Window Guarantees
You should expect the following types of guarantee for a window.
You should expect a guarantee that covers you against condensation, dust and dirt getting in between the double glassing for at least 15 years.
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 will be covered for 5 years and the window should be covered from damage from rot or fungus for 30 years.
You should also get a material guarantee that all the parts are guaranteed for at least 10 years.
Make sure you read the 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 guarantee.
Another onerous condition is saying you must regularly maintain you locks and hinges, which to just another loop hole.
A very important point is a 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 in their guarantee. If they have only been making the product for 2 years and they guarantee it 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 guartantees? 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 *** One tip well worth remembering is if you purchase using the companies home improvement finance, the finance company is legally bound to also honour all guarantees offered by the glazing company. ***
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like a free no obligation quote for an quality windows, doors, garage door, garage conversion, driveway, roof trim or a conservatory then call Freephone 0800 61 98 137 now.
