Category: Tips

As the colder months arrive, creating a cosy and comfortable home becomes a top priority for many homeowners. The right combination of insulation, natural light, and interior design choices can make all the difference in keeping your home warm, inviting, and energy efficient. Whether you’re looking to make small upgrades or plan a full home improvement project, here are some practical ways to enhance home comfort this winter.

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

One of the biggest factors in maintaining a warm home is insulation. Old windows or doors can let heat escape and cold air in, making your heating work harder. By upgrading to A-rated double glazing or composite doors, you can instantly improve thermal efficiency, reduce energy bills, and keep your living space consistently warm.

Composite doors are especially effective during winter, combining durability, security, and excellent insulation in one design. With a range of colours and finishes available, they not only help retain heat but also enhance your home’s kerb appeal.

2. Make the Most of Natural Light

During the shorter winter days, natural light can make your home feel brighter and more welcoming. Consider ways to let more daylight in such as installing roof lanterns or bi-folding doors that open up spaces and flood them with light.
For existing rooms, keep windows clean, use lighter curtains or blinds, and place mirrors strategically to reflect sunlight throughout the space. A brighter home feels warmer and boosts your mood and wellbeing during the darker months.

3. Add Layers of Warmth with Soft Furnishings

Rugs, throws, and cushions can instantly make a room feel snug and comfortable. Choose rich textures such as wool, faux fur, or thick knits for a touch of warmth and style.
Layering soft furnishings not only adds comfort but also helps to insulate your home by reducing drafts and keeping floors warmer especially if you have tiled or wooden flooring.

4. Dress Your Windows for Comfort

Well-chosen curtains or blinds can help retain warmth and improve energy efficiency. Thermal curtains or integral blinds (sealed inside the glass) are practical solutions that balance comfort and convenience. Integral blinds, in particular, offer excellent light control, reduce glare, and require no cleaning perfect for modern, low-maintenance living.

5. Small Touches to Your Home

Candles, warm-toned lighting, and textured décor can make even the coldest evenings feel inviting. Combine ambient lighting with warm hues like soft creams, taupes, or muted greens for a relaxing space that feels comfortable all season long.

Stay Warm with NWC

We’re here to help you create a home that feels as good as it looks. From energy-efficient windows and composite doors to warm roof conservatories, we provide stylish, practical solutions to keep your home cosy this winter.

Get in touch with our friendly team today for expert advice and a free consultation on how to make your home warmer, more efficient, and ready for the season ahead.

As temperatures drop and heating goes on, many homeowners start to notice condensation on their windows. While it might seem harmless, excess moisture can lead to mould, dampness, and even long-term damage to your windows and home. Understanding the causes of condensation and taking a few simple steps can make a big difference keeping your home warm, dry, and energy efficient all winter long.

What Causes Condensation?

Condensation forms when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, such as the inside of your windows. It’s most common during winter when the contrast between indoor heating and cold outdoor air is at its highest. Everyday activities like cooking, showering, drying clothes, or even breathing all add humidity to the air, increasing the likelihood of condensation forming on glass and window frames.

Older or single-glazed windows are more prone to condensation, as they lose heat faster and create cooler interior surfaces. This is where modern double glazing offers a clear advantage.

1. Upgrade to Double or Triple Glazing

If you frequently deal with misted or damp windows, upgrading to A-rated double or triple glazed windows can be one of the most effective solutions. Modern glazing systems are designed with improved insulation and thermal performance, keeping the inside pane warmer and reducing condensation.

We install high-quality, energy-efficient windows designed to help you maintain a comfortable, condensation-free home.

2. Improve Ventilation

Good airflow is key to reducing indoor humidity. Try:

• Opening windows slightly each day to let fresh air circulate.
• Using trickle vents built into your windows or installing extractor fans in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Avoiding drying clothes indoors where possible or ensuring the room is well ventilated if you do.

Maintaining consistent ventilation helps balance moisture levels and prevents condensation from forming on glass surfaces.

3. Control Indoor Humidity

Simple habits can make a big difference. Keep lids on pans while cooking, close bathroom doors during showers, and use dehumidifiers in areas where moisture tends to build up. Even lowering your thermostat slightly can reduce condensation by minimising temperature differences between indoors and outdoors.

