Help & advice.
Get the best out of your Lorimer windows, doors and living spaces by reading our latest maintenance advice. You’ll also find help on how to operate each of our products.
Advice articles
FAQs
Windows
Will fitting windows with CR Smith cost a fortune?
We know every penny counts so we’ve made our Lorimer windows more affordable than ever. We offer unrivalled finance packages including ‘Four Years’ Interest-Free Credit’ or alternatively ‘Pay Nothing for 12 Months at only 2.9% APR’ (better than most high-street lenders). Plus, with our popular ‘Flexible Fit’ discount and other seasonal offers, there are other ways to enjoy great value on new Lorimer windows and doors.
Does a salesperson need to visit my home?
No, as an alternative to visiting your home, we can arrange a virtual design appointment online to show you the full Lorimer range and provide you an accurate quotation remotely. Our online virtual showroom gives you the opportunity to view our products and discuss window styles and finishes plus payment options that suit your needs exactly. We will of course arrange for a measurement survey to take place when it is safe to do so, prior to installation.
I have other home improvements in mind – should I fit new windows first?
Absolutely, because it’s logical when you think about it. Take care of your home’s exterior before you do up the interior – it’s the shell that protects everything inside. But Lorimer windows aren’t just a practical measure; as well as withstanding the worst of the Scottish weather, they look fantastic when finished, giving the outside of your property a real stand-out look and feel, wherever you call home. Lorimer windows will transform your home’s interior too, setting the tone for a whole room and inspiring its décor. Inside and out, they’re a win win.
What will be the best window style and internal finish for my home?
Our beautifully designed Lorimer window can add to the look and character of your property like nothing else so it’s important to choose the correct one for your home. Our extensive Lorimer range means that CR Smith will have a window style to suit any property type, from modern to traditional. Our experienced design consultants will work with you to select the right one, from casement, tilt and turn, reversible and sliding sash designs. As well as guidance on styling for the exterior look, they’ll also give you advice on the best choice of internal timber sills and surrounds which will set the tone for the interior design of every room.
What is a tilt and turn window?
Our Lorimer tilt and turn window style is extremely practical in terms of functionality but it also has a flexible, stylish design. Opening two ways, either in like a door – which makes it incredibly easy to clean – or tilting inwards at the top for ventilation, all at the turn of a handle.
Why do tilt and turn windows open inwards?
The Lorimer tilt and turn window is designed to make sure windows, especially those upstairs, comply with Scottish Building Regulations. There are a number of standards to which all replacement windows should adhere, but the main two that look after the safety of your family are standard 2.9 ‘Escape’ and 4.8.3 ‘Cleaning of windows and rooflights’. Our tilt and turn window can be opened inwards like a door to be safely cleaned and it also provides an escape route, in the unlikely event that you should have a fire. They can also tilt inwards at the top for ventilation.
Are tilt and turn windows secure?
All Lorimer tilt and turn windows feature a high security multi-point locking system, as well as locking handles. As part of our unique triple guarantee we also we also provide a 10-year security guarantee for ultimate peace of mind.
For structural strength, all Lorimer windows are fitted with a combination of steel, aluminium and FP reinforcement.
What are the advantages of tilt and turn windows?
The practicality of the Lorimer tilt and turn windows gives two functional advantages. The tilt function allows for secure and steady ventilation into the room without having to open the window fully. The ability to open in like a door is the second advantage as there is no requirement to clean the window from the outside. This window style works particularly well upstairs and in flats.
What makes Lorimer tilt and turn windows unique?
Its simple lines mean it will look great in any home and can be styled with plant-on astragals or mullion bars to complement both modern and traditional homes. It will also combine beautifully with the other Lorimer window styles, such as our best-selling casement window.
What is a casement window?
The Lorimer casement window is our most popular and versatile style. From single panes to multiple openings, the casement window can be designed to feature almost any permutation of fixed and opening windows. This window is available with side and top hinged variations and opens outwards.
What makes Lorimer casement windows unique?
Closely based on the design of an original timber window, our double-glazed casement windows have a unique slim shape, giving an elegant and well-proportioned look to the interior and exterior of your home.
The sheer flexibility of this window means it can be designed with clean, modern lines, or more traditional features like astragals. It will complement all architectural styles and take care of any building regulation requirements along the way.
Are casement windows secure?
All Lorimer casement windows feature a high-security multi-point locking system, as well as locking handles. As part of our unique triple guarantee we also provide a 10-year security guarantee for ultimate peace of mind.
