Windows, Conservatories & Doors in Portishead
Excellent Products, Local To You
Reduce Your Energy Bills and Become More Environmentally Friendly
Composite Front Doors in Portishead
Exceptional Bifold Doors and Patio Doors in Portishead
Grow Your Usable Living Space With A Conservatory in Portishead
Expertly Installed Throughout Portishead
Why Choose Seal-Lite?
Made in Britain
10 Year Guarantee
30 Years Experience
No Pressure Sales
Quality Products
Aftercare Service
Excellent Aftercare Service and On-Site Service Engineer for Complete Peace of Mind
Other Areas We Cover
Areas we cover are: Banwell, Bath, Berrow, Brean, Bristol, Burnham, Chew Magna, Clevedon, Congresbury, Emersons Green, Filton, Highbridge, Keynsham, Long Ashton, Nailsea, Newport, Patchway, Severn Beach, Somerset, Wedmore, Weston-super-Mare, Winscombe, Yate, Yatton and surrounding areas.
Factory & Showroom in Clevedon
Factory & Showroom in Clevedon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Installing Double Glazed Products Increase My Property's Value?
Yes, double glazing is an excellent way to increase the property value and marketability by increasing the energy efficiency, reducing noise, enhancing security and boosting overall comfort and appeal to buyers.
Often, buyers are willing to pay more for more energy-efficient homes, especially with energy prices increasing.
New windows can also help speed up the sales process whilst commanding a higher sales price too.
How Much Will Investing In New Double-Glazing Products Cost?
Can New Products Save Me Money on My Energy Bills?
Yes, double and triple-glazing is well known to save you money on your energy bills. Typically, after 20 years, it is a good time to consider a replacement, as this is when seals start to fail, and the glazing just isn’t going to be as efficient as a new system. If you currently have inefficient glazing, such as single-glazing, then we highly recommend that you upgrade as soon as possible to save money on energy bills.
This is why, when you invest in new double-glazing, you will see an instant increase in property value, and this makes the property more attractive when it’s time to sell, as it’s something that has been covered and isn’t added to a list of property improvements that will be needed after completion.
How Do I Know When My Window or Door Needs To Be Replaced?
A window or door should be replaced when visible damage, such as rot, cracks or warping, starts to develop. You may also experience condensation between panes, drafts, increasing energy bills, hear outside noise, have trouble opening or closing it or notice faulty security hardware.
These can also be signs that it’s time for a replacement rather than just a repair, both for cost-effectiveness and security.
Can Condensation in Double Glazing Be Fixed?
Fixing condensation in double-glazing windows typically requires drilling into the unit to remove the moisture and then resealing it. However, the severity of the problem will determine whether a full unit replacement is more cost-effective.
To prevent condensation from occurring, ensure proper ventilation and regular maintenance.
When Is It Time To Improve Or Upgrade My Windows?
All windows are exposed to the outside, especially when they are used. If you have inefficient windows, then they can be costing you a lot of money on your energy bills and make your home uncomfortable in the summer and the winter. If it’s clear that your windows have drafts or aren’t as efficient as they should be, then it’s time to upgrade your windows.
If your windows aren’t operating properly, this can be a security risk because you may not be able to properly and effectively lock your windows. Problems with locking mechanisms, such as sticking and not turning, can be repaired without the need to replace the entire window or windows. Damage to seals is more serious, and this likely requires a replacement of the window itself. If you have any doubts about the condition of your windows or need some impartial advice, get in touch with our team to find out more.
When Is It Time To Improve Or Upgrade My External Doors?
External doors provide access to the property and are used daily. This has general wear and tear over time, which causes damage to the door. Slamming the door will damage the internal mechanisms of the door, and this can also damage the glazing over time if your door features glass. This is why it’s important to reduce slamming where possible. As it’s the main door, you can’t really avoid natural damage, which will lead to your door needing to be repaired or replaced.
The security of your external doors is the most important aspect. It protects your home from intruders, so you will need to upgrade your external doors or look to arrange for repairs if the security mechanisms of the doors become compromised. Damaged mechanisms can also cause a risk of lockouts if the door closes behind you, which requires a locksmith to fix the door, which can be very expensive if this causes an emergency. If you have concerns about your external doors, then speak to our team.
Do I Need Planning Permission When Upgrading My Home?
With double-glazing and triple-glazed products, you don’t typically need planning permission as it will fall under permitted development. Listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas will typically require planning permission. Listed buildings also require an almost like-for-like replacement to be permitted. You should always verify your rights with your local council or the Planning Portal before proceeding with works. We can advise you on this if you have any concerns and support you with the process when planning your project during your free quote.
Portishead falls under North Somerset Council jurisdiction, which has typically normal permitted development legislation. The one piece of additional legislation to consider is the Portishead Neighbourhood Plan, if on the high street, to protect the high street’s character. This may restrict changes to the front of the property and require permission if your property is situated on the high street, so this is something to consider.
Do I Need Planning Permission in a Conservation or a Listed Building in Portishead?