4. Regular Maintenance

Check your window seals, frames, and vents regularly. Damaged seals or blocked vents can trap moisture and reduce efficiency. Keeping your windows in top condition ensures better performance and comfort through the colder months.

Say Goodbye to Misted Windows

Condensation doesn’t have to be a winter problem. By combining effective ventilation, humidity control, and high-performance double glazing, you can enjoy a warmer, healthier home.

If you’re struggling with misted or inefficient windows, contact Narborough Windows & Conservatories today. Our expert team can advise on the best window replacement and energy-saving solutions to keep your home clear, dry, and comfortable all year round.

Windows and doors play a crucial role in your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and security. But like anything else, they don’t last forever. Knowing the signs that it’s time to replace your windows can save you money in the long run and make your home a more comfortable place to live. We are experts in windows, doors, and conservatories, so we know exactly what to look out for when it comes to spotting a tired or failing window system.

1. Cold Spots and Drafts

One of the most common signs it’s time to replace your windows is a noticeable draft. If you feel cold air seeping in even when your windows are closed, it usually means the seals have failed or the frames are no longer fitting properly. Not only does this make your home uncomfortable, but it also forces your heating system to work harder, raising your energy bills.

2. Difficulty Opening or Closing

Windows should open and close smoothly. If you’re struggling to operate your windows or doors, or they no longer lock securely, it’s a clear sign that they may need to replace them. Faulty mechanisms affect the convenience and home security.

3. Visible Damage or Wear

Peeling, rotting, or warped frames are obvious indicators that your windows or doors need to be replaced. Condensation between the panes of glass is another signal, showing that the sealed unit has failed. Left unaddressed, these problems can impact insulation and lead to further damage around your home.

4. Excessive Noise from Outside

If you’ve noticed that external noise is creeping into your home more than they have done previously, your windows or doors may no longer be providing effective sound insulation. Modern A-rated windows are designed to reduce noise significantly, giving you a quieter, more peaceful home environment.

5. Rising Energy Bills

Older windows often have poor thermal efficiency, which means heat escapes in winter and unwanted heat enters in summer. This constant temperature fluctuation can quickly add up on your energy bills. Replacing your windows with modern, energy-efficient options can save you money and make your home much more comfortable year-round.

Why Choose NWC to Replace Your Windows?

We specialise in providing high-quality window replacements across a wide range of styles and finishes. Whether you prefer uPVC, aluminium, or bespoke designs, our expert team will help you find the perfect solution to enhance your home’s style, security, and energy efficiency.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your home, it may be time to upgrade. Get in touch with NWC today for professional advice and a free consultation.

Looking to sell your home or wanting to improve the kurb appeal of your property, we can help! Boosting your home’s exterior is one of the most effective ways to enhance its value and looks. Here are our top tips to help you improve your home’s kerb appeal with simple upgrades.

1. Upgrade Your Front Door

The front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. Replacing an old or weathered door with a new composite door or uPVC door can dramatically improve appearance and security. Composite doors, in particular, offer a premium look with excellent thermal efficiency and low maintenance.

Popular options include:

• Anthracite grey for a modern feel
• Traditional styles in Chartwell green or woodgrain finishes
• Glazed side panels for extra light and visual impact

2. Refresh Your Windows

Old or tired-looking windows can drag down the overall look of your home. Upgrading to A-rated energy-efficient windows not only improves aesthetics but also helps lower your heating bills.

3. Tidy Up Driveways and Pathways

Pressure wash your driveway, repair cracks, and consider edging your path with brick or stone to make your entrance feel more refined. A neat, well-maintained path can completely upgrade the look of your entrance.

4. Maintain Your Roofline

Peeling paint, filled gutters, or moss-covered fascias can spoil your entrance. Keep gutters clean, replace damaged sections to improve your kurb appeal.

5. Invest in a WarmRoof for Conservatories

If you have a conservatory that looks tired or outdated, installing a WarmRoof system can improve both aesthetics and usability. These insulated tiled roofs create a seamless extension of your home while boosting kerb appeal and energy performance.