Additionally, when side opening casement windows are fitted upstairs, special egress hinges that can open up to 90° are included, providing an escape route in the event of a fire. Our egress hinges are fully compliant with the guideline’s details in the Scottish Building Regulations.
What maintenance is required for casement windows?
Minimal maintenance is required for Lorimer uPVC casement windows. We would recommend that all window frames, ironmongery and glass is cleaned regularly with full details given to you in our Lorimer Maintenance and Operation Guide, or please visit our Advice Centre.
What is a sliding sash window?
The Lorimer sliding sash double glazed window looks as beautiful and well-proportioned as its timber sash and case predecessor. It is the only window that will perfectly match the traditional architecture where timber sash and case would have been the original windows – typically found in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian house in Britain. With sashes, the panes slide rather than swing, moving up and down in the window case.
How does a sliding sash window open/work?
The Lorimer sliding sash window features some ingenious engineering which allows both sashes to slide up and down, providing two options for ventilation. The sashes can also be tilted inwards for cleaning.
Are sliding sash windows difficult to maintain?
No. The Lorimer sliding sash design is low maintenance PVCu which means there’s no requirement for a lifetime of painting.
Can I replace casement windows with sliding sash windows?
We find that many people replace existing casement or tilt and turn windows with Lorimer sliding sash windows, where traditional timber sash and case would have been the properties original windows. The traditional styling and clever design creates a modern-day masterpiece that complements period architecture perfectly.
What makes Lorimer sliding sash windows unique?
The Lorimer Sliding Sash is designed to look just like traditional timber windows – in fact, it’s hard to tell the difference just by looking, with many of the same features including a deep bottom rail and traditional ironmongery.
What is a reversible window?
The Lorimer reversible window get its name from its ability to open outward and swing through 180°. The clever, lightweight mechanism makes opening the window a real breeze. It has a contemporary chamfered shape externally and the design means that you can easily open the windows without disturbing curtains, blinds or ornaments on the sill.
Are reversible windows secure?
All Lorimer reversible windows feature a high security multi-point locking system, as well as locking handles. As part of our unique triple guarantee we also provide a 10-year security guarantee for ultimate peace of mind. Additionally, it has an ingenious built-in restrictor and anti-slam hinges, meaning the window can be held open in various points for ventilation and cleaning, and won’t blow shut if the window catches in the wind.
What are the advantages of reversible windows?
The Lorimer reversible window style is always outward opening which is a great advantage for first floor rooms and flats or kitchens and bathrooms where taps may prevent the window from opening inwards.
What makes Lorimer reversible windows unique?
The unique mechanism of the Lorimer reversible window allows the window to be pushed outwards and can be rotated until the outside of the window is facing you. This allows the window to be cleaned from the inside as well as providing an exit in case of fire.
Is the Lorimer reversible window the same as the rest of the Lorimer range?
For an alternative look externally, the Lorimer reversible window has a chamfered shape. Internally, however, the window uses the same Lorimer glazing bead to provide uniformity across the range.
Doors
How much does it cost to get new doors fitted?
There’s no one-size-fits-all cost for new doors – it’ll depend on what type, style and finish best suits you and your property. However, with a huge choice available and our best ever finance rates you can be sure there’ll be the right door and deal for you.
What is the difference between uPVC door and an engineered timber composite door?
Lorimer uPVC doors are made with a reinforced steel frame and door leaf which can then be fitted with either a solid panel, glass or a combination of the two. They are very thermally efficient and are designed to complement the shape and form of the Lorimer window range.
Unlike most composite door which are foam-filled, our TimberLuxe door range is made up of 17 crossed layers of engineered timber which is then combined with a hard-wearing top skin, utilising CoolSkin technology, to give the door the highest level of insulation and security. Our engineered timber doors also come in a huge range of colours and finishes, so can be further tailored to reflect you and your home.
Do you need to visit my home to provide a quote?
No, you can choose between an online virtual appointment or a home visit, it’s entirely up to you. Our online virtual showroom gives you the opportunity to view our products and discuss door styles and finishes plus payment options that suit your needs exactly. Alternatively one of our consultants can visit you at home to measure up and take you through the range in person.
What colours of uPVC doors are available?
Our Lorimer uPVC doors have been specially designed to complement our Lorimer windows and are available in white, anthracite grey, American light oak and rosewood, with a matching woodgrain finish inside or white instead.
Can my door be glazed?
Yes. A Lorimer door can be solid, fully or partially glazed.
What options are there to personalise the door?
