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What is an approved supplier for double glazing replacement windows, and where do I find one I hear you ask? If I don’t hear it then either you know a lot more than many or, the next time you step down the double glazing route, you could be heading for trouble.
Of course everyone has heard the classic double glazing disaster stories which all make interesting reading (and probably many should be in the fiction section at the library) but there are a high number of genuine cases that, although make less interesting reading, are still a real nightmare for those involved.
Did you know that the installation of double glazing replacement windows falls into the Building Regulations and if not carried out by a certified and approved industry installation team means that it HAS to be inspected and approved by the local authority and it is the house owners responsibility to do so and to ENSURE it complies fully with the regulations?
Did you know that very shortly the regulations on the energy rating will change and that installations below agreed rating levels will not be allowed?
Did you know that over 22,000 double glazing and home improvement cases are reported to the Office of Fair Trading EVERY year and they are now increasing the ombudsman powers and the requirements of an approved supplier to demonstrate past workmanship and ability etc?
In my view it becomes patently clear that if offered a simple way of finding a properly approved supplier then it seems logical to take it.
What is an approved double glazing replacement window supplier?
In simple terms there are some things you will need to find out or be shown regarding your proposed supplier and installer
1 – Will the product supplied conform to the British Fenestration Rating Council standards – such as minimum energy saving levels?
2 – Is the supplier approved by the manufacturer and has the installation team received adequate training in this specific product?
3 - Is the supplier and installer a member of FENSA or / and the Glass and Glazing Federation?
4 – Do they offer a deposit indemnity scheme?
5 – Is the company financially secure? (It’s not a rude question – you are possibly about to commit a great deal of money to the project and may be also required to pay a proportion in advance)
6 – How long has the company been trading, how long installing this product, and can they produce contactable references?
If you are not fully satisfied with the answers (and it may not always be possible to get a yes to all of them) then move on and find an approved supplier.
If these questions as shown above are so simple then why don’t we ask them?
Difficulties of finding a good Supplier in Hertfordshire
As soon as you seriously start to think about it – few of us are going to feel that comfortable asking some of the questions – we should be after all, but be honest, we probably won’t ask.
Some of us will also be apprehensive that a “difficult” question or two may start to annoy the supplier enough that he pushes the price up to include a “hassle factor”.
If we do ask – how do we know we are being told the truth and do we have the ability or time to inspect previous work, check their books over etc – Let’s face it – it’s not going to happen is it?
I WOULD BE MUCH HAPPIER IF SOMEONE BETTER QUALIFIED THAN I HAD ALREADY DONE THIS FOR ME.
Great – assuming that this is possible let’s take a quick look at the products we are buying into and establish a few simple rules.
How can buying replacement double glazed windows benefit me?
Very simply the recognised advantages are as follows:
· Lower energy bills.
· Reduced personal carbon footprint.
· More comfortable and cosier home.
· Peace and quite.
· Low maintenance no need to constantly re-paint (except with timer frames).
· Reduced condensation.
· Easier to sell the home.
· Possible increase in house value
Glass and Frames used
There are many types of glass that can be used from plain float glass to leaded glass of high energy saving glass but these are pertinent to the style you select – the real differences in materials used is predominantly in the frames which are mainly
1. Hard wood or soft wood
2. uPVC / PVCu / UPVC
3. Aluminium
Wooden window frames
These can be a very attractive frame and those with a period style home such as Victorian may see them as an obvious choice to stay in keeping with the style. They do require maintenance as you would with a traditional wooden framed window and they are usually a more expensive option that some of the alternatives. Since the UPVC frames have started to be made in wood finishes the automatic assumption to use wooden frames in a stylised home is no longer a simple choice.
You may also wish to take great care with the selection of the timbers as cheaper materials may be prone to warp or split
uPVC / PVCu / UPVC window frames
Because of its popularity one obvious advantage immediately is that it tends to be less expensive that the alternatives
It requires almost no maintenance other than a wipe over occasionally and is difficult to damage
It is a highly insulate material so lends itself well to energy saving properties
uPVC frames, PVCu frames or UPVC frames are the most durable and often come with lengthy guarantee periods.
With the popularity comes another benefit – it is offered in a massive choice of styles and designs. Most of us are used to seeing it in white but as the technology has increased it can also now be acquired in Woodgrain finishes such as Mahogany and Oak.
Aluminium window frames
Fairly uncommon now and normally associated now with commercial and industrial properties.
May be difficult to source for domestic purposes
Has become far more expensive since the popularity declined, but it is very robust.
Have a tendency to suffer from condensation more easily.
What kind of windows can I expect to see?
Pretty much the same as you can see in any other dwelling with perhaps some technological advances
Casement windows
These open like doors – either left-hand or right-hand opening. They usually open away from the house.
They give unobstructed views (opened or closed), and allow significant amounts of light in to the room.
Because these can be large windows giving a big expanse of glass many buyers will take the option of adding lead patterned or coloured top lights just to add some overall interest.
Sash windows
Mostly seen in period homes, such as Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian houses, the modern double glazed sash windows manages to avoid the traditional faults which were sticking and rattling plus the traditional requirements of weights and cords to open and close the windows have gone.
Tilt and turn windows
These are a fairly modern invention, are very popular in double glazing replacement window installations and were designed for very practical reasons.
They are a great benefit where it is not safe to open the windows outwardly such as perhaps a ground floor opening onto a pavement.
They often have a dual function handle which allows the “tilt” for secure ventilation, the “turn” for cleaning, and excellent ratings for fire egress.
What can I expect in terms of energy saving from double glazing?
This is a bit like how long is a piece of string, as the answer has so many variables
1 - What energy rating windows have you installed?
2 - Do you have adequate wall and loft insulation?
3 - Is the property properly draught proofed?
4 – Is the property an end terrace / mid terrace/ bungalow / detached etc
All of our homes lose heat (energy) through the windows, doors, and double glazing is an effective way of reducing this energy loss and subsequently also reducing our heating bills.
Search for an approved supplier in Hertfordshire – We cover all the following areas:
Abbots Langley, Ashwell, Barnet, Berkhamsted, Bishop's Stortford, Borehamwood, Broxbourne, Buntingford, Bushey, Cheshunt, Chipperfield, Chorleywood, Elstree, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hertingfordbury, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Kimpton, King's Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Little Hadham, Markyate, New Barnet, Northaw, Potters Bar, Radlett, Rickmansworth, Royston, Sawbridgeworth, St. Albans, Stevenage, Tring, Waltham Cross, Ware, Watford, Welham Green, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Whitwell, Wormley.
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