Ready to improve your kurb appeal?

Improving your home’s kerb appeal doesn’t have to involve major renovations. With the right combination of stylish windows, secure doors, clean lines, and thoughtful touches, you can create an exterior that truly reflects your home’s character.

Contact the team at NWC today for expert advice on composite doors, energy-efficient windows, and complete exterior makeovers across Leicester and Leicestershire.

As temperatures begin to rise, keeping your home comfortable and cool becomes a priority. The right windows, doors, and conservatory solutions can make a significant difference in regulating indoor temperatures while maintaining energy efficiency. Here’s how you can optimise your home for warmer weather as we move into spring.

1. Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat buildup. Double or triple glazing is designed to insulate against temperature fluctuations, keeping the heat out during warmer months while retaining warmth in the winter.

uPVC and aluminium windows are excellent choices for spring and summer due to their insulating properties and durability. These materials help to prevent excessive heat transfer, ensuring a more comfortable indoor environment.

Consider larger window designs such as bay windows or picture windows to maximise natural light while maintaining airflow. Pairing these with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass can further improve thermal efficiency by reflecting heat away from your home.

2. Improve Airflow with Bi-Fold and French Doors

Proper ventilation is key to keeping your home cool. Bi-fold and French doors allow you to open up your living space and let fresh air circulate freely. These door styles create a seamless connection between your home and garden, making them ideal for warmer months.

• Bi-fold doors can be fully opened to maximise airflow and allow for natural cooling.
• French doors provide a classic aesthetic while offering excellent ventilation.

Both options are available in high-performance materials such as aluminium, composite, and uPVC, which contribute to energy efficiency and security.

3. Prevent Conservatory Overheating

Conservatories are a fantastic way to extend your living space, but they can become uncomfortably warm in spring and summer without proper ventilation. Here are a few ways to keep your conservatory cool:

• Install Roof Vents: Allow warm air to escape while letting fresh air in. Automatic roof vents are particularly effective in maintaining a balanced temperature.
• Use Blinds: These help regulate sunlight exposure, preventing excessive heat buildup. Thermal blinds can significantly reduce glare and heat.
• Upgrade to a Warm Roof System: If your conservatory gets too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, a solid insulated warm roof can transform it into a comfortable, year-round living space.

Contact Us This Spring:

Keeping your home cool in spring and summer doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right energy-efficient windows, ventilated doors, and conservatory solutions, you can enjoy a comfortable and stylish living space while reducing energy costs.

If you’re considering upgrading your windows, installing bi-fold doors, or improving your conservatory, get in contact with Narborough Windows and Conservatories. Our expert team is here to help you create a cooler, more energy-efficient home this season.

As we transition into spring, natural light becomes an essential part of creating a bright and welcoming home. Maximising sunlight not only makes your living space more inviting but also enhances your mood and well-being. If you’re looking to brighten your home this spring, here are some top tips to help you make the most of natural light.

1. Upgrade your windows this spring

One of the easiest ways to bring more light into your home is by upgrading your windows. Opt for larger windows or choose energy-efficient glazing that allows more sunlight to filter through. Consider window styles like sliding patio doors or bi-fold doors. Which not only open up your space but also let in a flood of natural light when fully opened. uPVC windows or aluminium frames are great options for both durability and style.

For rooms with smaller windows, you can explore bay windows or bow windows. These allow light to flow in from multiple angles. These window styles give your room an airy, spacious feel, making them perfect for spring.

2. Install skylights or roof lanterns

Adding skylights or roof lanterns is an excellent way to maximise natural light, especially in rooms where walls don’t allow for larger windows. These installations allow sunlight to pour in from above, brightening up even the darkest areas of your home. Whether you’re adding one to a kitchen, living room, or conservatory, skylights provide a striking focal point while offering practical benefits, such as improved ventilation and energy efficiency.

Roof lanterns work particularly well in conservatories, orangeries, or extensions, as they create a sense of openness and elegance, transforming your home into a lighter and more airy space.

