How do you buy top quality replacement double glazing that can handle the UK’s weather?
Double glazing is the one product that if you know what to look for you will get value for money as your replacement double glazing will last considerably longer than your neighbours and still look as good as the day you installed it.
Top tips to buying a quality replacement double glazed window.
1. Your window should be firmly secured to your brickwork with 4 inch / 100 mm bolts. Avoid timber packers and expanding foam at all costs as this just does not last and is easy for a burglar to rip out.
2. Look for steel reinforcements within any pvc frame. It should be throughout the entire frame with the exception of the corners. This is essential as this protects your glazing unit from blowing and getting condensation between the glass. Cheap windows either have no reinforcement or only enough to take a fixing. This results in leaks and window frames distorting and not closing properly.
3. Only buy virgin grade pvc with calcium organic stabalizers. This quality is the only grade of PVC that will still be legal in 2015 and will be guaranteed to keep their colour for 20 years. Cheap windows are stabilized with metals such as cadmium, tin and lead and as a result they quickly discolour and because of these impurities they will soon be illegal as they can not be recycled.
4. To get a 16mm + air gap you need a very solid window to support this weight hence the need for steel reinforcement and they also need very strong locks and hinges. Ensure all locks and hinges are made of marine grade stainless steel otherwise they will corrode and fail quite quickly.
5. The number one security tip is always insist that your glazed unit is fitted from the inside of your home. If the glazing unit is fitted from outside it take less than 2 minutes to lever off your window beads with a screw driver and remove your glazing. Cheap windows are notorious for this design and it is almost as bad as leaving all your windows open and asking a burglar to come around and help them self to your prized possessions.
6. All quality replacement double glazing have a double draft proofing strip to make them storm proof. Cheaper windows have one and are made from poor quality materials such as EPDM which tends to split and fall out through time.
7. It is now illegal to fit upstairs windows that can not be cleaned from the inside and open in such a way you can use them as a fire escape. Warning illegal windows can stop a house sale in its tracks.
8. Ask to see proof of a BBA certificate number. BBA “British Board of Agrement ” is the UK’s major independant authority who test construction products, systems and installers. The BBA test is an independent European recognised method of testing the entire system. They conduct regular quality audits both during manufacturing and installation and they test the system in use and also by very aggressive laboratory testing. This is a very expensive test and only quality glazing manufacturers will invest the money to give you this reassurance.
9. Insist on a 10 year guarantee for the sealed glazing unit to ensure you are covered should your glazing ever develop condensation between the double glazing. By insisting on the above quality standard you will get this guarantee as the steel reinforcements protects the sealed unit from failing.
10. Guarantees are only valid if the company has a good track record, only deal with house hold names you have heard of and who have been in business a very long time. The most reputable companies have been in business from the mid 60′s.
11. For the best discounts buy on the day of a product demonstration as you will get a better discount if you are ready to buy, you should also take advantage of finance discounts over 2 years which work out cheaper than a cash deal.
