THE ESSENTIAL HANDBOOK FOR HOME IMPROVERS. Buyer s Guide

Transcription

1 THE ESSENTIAL HANDBOOK FOR HOME IMPROVERS Windows Buyer s Guide THE NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO HELP YOU EVALUATE, COMPARE AND FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR YOUR HOME WHETHER NEW BUILD, EXTENSION OR REPLACEMENT MATERIAL DIFFERENCES find what s right for you - aluminium, UPVC, timber or composites WINDOW INSULATION Understand Window Energy Ratings PLUS: Installation day planning Glazing options 16 PAGES OF INDISPENSABLE ADVICE FOR CHOOSING REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

2 Contents 4 Great Expectations? Understand what you should expect from your new windows 6 Going Green Understanding insulation and Window Energy Ratings PLUS tips to help you if condensation is a problem in your home 8 Material Choices Aluminium, UPVC, Timber or Composite frames - finding what s right for you 11 Through the looking glass Take a look at available glass options and how to get the best for your home 13 Find a supplier Advice for selecting the best partner for your project including quotations, validity of guarantees and deposits and avoiding phoenix companies 14 The big day When installation day dawns, know what to expect for a trouble-free project. Plus, look ahead at future maintenance 15 Round-up Tips to help you find the best windows and doors 2 To find out more simply call or visit

3 Welcome... to what we trust is an inspirational guide to buying new windows for your home. We hope that this guide will help to turn what could be a potential headache into an altogether more pleasurable experience. With a wealth of choices available to you, getting the right product for your home isn t easy and mistakes are costly and ones you will, literally, have to live with. When weighing up what products are best for your particular home it is important to balance aesthetics, energy efficiency and performance with value for money and security. Compiled by our team of surveyors and independently edited, the Windows Buyer s Guide will take you through the range of products available; give you an understanding of what you should consider before you make your purchase; help you to know what you should look for; what to ask and how to make sure you get the products you need, want and that are right for your home. Expert advice Tony Beale, Director Hazlemere Windows is in the enviable position of having more than 25 years experience of surveying, recommending and installing windows and doors in Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas. As a family company they have built a reputation for their straightforward approach, no-nonsense advice and excellent installation quality. They have made their customers the focus of their business and they work hard to ensure their satisfaction at every stage of their dealings. For a no obligation consultation with an experienced expert in the comfort of your home or at their showroom, at a time and date to suit you, call To make an appointment with a professional consultant freephone or visit 3

4 Great Expectations So you ve taken the decision to install new windows in your home, but what are you going to gain? Find out what you can realistically expect. Replacing the windows in your home with new, energy saving modern materials is one of the biggest investments you will make in your house. Most homeowners will have several reasons for deciding to replace their glazing and have clear objectives in mind. But how realistic are these objectives? Are all windows the same? Whatever your reasons, be it to improve your home s insulation; upgrade your security; make your home more attractive or you are looking to replace existing frames and glazing that have reached the end of their life, finding out as much as you can will help to ensure you get the windows as well as the doors that are right for you. Insulation Improving a house s insulation is one of the key reasons homeowners cite for wanting to replace their windows and doors. Modern materials and design technology mean that the windows you buy today will have vastly improved insulating properties compared to windows of even 10 years ago. Most of the heat lost through windows is through the glass and double glazing can reduce this heat loss by up to 20%. So if you are replacing old single glazed windows you will have an immediate benefit. If you are replacing old double glazing then you will still enjoy some benefit because of improved frame design and glass types. Whatever type of windows you are replacing, the savings you will make are unlikely to equate to the cost of the windows, so buying for this reason alone does not make sense. Our feature on Going Green explains more about the energy efficiency of today s windows and why it makes sense for you to opt for greener windows for your home. Double glazed and triple glazed windows and doors will offer better sound insulation, but again, if this is your primary reason for buying and your existing windows are otherwise sound, then you might be better off considering secondary glazing to sit inside the existing windows. Security, safety & easy access Improving home security is another major factor that comes into play when deciding to replace windows and doors. Today s systems invariably offer multipoint locking as standard on both windows and doors although even just a few years ago this was considered an optional extra. Multipoint locking is a great improvement on the products that have gone before, but there are other security features you should look out for as well such as shootbolt locking, security glazing clips and tape 4 To find out more simply call or visit

