Buyers
Tips for Replacement Windows and Double Glazing
Below you will find our
"Quick Reference" set of general tips. Apart
from the first tip (which we consider most important)
the tips are not in any particular order. We hope they
will assist you in coming to the correct buying decision.
Replacing windows on
your property can change the visual appearance of your
home considerably. You should choose a style that matches
your property and enhances its looks. This is particularly
important with PVCu and Aluminium designs when they
are fitted to older properties. It's a good idea to
look at properties similar to yours in the area and
compare the effect of various replacement window types.
It is also a good idea to make sure you have adequate
numbers of opening windows. It's been known for some
salespeople to promote designs with very few openings
and of a very simple nature. The simpler the design
and the fewer the openings - the "cheaper"
the window. Whilst you may end up with a price you like
it's more likely you will regret this option in the
end - especially as badly designed windows can turn
out to be a very bad investment and even lower the value
of a property. We have known of
buyers of properties negotiating a reduced price for
a property just because of this. What's even sadder
is that the seller had only "replaced" these
windows a few years earlier.
Always ask your supplier
how long the delivery will be. It's also a good idea
to have this stipulated on your contract. Additionally
ask for an "estimate" of how long the work
will take to complete once they are on site.
Sometimes (but rarely)
planning permission may be required in order to fit
replacement windows. This is particularly the case in
"listed buildings" and "conservation
areas". Also if you are "converting"
a flat window into a "bow" or "bay"
window you may need planning permission. It's a good
idea to always check this your self with the local authority.
With PVCu windows it's
a good idea to ask your supplier if the windows are
fully welded or if parts of the window (transoms / midrails)
are mechanically fixed. Mechanical fixing is generally
a "cheaper" way of manufacturing. It's possible
with wear and tear (especially on doors) that the mechanical
(screw) fixing will split apart - weakening the frames
and reducing performance. Whilst mechanical fixing is
not entirely a bad thing - especially if done correctly
- we would suggest you give preference to fully welded
structures especially if all other "conditions"
(price / quality of supplier) are similar. The only
exception to this is maybe in WOODGRAIN style PVCu frames
when a mechanical fixing can look neater - especially
with regards to how the "grain" finish on
the PVCu frames "runs". Ask your supplier
for an explanation of this if you are not sure.
Fitting double-glazing
in replacement windows will provide some sound insulation.
However if your primary motivation for fitting double-glazing
is to reduce sound then secondary glazing, where you
fit a new single glazed frame in front of the existing
(prime) window frame, will be better. The greater the
"air gap" the better the sound insulation.
Double-glazing will reduce
heat loss through your windows by an estimated 10 -
12 %. You will save money on your heating bills. However
it will be a considerable time before you save enough
money to "pay for the windows" - so don't
fit double-glazing for this reason alone.
Where practical, try
to visit a showroom or view other work carried out by
the company. Alternatively, ask to speak to other customers
on the telephone. Do bear in mind however that the company
is going to give a reference that will be complimentary.
Try and ask specific questions such as - Did they turn
up on time? Was anything missing and how quickly was
this rectified? Did they leave the site clean and tidy?
Don't always expect "perfect answers" - in
fact be suspicious if they are. Any type of building
work or remodelling can have its problems or unforeseen
challenges. The point is "how quickly was it sorted
and was it to your satisfaction". Its often been
said that the true test of a company is when there are
problems - not when everything goes perfectly.
Most companies will require
a deposit with order - generally speaking 10% is normal.
Avoid paying larger deposits than this unless your work
is particularly "unique" / "bespoke"
- such as "one off" timber window designs.
It's likely in these circumstances that suppliers will
require higher holding deposits. You should also make
sure that a "fair percentage" is withheld
until such times as the work is completed to your entire
satisfaction.
Check out the Guarantee
and what it covers. A lot of companies now offer "insurance
backed" guarantees. Do note however that these
are really Insolvency Guarantees and only become effective
if a company should go out of business. Most guarantees
will give a 10-year cover on the frames but you may
find that the cover for the double glazed unit is 5
years. It's always best to ask a potential supplier
to be specific (in writing) about these issues.
Always enquire about
the type of locks and security features being fitted.
Most modern double-glazed replacement windows feature
multi-point espagnolette type locking, which will also
"lock" partially open in a "night-vent"
position. It may be possible to upgrade to shoot bolt
locking or SAC bolt locks for additional security. For
doors, many different types of locks and features such
as "Entry Guard" (a sort of security chain
allowing you to partially open the door and view visitors)
are available. Always enquire what is standard and also
what upgrades are available. Often for a little extra
cost you can have a substantially better locking system.
With PVCU (Vinyl) windows
in particular you will often hear a lot of "arguments"
in favour of using an internally beaded window - instead
of an externally beaded window. Clearly, if the beads
holding in the glass are on the inside of the window
it will be more difficult for a burglar to remove the
glass and enter your home. Do note however that some
suppliers of externally beaded windows will fit special
glazing gaskets and double sided tape to the frame and
sealed unit in order to improve on the security and
some even claim security "as good as" internal
beading.
Always ask if the windows
have any special "easy escape" or "fire
escape" features. Special hinges can be fitted
to help with this - but these are not usually standard
items and will cost more.
Rarely will the "cheapest"
price be the best for you in the long run. When comparing
"like with like" please also take into comparison
how long the company has been established and the "quality"
of their guarantees. You may find two suppliers using
the same XXXX PVCu extrusion and the same Pilkington
Glass. However if one supplier happens to be some "window
fitters" doing "private work" at the
weekends then please realize that their so called 10
Year Guarantee may be of less value than another from
a more established company with a supporting infrastructure.
Ask your supplier if
you will be responsible for "making good"
around the new frames when they are fitted. Most suppliers
will include this as part of their work - but you should
check.
Whilst PVCu and Aluminium
frames are virtually maintenance free please note that
the hinges and mechanical parts such as locks will need
regular lubrication etc. The frames will also benefit
from an occasional "wipe down". Special PVCu
frame cleaners are available.
For timber frames you
will need to paint every 3-5 years or, if you are using
hardwood, oil or varnish as appropriate. We recommend
an annual "spring clean" for all windows and
doors no matter whether they are PVCU, Aluminium or
Hardwood.
Our final tip in this
section and perhaps one of the most important. Do not
be the Customer from HELL. To get the best out of any
Replacement Window Supplier or Builder maintain a friendly
but professional rapport. Do not assume that they will
always be trying to get "one over" on you.
Their advice may be in your best interests. If you appear
defensive and untrusting - always assuming the worst
of your supplier - the whole experience will be unpleasant
for both you and the supplier. Be vigilant - but always
prepared to listen to their advice - especially if problems
occur.
Whilst most trades will come prepared with their own
food and drinks - do take the time to offer them hospitality.
A cold drink on a warm summer day or hot soup in the
winter will build on your relationship - resulting in
a better job for you.
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