Window Guarantees
You should expect the following types of guarantees for a window.
You should expect a window guarantee that covers you against condensation, dust and dirt getting in between the double glazing for at least 10+ years with the best available being a lifetime as long as you or your partner live in the property.
You should next expect a colour fast guarantee if you are buying white UPVC, which can be as high as twenty years. If you are buying timber the paint finish should be covered for 5 years and the window should be covered from damage from rot or fungus for 20 to 30 years.
You should also get a material guarantee for your windows that are guaranteed for at least 10 years.
Make sure you read your window guarantee as it is not uncommon for some companies to only guarantee their locks, hinges and handles for as little as 12 months.
You may also find rather onerous conditions that make reference to wear and tear not being covered which is an immediate red flag as this is not a quantifiable condition therefore a rather easy way to walk away from a window guarantee. This is common clause from cheaper window companies.
A very important point is you window companies track record, how credible is a guarantee from a company that may have been trading for less time than the length of time offered guaranteed.
If they have only been making the product for 2 years and they guarantee for their windows for 10 years how can they really know it will last 10 years unless it has been extensively independently tested.
Is there any back up such as money held in trust by the Glasgow Glazing Federation to cover these window guarantee’s? Insurance policies are less reliable as they are only enforceable if the company is still trading and has actually paid their premium!
A BBA certificate and Kitemark both of which are independent quality standards are actually more valuable than a guarantee as these mean the product has been independently tested and assessed that it is fit for purpose and the BBA will state an expected lifetime for the product. If the handles and locks are going to need replacement or maintained there will be some form of disclaimer in the BBA certificate.
When it comes to windows and home improvements in general the less you pay the less protection you have and the greater risk you run having a poor quality product with a worthless guarantee that can not be enforced.
However if your get your fingers burnt once it is not a mistake you will make again.
PS Two tips well worth remembering is if you purchase using the companies home improvement finance, the finance company is legally bound to also honour the guarantee offered by your preferred window company, irrespective if your window company goes bust. Secondly pay your deposit by credit card as this offers you legal protection from your credit card company if the window company fail to honour your contract.
