| 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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