3. Use reflective surfaces and light colours

If you can’t add new windows or install skylights, you can still enhance the natural light in your home by using reflective surfaces. Mirrors, glossy furniture, and metallic accents help bounce light around your space, making it feel brighter and larger.

Another effective way to brighten up your home is by choosing light-coloured paints for walls, ceilings, and floors. Lighter shades like white, soft pastels and neutral tones reflect light better, making any room feel more open and illuminated.

4. Choose open and airy window add-on’s

Window treatments such as blinds, curtains, and shades can also impact how much light enters your space. Light, sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily adjusted allow you to control the amount of light while maintaining privacy. When the weather warms up, opening your windows to let fresh air and sunlight in can make a noticeable difference in brightening your home.

5. Create an open-plan layout for spring

An open-plan layout is a great way to maximise natural light in your home. By removing walls and creating more flow between rooms, you can ensure that light reaches all areas of your space. This is particularly useful in kitchens, living rooms, or dining areas where you spend a lot of time.

Conclusion

With these simple yet effective tips, you can bring more light into your home this spring. Whether you’re upgrading your windows, installing a skylight, or choosing lighter colours and reflective surfaces, natural light can really brighten your home.

If you’re looking for expert advice or help with home improvements, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Narborough Windows and Conservatories for guidance on how to bring more light into your home.

Condensation on windows is a common issue in many homes, particularly during the colder months. While it may seem like a minor nuisance, persistent condensation can lead to mould growth, damp patches, and even damage to window frames. Understanding what causes condensation and how to prevent it can help keep your home warm, dry, and energy-efficient.

What Causes Condensation on Windows?

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a windowpane. When the air cools down, it can’t hold as much moisture, leading to water droplets forming on the glass. This is especially common in winter when the temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home is greatest.

Not all condensation is bad. External condensation on the outside of your windows is a sign that your glazing is working well by keeping heat inside. However, internal condensation (on the inside of your windows) can indicate poor ventilation or excess moisture in your home. Condensation between double glazing suggests a broken seal, meaning the window unit has lost its insulating properties and may need replacing.

How to Prevent Condensation on Your Windows

1. Improve Ventilation

Poor airflow is one of the biggest causes of condensation. To reduce moisture build-up, you need to improve ventilation, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Open windows regularly, even during colder months, to allow fresh air to circulate. Extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens help remove excess steam from cooking and showering.

2. Reduce Indoor Humidity

Everyday activities release moisture into the air. Drying clothes indoors, cooking without lids on pans, and taking long hot showers all contribute to higher humidity levels. To control this, use a dehumidifier in problem areas, ensure tumble dryers are vented outside, and wipe away condensation from windows to prevent long-term damage. 

3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Sudden temperature changes inside your home can increase levels of moisture. Keeping your heating on at a low, steady temperature rather than turning it on and off can help prevent windows from becoming too cold. 

4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

Older, single-glazed windows or damaged double glazing are far more susceptible to condensation. Modern double and triple-glazed windows provide better insulation, reducing the temperature difference between the inside and outside, which in turn minimises condensation. 

5. Check Window Seals and Frames

Over time, window seals can deteriorate, allowing cold air to enter and warm air to escape. This can increase condensation and energy loss. Regularly inspect your windows for any gaps or draughts and have any damaged seals replaced. 

When Should You Replace Your Windows?

If you notice condensation inside the glass of your double glazing, it’s a sign that the seal has failed and the insulating gas between the panes has escaped. This means your window is no longer effective at keeping heat inside your home. Replacing faulty windows with high-quality, energy-efficient alternatives will help eliminate moisture and improve your home’s overall warmth and comfort.

At Narborough Windows and Conservatories, we offer a wide range of bespoke, thermally efficient windows to suit all styles and budgets. Whether you need new double glazing or advice on maintaining your existing windows, our expert team is here to help.

Contact us:

If condensation is a persistent issue in your home, upgrading to modern, energy-efficient windows could be the best long-term solution. At Narborough Windows and Conservatories, we provide stylish, durable, and thermally efficient windows designed to keep your home warm and dry.

Get in contact with us today for expert advice and a free quote.