THINGS TO LOOK FOR AND THE QUESTIONS TO ASK

Below are the key things which you should look for, so by reading it you'll wise-up on double-glazing, but we also advise using our downloadable form to keep notes following your meetings.

1. Look for accreditations.
Taking on a home improvement project can be a little daunting but using an accredited company should help put you at ease. The main one to look for is being a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation. Their certificates are proof that the product will comply to building regulations and they have guaranteed protection schemes for any deposits handed over prior to completetion of the job.

Question:
Are you a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)?

2. Don’t Compromise on Security
Everyone has to be security conscious in this day and age, no matter where we live. And security is a vitally important factor to consider when choosing your windows. The biggest mistake people make is not checking that the windows are internally glazed as this prevents the glass being removed from the outside. Always ask if the windows are internally glazed and NEVER buy externally glazed as they are a huge security risk.

With regards to locks make sure the handles are all lockable with a removable key, make sure the shoot bolts lock deep into the frames and if it has a night vent on your windows make sure it is lockable to only allow air in and not burglars when you have a comfortable nights sleep.

Question:
Are the windows internally glazed?
How far do the shoot bolts go into the frame?
Does the night vent have a lockable position?
Do the handles come with key locks as standard?

3. Look for Meaningful Guarantees
Double glazing companies unfortunately go bankrupt at the drop of a hat, so look for a guarantee of not less than 10 years but make sure the company you are dealing with has a track record of trading continuously over that period. There is no point getting a long guarantee from a company that won’t be around to honour it.

Many companies offer different guarantees for the different elements of the window, for example, it is common to have a different length for the frame compared to the sealed unit. Make sure you understand which part of the window is guaranteed for what period.

Question:
How long have you been trading?
Have you ever had to go into bankruptcy?
Can you provide some references of satisfied customers?
How long is your guarantee?
Is the guarantee period for every element of the window?

4. Window Ratings
The Government provides standard ratings for windows which operate in the same ways as those for electrical appliances such as fridges. They range from A at the top for the very best rating to G at the bottom for poor performing windows. Never buy anything less than E rated windows as they would not comply with building regulations. (The minimum in Scotland is D). In reality we would never recommend that you buy anything less than a C rated window and if you can always look for B or even A rated as they will both save you money on fuel and enhance the value of your property over the long term.

The way in which a window is rated depends on three factors. Firstly, the air tightness so it stops any draughts, with this you should be looking for two seals on every window. The second factor is thermal insulation, with regards to this always look for gas filled units and often for the higher ratings to be achieved they will put a coating on the glass such as Pilkington’s K or another manufacturer’s equivalent.

The third and final factor is solar gain which is essentially how much heat and light the window lets in. The clearer the glass and the less obtrusive the seals are the better the window is with the highest ratings actually warming your house like a radiator.

Question:
What energy rating are the windows? (look for a minimum of C rated)
How much extra do you charge for the higher ratings?

Finding a Reputable Company
As we said earlier unfortunately double glazing companies have a dubious and well earned reputation. Anybody can start a double glazing company with the most modest DIY skills and enough money to place an advert in the Yellow Pages but that doesn’t mean you should do business with them.

If you are looking for a company we have a panel of companies who operate in different parts of the country offering free quotes to people who register interest with us. We monitor their performance and the satisfaction of people we recommend them to ensuring that our customers make the right decisions.

Get your Double Glazing Quote Now!
Now you know what to look for, and what to ask - simply choose your area from the map on the right to get a fast, no-obligation quote from our select panel of reputable, trusted double-glazing companies.

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