5 and hinges which all offer even greater levels of security for both your windows and doors. Always check what is a supplier s standard offer and what they sell as an upgrade and compare quotations carefully to make sure you get what is right for you. Remember to check what your insurance company requires you to have in terms of window and door locks. LEFT: Replacement windows can replicate the look of the old windows if you choose, as well as offer you a warmer, more secure home. When it comes to access and safety considerations, UK Building Regulations state that any entrance door on a new build project or into a new builders opening must have a clear unobstructed opening of 775mm when the door is open at 90 degrees to allow wheelchair access. In reality, the overall new door width including it s frame needs therefore to be at least 900mm wide (depends on the material used) to achieve a clearance of 775mm. Building regulations similarly require opening windows in all habitable rooms on the 1st floor and above to have a minimum openable area of 0.33m 2 and have a clearance of at least 450mm wide by 450mm high when the window sash is open to enable a person to escape in the event of fire etc. Also the bottom of the openable area must not be more than 1100mm from floor level. Furthermore, unobstructed window controls must not be higher than 1.9m from floor level and obstructed window controls (e.g. by a large wall heater) must not be more than 1.7m from floor level. The Buying Tips Round Up on page 15 tells you what else you should be aware of before you buy. Maintenance If maintenance is your driver then you really won t be disappointed when you have replaced your windows and doors. Whilst there is no such thing as completely maintenance-free, both UPVC and powder-coated aluminium systems really do need very little maintenance to keep them looking good compared to that required on old timber windows or even steel ones. If your preference is for timber then you should expect to carry out more frequent periodic maintenance. Softwood especially will demand more attention and, in some cases, repainting every few years. One type of window that is gaining in popularity is the new Composites. These have timber on the inside and UPVC or aluminium on the outside (see Material Choices on page 8) and so require less maintenance than windows and doors made entirely from timber. To keep any windows and doors functioning properly they will require some attention and, as with most household maintenance it is usually far simpler and easier to undertake this upkeep regularly rather than leaving it until a problem becomes apparent. Checking the frames, locks and hinges once a year will all help to ensure problems are spotted early which usually makes them easier to remedy. Problems that you cannot fix can then be quickly referred to your installer. Reputable companies will happily return to carry out repairs sometimes up to 10 years after installation and this type of guarantee is one of the key things you need to consider when choosing who will supply your new windows and doors. Aesthetics A quick look in your own area will reveal houses that have benefited from new windows and doors and those which look considerably worse for it. Poorly designed windows can actually affect the price of your home so it pays to get it right. If you have an older style house, then replica windows and doors will usually be more in keeping, whereas modern houses can take more unusual window and door styles. Remembering not to lessen ventilation, you will have the option to specify how many opening windows you want and so carefully consider the ventilation you need in each room and be prepared to pay for going a little bit further. Better this than finding you haven t opted for enough! Your choice needn t be limited purely by design though - an endless array of colours are also available as well as woodgrain effects, but remember if you choose an unusual colour or finish you are going to have to live with it for quite some time. Aluminium and UPVC both come in a choice of woodgrain effects though it is important to check the quality and durability of this finish. Quality Just because the frames look the same on the outside, it doesn t necessarily follow everything is the same on the inside. You get what you pay for so be prepared to look carefully and find out what you are getting. Read Material Choices on page 8 to understand more about framing materials. To find out more simply freephone or visit 5