All Lorimer doors can be completely customised with a selection of handles, letterboxes, panel options and glass designs available to suit your home and personal taste.
Can I design my own door?
Yes, our online door designer lets you pick the styles, colours and finishes that are a true reflection of your personality and your home.
Living spaces
What makes a Lorimer living space different?
Only a Lorimer living space offers a truly ‘turnkey service’ where everything is designed, planned and built by CR Smith. From the considered design to the internal specification including engineered timber or tiled flooring, integrated mood lighting, heating and professional decoration, we do it all so you don’t need to worry about finding your own tradespeople. You can also include optional extras like underfloor heating and Sonos sound systems. And our tailored specification has been carefully designed so it’s a space you can comfortably use all year round. It really is the complete package.
Will I need to use an architect and are your designs bespoke?
Not with CR Smith, it’s all part of our unique service. While architects normally charge 3-7% of the construction cost, CR Smith offers a bespoke design service which is totally free. We start by discussing your thoughts and completely understanding what will best enhance your life and your home. Our experienced designers will then provide a wide choice of beautiful, inspirational ideas from contemporary to classic, so you can see in 3D exactly what your new Lorimer living space would look like, inside and out. We’ll produce as many drawings as you want until we get the right design for your home. All are free of charge.
Do I need to apply for local authority permissions?
No, we’ll do that on your behalf. Any development over 8m² will need a building warrant and the relevant fee is driven by the overall cost of the new space.
The requirement for planning permission is dependent on where your proposed extension is going to be situated and if you have had work done to your house in the past.
We’ll also advise of any additional information that can be requested by the council such as structural engineer’s reports, coal reports or listed building consent.
We normally estimate that it’ll take around 8 – 10 weeks to be granted local authority consent, however, this is driven by your relevant local authority. Visit our living space journey page to find out more.
How long will it take to build a Lorimer living space?
We offer a turnkey service and will be on-site from start to finish – the length of the build is really dependent on your design. You can, however, be assured that our project management service will be focused on completing your build to the highest standards and within an efficient timescale.
How much should I budget and how far will it go?
There are a number of factors that influence the cost of a bespoke living space so it’s very difficult to give an idea of budget without first discussing your ideas. The most notable
factors include your personalised specifications and the on-site conditions. The latter can sometimes lead to changes in the price once the work is underway. We carry out a unique foundation inspection to confirm our build detail matches the specifications of your home, so there are no unexpected extra costs further down the line.
Can CR Smith help to finance our new living space and is it good value?
Definitely. We know every penny counts so we’ve made our Lorimer living spaces more affordable than ever. We offer unrivalled finance packages including ‘Pay Nothing for 12 Months at only 3.9% APR’ which is better than the rates of most high street lenders or
adding it to your mortgage. Alternatively, if you have money set aside, with a 50% deposit we can provide ‘Four Years’ Interest-Free credit’. Plus, with our range of seasonal offers, there are other ways to enjoy great value on a living space that will add value… year after year after year.
What guarantee is offered with a Lorimer living space?
All Lorimer products and workmanship carry our ten-year product and installation guarantee, which includes our a unique 24-hour emergency call-out service and is fully transferable should you decide to move in the future.
We offer the very best guarantees and pride ourselves on our unrivalled service. We are now in our fifth decade of servicing our customers warranties – All our guarantee documents can be found here.
What are the main features of a Lorimer open plan extension?
As the name suggests, the Lorimer open-plan extension does not have doors between the new living space and your home. It will extend an existing space and create a seamless flow from room to room.
Unlike a traditional extension, which only uses bricks to build the walls, our Lorimer open-plan extension is built around a steel superstructure which allows us to incorporate lots of windows and create a panoramic view of the outside. Natural light in the new space should be one of the biggest design considerations. The roof, which can also be specified with windows, will be finished in slates or tiles to complement your house.
This, in combination with a fully or partly vaulted ceiling also creates a very different feeling inside and it should quickly become your favourite room in your house. Visit the open plan extension product page full a fuller specification.
How does an open-plan extension differ from a sunroom?
An open-plan extension does not have doors between your new space and your existing property. As a result it needs to be further insulated, often with slightly fewer windows that are normally triple-glazed. A sunroom will feature more windows which are usually double-glazed and will have connecting doors between the new living space and your home.
What are the differences between an open-plan extension and an orangerie/conservatory?
