal and other traditional glazing details, depending on the selected range.

Sliding sash windows can also include features such as sash horns and deeper bottom rails to reproduce details associated with traditional sash construction.

These options can be particularly useful for period properties where standard replacement windows may look out of place.

South Lakes Windows supplies timber, UPVC and aluminium window ranges, allowing the overall frame and decorative details to be considered together.

Colour is another important part of choosing replacement windows and doors.

White UPVC remains suitable for many properties, but it is far from the only option.

Modern UPVC products can be available in a range of coloured and woodgrain finishes, while aluminium windows and doors provide a wide selection of finishes for contemporary and traditional properties.

Timber windows and doors can also be supplied with painted or stained finishes depending on the selected range.

Some systems allow different colours on the inside and outside. This can be useful where a particular exterior finish is required while a different colour works better with the interior of the home.

Our team can show you the relevant choices for the products being considered.

Accessories and finishing choices also form part of our conservatory and orangery projects.

Opening windows and suitable ventilation can be incorporated according to the design. Roof glazing can be positioned to increase natural light, while privacy or solar control considerations can influence the glass specification in certain locations.

Roof lanterns and skylights can also form part of the design.

Suitable projects can incorporate the Ultraframe UltraSKY Lantern or UltraSKY Flat Skylight, while roof systems such as LivinROOF can combine solid roof sections with selected areas of glazing.

The windows and doors within the structure can then be specified with appropriate handles, locks, glazing and decorative details.

Considering these choices during the design stage helps create a consistent specification across the finished room.

Large garden doors have their own hardware and finishing requirements.

Bi-folding doors require handles, hinges, rollers and locking components that work with the folding mechanism. Sliding and lift and slide systems use hardware designed to move larger glazed panels smoothly along their tracks.

Thresholds also need to be considered.

Depending on the door system and installation, different threshold arrangements may be available to suit access requirements and the relationship between the internal floor and external patio.

Frame colours, handle finishes and glazing specifications can then be selected around the property and surrounding windows.

South Lakes Windows can explain the choices available with the particular door system rather than treating the accessories as separate products.

Accessories become particularly important when replacing windows and doors on an older property.

A modern window with unsuitable handles, glazing bars or colours can look noticeably different from the original design, even if the overall frame style is similar.

South Lakes Windows works with cottages, farmhouses, Victorian homes and other traditional properties throughout Cumbria, Lancashire and adjoining Yorkshire.

Our timber ranges from Bereco, along with suitable UPVC sliding sash and other traditional window products, provide choices for properties where architectural details matter.

For listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, alterations may be subject to additional controls. Materials, glazing arrangements, colours and other external details can form part of these requirements.

Where relevant, these considerations should be addressed before the final specification is agreed.