Yes, North Somerset Council have the usual legislation and requirements for properties within conservation areas and listed buildings.
For conservation areas, you are likely to require planning permission due to the protection of an area of local historical interest or an area of natural beauty.
For listed buildings, planning permission is required, and there are strict requirements to match the style of the property. Sliding sash windows are typically used to upgrade windows of listed buildings, but other installations may have to be hand-made and designed to match the property. Special vacuum-sealed double-glazing can also be installed to emulate the look of single glazing but with the benefits of double-glazing. We can advise you on this.
You can find highly specific information on the Council and Planning in the “Planning in Portishead” section.
How Long Does Installation Typically Take?
This will depend on the product and the number of doors/windows or other items that you are replacing. Installation typically takes a day, but for single installations it may take only a few hours. Complete sets of products may take up to 2 days, and very large properties may take up to 5 days to complete. Conservatories will depend on planning permission and the time taken to approve designs. With planning permission, the project will depend on design times and time to obtain approval. With permitted development, this is reduced by around 8 to 12 weeks on average.
What Happens to Old Items That Are Being Replaced?
We are proud to be highly committed as a sustainable business. This is echoed in our commitment to recycle everything on site, reducing our waste considerably. We are a close partner with Positive Planet, and we ensure that every item is recycled where possible. UPVC, aluminium and composite are well known for being completely recyclable materials, so we ensure that products are responsibly recycled when they are removed and then replaced with your new products.
Do I Need to Be Present at Installation?
We will need full access to the property, so we highly recommend that you be present to supply keys and then to carry out the final inspection of your installed products. We will also provide you with demonstrations on how to use your new double or triple-glazed products, as well as provide you with all of the additional information at the end of the installation process. We will require access for equipment, so please let us know if access is difficult, so we can make prior arrangements. Please ensure that someone is available on the day to provide access to the property.
Which Council Represents Portishead?
Portishead is represented by two tiers of local government: North Somerset Council and Portishead Town Council. North Somerset Council is responsible for major projects, whereas Portishead Town Council is a local council focusing on community assets, playgrounds, and local events. North Somerset Council are responsible for planning, and you will have to apply to them should you require planning permission. There are also specific areas covered by the Portishead Neighbourhood Plan (prepared by Portishead Town Council and adopted by North Somerset Council in September 2023), which we cover below.
Planning Permission Considerations for North Somerset Council
As North Somerset has a smaller population than Bristol City Council’s (BCC) jurisdiction, the planning application process should be faster, but the council is still very busy with applications. You typically won’t require planning permission for our products, as they fall under permitted development.
However, Article 4 directions are in place across some parts of Portishead, which remove certain permitted development rights, including, in some cases, the right to replace timber windows with UPVC without permission. This is generally managed through North Somerset’s Conservation Area Appraisals, particularly for the Woodhill and Eastwood Conservation Areas. Particular streets include:
Woodhill Road: Falls within the Woodhill Conservation Area, known for Victorian and Edwardian villas where the historic timber sash windows are protected.
Beach Road West: A prestigious coastal road sitting close to or within the Eastwood Conservation Area, near the Lake Grounds.
The High Street: Where original stone-built cottages and Victorian buildings are protected.
Our Residence 9 range is seeing more and more approval, with the council being increasingly open to high-end flush-fit UPVC.
Is Portishead in a Conservation Area?
Yes, Portishead has 4 designated Conservation Areas that are managed by North Somerset Council. These areas are designed to protect the special architecture and historic nature of the town. Specific areas include West Hill & Welly Bottom and Court Farm Environs, alongside a zone of Victorian grandeur along Woodhill. In addition to Conservation Areas, the council & town emphasise the conservation of its listed buildings and locally significant heritage buildings and sites. We recommend that you check out the North Somerset Interactive Planning Map and toggle the “Conservation Area” and “Article 4” layers. This provides a handy map of Portishead and will show you street by street if your property is within the zone without having to speak to the council. We have worked on many projects in Portishead, so we can also advise you on conservation and Article 4 status.
Is There A Big Difference Between Double And Triple Glazing?
Triple glazing adds a third pane of glass and a second air gap. Triple glazing offers superior soundproofing and insulation, so it’s a great choice if you live near the busy high street or where you can hear the traffic of the M5. Double-glazing is a great sweet spot between cost and performance, so we offer both double and triple glazing to support you if you need exceptional soundproofing and insulation or if double glazing is sufficient enough for your property.
How Long Does Double Glazing Actually Last?
Typically, your new double glazing will last between 20 and 25 years. If you see fog or mist inside the two panels, this means that the seal has failed and needs replacement to restore the unit’s insulating properties.
What is the Gap Filled With?
Older style windows used just dry air, which was sufficient, but isn’t as insulated as specialist gases that are used to fill the gap to increase insulation. Argon gas is the most commonly used for increased insulation, with some tighter gaps using Krypton gas, which provides better insulation than Argon, but it’s more expensive. Argon gas doesn’t last forever, which also contributes to the lifespan of the windows. If this gas leaks due to damage, it can affect the insulation of the unit.