5 Things to Look for From Your Double Glazing Company

As the colder months draw in and summer starts to feel like a distant memory, homeowners may start to consider ways to insulate their property from the harsh winter temperatures. One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing double glazing - for doors, windows or both. Double glazing uses two panes of glass, separated by a gap usually filled with argon gas. The gas is a poor conductor of heat so acts as an insulator, preventing the warm air from escaping as well as maintaining the temperature inside and acting as a barrier to noise. 

Deciding to invest in double glazing is the easy part, but once you know that you’d like replacement windows or doors, it’s vital to find a reliable double glazing company to carry out the work. Everyone’s heard the stereotypes about double glazing salesmen, but there are plenty of professional and reputable companies out there who want to carry out the best work for the fairest price. If you’re struggling to know where to start, read on for five things you should look for from your double glazing company.

 

Which products and services do they offer? 

Most companies offer windows, doors and conservatories, but of course it’s important to check they sell the products you’re after. There are other factors to consider too, like whether they offer repairs or other insulation services such as roof cladding.

 

Windows

Almost all double glazed windows use uPVC frames (a type of durable, lightweight plastic), but there are several different types of window and fitting, so you need to make sure the company you choose can offer that exact product.

Fixed double glazed windows are a good choice for a room with lots of existing ventilation - they can’t be opened so are mainly used for aesthetic purposes and to let in more natural light. Casement windows open outwards like a door and they usually come in pairs with openings on opposite sides of each frame. These are a popular choice for living rooms or bedrooms and are easier to open than traditional sash windows. 

Another option is sliding windows; these can be opened in a way very similar to a patio door, but on a smaller scale. These are a good option for smaller rooms as they can be opened without taking up too much space. Even traditional bay or bow windows can be replaced using double glazing, allowing you to keep an attractive focal point and retain more heat.

 

Doors

Many customers who choose double glazing decide to replace their doors at the same time, which makes a lot of sense if you’ve already invested time and money finding a company you like and trust. It’s worth asking around and seeing if any double glazing companies offer special discounts or packages on a window and door deal. Double glazed front doors are also mostly made from uPVC frames, and sliding patio doors, bi-fold doors and timber doors can all be replaced with double glazing panes.

 

Conservatories

Conservatories can also be made using uPVC frames, and therefore with double glazed windows. By nature, conservatories retain less heat, so it’s probably not worth spending money on a fully double glazed structure (you could leave out the roof for example), but double glazed windows or doors are definitely a wise investment. A lot of double glazing companies are also able to design and build a bespoke conservatory for your home, so again, it’s worth doing some research to see whether a double glazing or conservatory company is best, depending on your requirements.

 

Guarantees and warranties 

Before choosing any new or replacement windows and doors for your home, it’s wise to investigate the durability of the products and how long they’re expected to last. A guarantee or warranty is one way to do this and most reputable companies should provide one with their products.

Guarantees and warranties are basically the same thing; a warranty is simply a written guarantee that the product you buy will last a certain number of months or years without fault or need for repair. A warranty is a legally binding part of the sales contract assuring the buyer that the product is free of defects, so it’s vital that the windows or doors you buy come with a warranty in case something goes wrong. 

Any reputable double glazing company should be happen to explain their warranties to you and how long you can expect your new installation to last before needing any replacements or repairs.

 

Professionalism 

Choosing new windows or doors means inviting tradespeople or a windows installer into your home; so it’s natural to expect a high level of professionalism and excellent service at all times.

However, unless it’s a company you’ve worked with previously, or a off solid recommendation from family and friends, it can be hard to know what to expect from the company you’re dealing with. 

It’s good practice to choose a company that operates under a comprehensive and transparent consumer code. One such code is the Glass and Glazing Federation Consumer Code of Practice, which dictates how a company should act regarding the products they sell you, the survey of your home, the guarantees, and the installations carried out in your home. 

Trust your instincts from the offset; you can usually get a good feel for a company’s professionalism based on how they interact with customers (via email and over the phone), how promptly they respond to queries and their complaints process.

 

Deposit protection 

It’s far from unusual for companies to ask for a deposit when carrying out home improvement jobs; most deposits will be around 10-15% of the total cost. This is usually to secure the job and help pay for materials and time invested. 

Naturally, you want to feel comfortable handing over what can be a large sum of money before the job has even started. Deposit protection can add an extra layer of security, ensuring that you don’t lose out if the company is unable to complete the work due to financial or any other difficulties. If possible, check to see if the company you are thinking about using is a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), as all members come with automatic free deposit protection.

 

A Deposit Indemnity Fund protects customers against loss in the unlikely event of your chosen GGF company going into administration or falling into financial difficulty. The Indemnity Fund then provides a sum that’s either equal to the deposit amount, 50% of the contract price or up to £12,500 in a redeemable voucher form that can be transferred over to another GGF company who can finish the job.

 

Reputation 

Recommendations from family or friends can be very useful when it comes to making a decision, but this can’t always be relied upon, or they may not have used a company in your area.

It’s definitely wise to do your research first and read customer reviews for several different companies to see how they compare, and it’s worth getting quotes from at least three different double glazing businesses.

As mentioned above, it’s a good sign if an organisation is a member of the GGF, but there are plenty of reputable ones who aren’t so go with your instincts. 

If you’re looking for a professional and reliable double glazing company with first class products and services, give Creative Glazing a call. We offer a range of bespoke window, door and conservatory designs alongside a first class installation service and window repairs near you. Our team of expert traders are all fully qualified with years of industry experience, and we offer a 10 year guarantee on all windows and doors for extra peace of mind. Visit our website today to see the full range of services and request a free quote.