In the 1970's, with the introduction of aluminium to manufacture windows and doors, came the birth of what was to become an enormous market for replacement windows. The popularity for replacing not just old, broken and dysfunctional timber and metal windows and doors, but also perfectly salvageable ones, stemmed from the idea that the revolutionary aluminium was the panacea for these products. It offered less maintenance than timber and was relatively draught free if fitted correctly.

However, essentially this material was available in a dreary grey and the styles on offer were limited and unimaginative. Swathes of traditional Victorian houses lost their charming sash windows through ugly replacement windows which were designed to prevent intrusion, often at the expense of allowing any kind of escape from fire and little thought of sufficient ventilation. Eventually, these windows were proven to be what they were: fire traps which destroyed the tradition of some of our loveliest terraces.

To answer the imploring fire fighters, to reinstate windows as vehicles for ventilation, and with the consumer's demands for windows designed to enhance a property's visual appeal, manufacturers began to produce more attractive products and PVCu arrived - available in white! These first PVCu products were cheap and the styles still left a lot to be desired. In fact, they are responsible for the poor reputation that PVCu is finally shaking off, but it was the beginning of a new era for windows and doors.

Aluminium products, vastly improved in style and durability, are now available in a wide range of colours and are guaranteed to be trouble free for a very long time indeed. With this progression and the demise of areas blighted by the now less than appealing older style replacement windows, local planning departments started to specify that replacement windows should be in keeping with a property's architecture. Although these by-laws are not always adhered to, home owners are, nevertheless, now seeing for themselves that original style windows can provide an authentic enhancement to protect what is usually their biggest ever investment - their home.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the massive benefits PVCu can bring, including their virtually maintenance free qualities and longevity of many, many years. A very environmentally friendly product, PVCu is virtually 100% recyclable. However, because it is so durable, it will be many years before it needs to be replaced, thus conserving energy which would have been required to make new windows.

Nowadays, with more creative and thoughtful designs, it is possible to match the excellent features of the original sliding sash window and traditional casement windows. Thermally, PVCu ensures that new sash windows are more effective than the rattling, old sash windows of the past, and when fitted with double glazing, these windows provide a very effective barrier to the weather. No longer do good quality double glazed units "blow" after a few years and these also will last many years if sourced from one of the top manufacturers. Choosing your supplier carefully and perhaps paying a little more for the windows will reap you the benefits of easy to use, flexible windows with the irritations of the past ironed out.

To further increase the authenticity of your windows, UPVC (PVCu) has recently become available through more upmarket suppliers in a new comprehensive range of coloured foil finishes. These are designed to give home owners additional choice and flexibility and also to further match traditional style. The colours include realistic white woodgrain finish, cream, mahogany, rosewood, oak on white and mahogany on white. The new range of finishes makes it even more difficult to differentiate between original, wooden, vertical sliding sash or casement windows and those made from modern materials.

Modern security features can be built into vertical sliding sash windows including internal reinforced steel for strength, attractive integral cam locks built to withstand extreme force, restrictors to allow ventilation without risk of young children falling or intruders entering and an option of side opening for fire escape, and for window cleaning without ladders. Windows are not only as attractive as before, but can now offer more flexibility and features.

It is essential to ensure that your window manufacturer can offer all of the safety, security and thermal qualities available on the market and a good window company will be able to. In addition, shop around the internet to find a company that can offer the exclusive wood effect finishes which will make your windows a joy to own for tens of years and truly increase the value of your home.