National Windows Scrappage Scheme Scam or a Great deal?
You may have seen some TV ads about the national windows scrappage scheme, so what is it all about?
The glazing industry is petitioning the government to introduce a government funded windows scrappage scheme to help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.
Although this is not in place yet and is not likey to be funded a few of the more reputable glazing manufactures have already introduced this at their own expense to get the ball rolling. Is the windows scrappage scheme a scam? You could argue it is misrepresented however even as a marketing tool it is still a geniune discount that was not available before.
Will the national scrappage scheme last in its present form? Know one really knows so to take advantage of the savings you really have to act now.
Windows scrappage schemes are varying from company to company however it would appear a common trend is to remove £100 from your price for each window and door you intend to replace up to a maximum of 25 items.
Therefore if you have 10 windows to remove you will receive £1000 off of your price as a scrappage scheme discount before any other discounts available apply. Double door spaces such as a door and side panel would generally count as two doors being deducted.
Are these products being recycled? Sadly no as only a very small proportion of manufactures use virgin grade organic UPVC which is recyclable. The majority of the industry are still using cheaper stabilized with lead, tin or cadmium which make the windows non recyclable, non colour fast and with limited life due to frame deflection and failure of sealed units.
Thankfully from 2015 it will be illegal to manufacture and sell UPVC in Europe which has been stabilized with environmentally unfriendly heavy metals.
Will poorly insulated homes also be penalised, this looks highly likely as the Energy Saving Trust is making massive moves in trying to force through legislation that could ban the selling or renting of poorly insulated homes. ” Update the new Green Deal is looking to penalise individuals selling poorly insulated homes in the future.”
The UK and Scotland government are committed to very onerous carbon footprint reduction targets and with the increased use of fossil fuel and cars on the road the obvious target is to thermally improve the housing stock and thermal quality of new build housing.
You can still buy cheap windows and doors for another 4 years however whether you can sell or rent out your home after 2015 is looking more and more like a very risky investment, however take advantage of your scrappage discount allowance as it’s days may well be numbered.