An open-plan extension features a solid roof rather than a traditional glass roof. The solid roof can be fitted with optional roof windows. An orangerie/conservatory also has connecting doors between the house and the new living space, whereas the open plan extension has no barrier between the two, as the name would suggest.
What are the main features of a Lorimer sunroom?
Unlike a traditional extension which uses bricks to build the walls, our Lorimer sunroom is built around a steel superstructure which allows us to incorporate lots of windows and create a panoramic view of the outside. Natural light in the new space should be one of the biggest design considerations. The roof, which can also be specified with windows, will be finished in slates or tiles to complement your house.
This, in combination with a fully or partly vaulted ceiling also creates a very different feeling inside and it will quickly become your favourite room in your house. Visit the sunroom product page for a full specification.
How does a sunroom differ from an open plan extension?
A sunroom will feature more windows which are usually double-glazed and will have connecting doors to join the new living space to your home. An open-plan extension does not have doors between your new space and your existing property. As a result it needs to be further insulated, often with slightly fewer windows that are normally triple-glazed.
What are the differences between a sunroom and an orangerie/conservatory?
A sunroom features a solid roof rather than a traditional glass roof. The solid roof can be fitted with optional roof windows.
What are the main features of a Lorimer orangerie?
A Lorimer orangerie features an extruded aluminium-clad roof complete with Smartglass® as standard. It has internal detailing around the edge of the roof to give the feeling of a partially solid ceiling but with a large central glazed area. The orangerie gives a more room-like feel while still retaining spectacular natural light from above. They can also feature modern design elements such as mood lighting and discreet Sonos audio speakers.
The key addition of our climate control system allows you to easily regulate the temperature in your orangerie and will heat or cool, dehumidify and purify the air at the touch of a button or set timer. Visit the orangerie product page for a full specification.
How does an orangerie differ from a conservatory?
Rather than the full glass roof you’d expect in a conservatory, an orangerie has internal detailing around the edge to give the feeling of a partially solid ceiling with a central Smartglass® area. It gives a more room-like ambience and can incorporate downlighters and discreet Sonos audio speakers.
What are the differences between an orangerie and an open plan extension/sunroom?
An orangerie has a Smartglass® aluminium roof rather than a tiled or slated roof. It also features our climate control heating and cooling system so your new living space can be used year-round.
What are the main features of a Lorimer conservatory?
A Lorimer conservatory features an extruded aluminium-clad roof complete with Smartglass® as standard. We also include our climate control system which allows you to easily regulate the temperature in your conservatory and will heat or cool, dehumidify and purify the air at the touch of a button or set timer. Visit the conservatory product page for a full specification.
Climate control
Our climate control system allows you to regulate the temperature in your orangerie. It will help heat or cool, dehumidify and purify the air at the touch of a button or set timer. We believe it is the perfect way to control the climate in your orangerie and get the most out of it. Find out more about our climate control system.
How does a conservatory differ from an orangerie?
A conservatory has a traditional full Smartglass® roof, while an orangerie has the same Smartglass® roof but it features an internal detailing around the edge to give the feeling of a partial solid ceiling.
What are the differences between a conservatory and an open plan extension/sunroom?
A conservatory has a Smartglass® aluminium roof rather than a tiled or slated roof. It also features our climate control heating and cooling system so your new living space can be used year-round.
Secondary glazing
What is secondary glazing?
Secondary glazing is a discreet second window fitted to the inside of an existing window that is designed to help reduce noise and provide added insulation.
Is secondary glazing suitable for listed buildings or conservation areas?
Secondary glazing is ideal for listed buildings or conservation areas where there might be restrictions on new double glazing or more contemporary styles. Indeed, Historic Scotland and many local planning departments advise that secondary glazing is the most cost-effective method of improving energy efficiency in those cases.
Will secondary glazing reduce noise?
Yes, fitting secondary glazing is the best solution to achieve a substantial noise reduction. We can advise you on the optimum specification for your home and circumstances.
What makes secondary glazing from CR Smith the best choice?
Our Discreet FitTM frames are extra narrow and carefully designed so they align with the frames of your existing windows to cover as little as possible, so the overall appearance is maintained.
Are there finance options available for secondary glazing?
We offer the very best, market-leading finance rates for all CR Smith windows and doors. You can choose to pay nothing for 12 months other than a small deposit at an APR of only 3.9% representative or get up to four years interest-free credit with a 50% deposit. Sign up for our newsletter below for the latest seasonal offers.
Is secondary glazing easy to clean?
Our secondary glazing is purpose-built to allow easy cleaning, both inside and out, no matter which style you select.