https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/ Practical articles on choosing and installing windows and doors: uPVC vs aluminium, glazing, condensation, DoP and CE, what affects price. en Mon, 02 Nov 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/pvc-upvc-or-aluminium-windows/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/pvc-upvc-or-aluminium-windows/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products Choose uPVC when you want good insulation at a lower cost for homes. Choose thermally broken aluminium when you need large openings, slim profiles or a commercial building. Both are long-lasting when certified and properly installed. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/what-affects-window-prices/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/what-affects-window-prices/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Pricing and quotes Price depends on the profile system, size, glazing, opening type, colour, hardware and installation. Two quotes compare fairly only when they specify the same elements. Apex Frames gives no verbal prices: the price is written only in the detailed quote, after measurement. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/double-or-triple-glazing/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/double-or-triple-glazing/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Glazing Double glazing with argon gas and a Low-E coating is often enough for homes. Triple glazing insulates better but is heavier and costs more, so it makes sense for very cold rooms or when maximum insulation is required. The exact value always comes from the Declaration of Performance. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/window-condensation/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/window-condensation/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Advice Condensation forms when warm, humid air meets a cold surface. It is usually not a defect but a sign of high humidity or insufficient ventilation. A better window lowers the risk, but ventilation remains essential. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/declaration-of-performance-ce-marking/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/declaration-of-performance-ce-marking/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Standards and documents The Declaration of Performance (DoP) is the manufacturer’s document stating a window’s or door’s certified values, under EN 14351-1 and Regulation (EU) 305/2011. The CE marking shows the manufacturer takes responsibility for those values. Ask for both before ordering. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/strap-or-motorised-shutters/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/strap-or-motorised-shutters/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products Strap-operated shutters are the simple, economical choice; motorised shutters with remote control are more comfortable, especially for large openings. An outside box allows quick installation and easy access, while an inside box gives a cleaner look and better integration into the facade. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/window-installation-8-steps/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/window-installation-8-steps/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Installation A good installation follows 8 steps: preliminary inspection, removal, frame fixing, PU perimeter insulation, airtight sealing, mechanical adjustment, final inspection and clean-up. Even the best window performs poorly if badly installed. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/sliding-doors-types-and-how-to-choose/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/sliding-doors-types-and-how-to-choose/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products Lift & slide doors suit large openings and comfortable daily use; standard sliding doors are the simplest solution; PSK combines tilt ventilation with parallel sliding; folding (bi-fold) doors open almost the full width. The choice depends on size, space at the side and budget. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/how-to-choose-an-entrance-door/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/how-to-choose-an-entrance-door/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products Choose an entrance door by use: uPVC or aluminium for homes and businesses, a solid panel for privacy and safety glass for light. For busy business entrances, an automatic sensor door is more practical. Define left or right opening from the outside before ordering. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/what-is-a-thermal-break/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/what-is-a-thermal-break/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Standards and documents A thermal break is an insulating separator inside the aluminium profile that interrupts heat flow from inside to outside and vice versa. Aluminium conducts heat well, so profiles without this separator lose energy quickly. The exact insulation value always comes from Uw in the Declaration of Performance. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/laminated-or-tempered-glass/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/laminated-or-tempered-glass/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Glazing Laminated (triplex) glass has an interlayer between panes and holds fragments together if broken. Tempered glass is more impact-resistant and, when it breaks, turns into small pieces. For doors and balustrades one is chosen according to risk, and often both are combined when extra safety is required. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/cassette-or-classic-awnings/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/cassette-or-classic-awnings/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products A cassette awning protects the fabric when retracted and looks cleaner; classic models are simpler. A motor adds comfort, while a manual mechanism is more economical. For larger spaces, an aluminium pergola with or without a canopy is the alternative. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/window-and-door-colours/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/window-and-door-colours/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products uPVC comes in white, woodgrain, black (Jet Black) and anthracite, even with a different colour inside and outside. Aluminium offers a wide RAL range and wood finishes. Choose by facade, shutters and interior look, and ask for samples before ordering. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/curtain-wall-facades-what-to-know/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/curtain-wall-facades-what-to-know/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Standards and documents A curtain wall facade is an insulated aluminium structure with glazing that clads the building facade and does not carry its weight. It is built to the architect’s design, with custom dimensions, divisions and RAL colours and with thermal, solar-control or laminated glass. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/reduce-street-noise-with-windows/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/reduce-street-noise-with-windows/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Advice Noise insulation depends on four things: the glass (acoustic or laminated), the seals and profile, airtight installation and ventilation. The Rw value in the Declaration of Performance shows the insulation: the higher, the less noise gets through. An open or leaky window cancels the effect. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/insect-screens-which-type-to-choose/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/insect-screens-which-type-to-choose/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products For balcony doors, plissé (pleated) or sliding screens are usually chosen; for windows, vertical roll-up or fixed-frame screens. The mesh is fibreglass or polyester with UV protection, and the modular plissé system has from 1 to 4 leaves. https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/glass-railings-what-to-know/ https://www.apexframes.co/en/blog/glass-railings-what-to-know/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT Choosing products Glass railings protect a balcony, terrace or staircase without cutting the view. The structure is stainless steel or aluminium and the glass is safety glass, laminated or tempered. They are made to on-site measurements; height and safety requirements are set by the project and building rules.