Double Glazing Buyers Guide

Double glazing, getting your Quotation.     

OK, so you have decided to have quotation for double glazing; I would suggest that you get between 2 to 3 estimates, but before you meet anybody sit down and write down all the questions that you would like to ask about double glazing first.

When you meet your double glazed window consultant explain what windows or doors you would like to have replaced. He will note the style of your house and that of your neighbours and show you a portfolio of double glazed window designs and door designs and discuss with you whom design would be suitable.
The consultant will show you a sample of a double glazed window and tell you about its features, the company, and their guarantees, (which should be 10 years) and how they manufacture. During this time make sure you ask all the questions that you wrote down earlier.
Your consultant will measure for your double glazing and give you a written quotation. Please don’t say, that’s a great price where do I sign! It may seem obvious, but don't accept the first price you are quoted, always ask if that’s there best price, they want your order so negotiate, you will be surprised what you can achieve by having a deal!  Try and obtain at least two or three quotations and visit there showrooms. Make the effort to view other work carried out by the company you are considering, and if this not practical ask to speak to there customers on the telephone. Whilst these will, no doubt, be “happy customers” you can gain a good idea of how the company operates by asking specific questions such as,

• Was the installation checked on completion?  
• Did the fitters arrive on the correct day and on time
• Did they use dustsheets to protect carpets etc?
• Was the job left clean and tidy
• Were there any problems, if so how quick did it take to rectify them
• Were the fitters  pleasant, any noisy radios or bad language 
• Were you asked to check the works before they left?

Most companies will require a deposit with an order. Generally speaking, 10% to 20%, the final amount paid on competition, but only when you are entirely satisfied with the job.
Find out exactly what the guarantee covers. Most double glazing companies guarantee, frames and double glazed sealed units for a minimum of ten years, but it's best to ask a potential company to be specific and get it in writing. You may well be offered an 'insurance backed' guarantee, but these are really just insolvency guarantees and only become effective should the company go into liquidation and not a guarantee against poor workmanship or faulty material.

Making good to disturbed areas
Ask the double glazing company if they will make good around the new double glazed frames once they have been fitted, most will do this as part of the overall installation, but it is worth checking that this is part of the service. But I doubt if this covers any damage to wall paper or painted surfaces.

How long will it take to fit my windows and are you FENSA Registered?
Always ask the company what the lead time is i.e. the time before the installation starts and how long the installations will take to complete, some companies who are busy may take up to 12 weeks to start which could be a bit annoying if they don’t tell you, and you think it will only be a few weeks.  Also enquire if they are FENSA registered this is the body which governs the specification and installation of double glazing. Like to know more on FENSA regulations, yes! .OK follow me to…. double glazing FENSA regulations

The average installation time for double glazing is around 1 - 3 days depending on the amount of windows and work required.
Dust sheets should cover the working area. The old windows removed and the new double glazing fitted, fixings are achieved by screwing the side of the frames of the windows to the brickwork with special long screws, any damage plaster etc made good. The double glazed sealed units are then fitted, mastic applied between the frame and the brickwork and then cleaned.

Once the replacement windows have been installed, it is worth remembering that although uPVC and aluminium frames are virtually maintenance-free, the hinges and locks will benefit from regular lubrication to keep them working smoothly.

Special uPVC cleaners are also available to clean the double glazing when required.Double glazing companies have built up a wealth of experience over the years, be prepared to listen to their advice as it's in their interest to make sure you're happy with your double glazing. Whilst they are on your property to install your double glazing and not socialise, the installation team would probably appreciate a cold drink in summer or a bowl of soup in winter. A friendly working relationship will undoubtedly result in a satisfactory installation for you.

Any Questions?
If you have any double glazing questions you may like answered come with me to Double glazing FAQ