6 Going Green In 2000 the Government signed up to the Kyoto Protocol which, broadly speaking, laid out the UK s commitment to reducing the damage our every day activities cause the environment. Fundamental to the Government s commitment, is the pledge to introduce tighter controls over the use of energy by private households, as well as industry, and the efficiency of heating boilers, lightbulbs and glazing amongst others have all came under the spotlight. Window Energy Ratings Installing effective double glazing was identified as one area that could make a significant difference to the environment, so criteria was put in place to ensure a minimum level of thermal performance that newly installed windows in homes had to achieve. These were built into Part L of the Building Regulations. Indeed, you may have heard about Part L compliant windows. On 1st October 2010 the requirements for the thermal efficiency of windows was tightened still further and yet more changes are expected both in 2013 and 2016 when it is anticipated that consumers will only be able to buy the most thermally efficient energy rated windows. Window Energy Ratings For homeowners faced with an array of different windows it has been almost impossible to assess the thermal efficiency of one window against another and so the Government, through the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) introduced Window Energy Ratings (WER). Energy rating labels are commonly seen on many household appliances such as washing machines and fridges and give the clearest indication of the energy efficiency of a product. The energy rating labels that we are used to seeing on fridges, freezers and other household appliances can now be found on the most energy efficient window systems as well. Look out for the Window Energy Rating and the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo which can be found on energy saving windows such as Hazlemere s Dualframe Window System. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website to find out how else you can improve the energy efficiency of your home ( Hazlemere Windows offer a range of aluminium and UPVC energy saving, energy rated windows including A rated aluminium and UPVC triple glazed windows as well as A rated aluminium and UPVC double glazed window systems. Legally you must fit C rated windows or above to ensure your property complies with the building regulations. Double glazing companies that want to promote their most energy efficient products are able to submit their windows for energy assessment and are given a Window Energy Rating based on the results. Windows are graded from an A, which shows they offer the highest energy efficiency possible, to C, the lowest. 6 To book an appointment with one of our consultants simply call or visit

7 According to the Energy Saving Trust nearly a fifth of homebuyers are put off by single-glazed windows. Opting for the best Window Energy Rating that your budget will allow will make your home a more attractive one to buyers. Not all window companies that you speak to will have A or B rated windows, so if you are looking for the most energy efficient product then A or B Window Energy Ratings are the only way of ensuring you choose the best product. Higher rated windows will ultimately mean you will make energy savings and, therefore, cost-savings as well as contributing to the reduction of greenhouse emissions. RIGHT: These Sapa Dualframe doors, available from Hazlemere, are particularly energy efficient. Understanding ventilation and the problem of condensation Whilst there are all sorts of rules (and calculations based size of room etc.) relating to ventilation in UK dwellings, the Building Regulations can more or less be summarized by the fact that when replacing existing windows or doors, property owners and installers are not permitted to reduce ventilation in any room unless that room has another means of ventilation (i.e. mechanical). Consequently, a reputable supplier will not reduce ventilation simply to reduce the cost, as less opening vents obviously do cost less. All new build dwellings must have sufficient trickle vents in each room, whether these are in doors and/or in windows. The rules for replacement doors and/or windows state that if trickle vents pre-exist they need to be replicated in the new doors and windows. If your existing windows do not currently have trickle vents there is no current requirement for you to have them in your new doors and windows. It is worth making a point here about the problem of condensation which for many homeowners is a key motivator for replacing their existing windows and doors. Many people are therefore surprised and understandably disappointed to find that condensation is still a problem after they have had new windows installed. All windows prevent moisture escaping from your home and so unfortunately, if you have a condensation problem in your home, then new, tighter fitting windows are actually likely to make it worse. Windows are not the cause of the condensation but they do prevent humidity in the air from escaping and provide an easy surface for condensation to collect on. Common household condensation is caused by excess humidity or water vapour in your home which, when it comes into contact with any cold surface turns to the water droplets that we know as condensation. It is most visible on glass windows and mirrors and most homes will suffer from this from time to time. Condensation can easily get out of hand and cause serious damage and so excessive window condensation, frosting, peeling paint, even moisture spots on ceilings and walls should be taken as the warning signs that action is needed. All air carries a certain level of water and household activities such as cooking and showering, as well as the watering of houseplants all contribute to excessive levels of moisture that cause problems. Condensation problems are often more noticeable at certain times of the year such as when you first turn the central heating on. It is also often worse following building work due to the high levels of moisture found in new wood, plaster and other building materials. Modern insulation in homes is another major contributor to the problem. Tips for treating condensation Use effective room exhaust fans to vent excess moisture to outside. Air out your home periodically by opening windows for a few minutes a day to let moist air escape and fresh, dry air enter. If you have them ensure that all air vents are open and large enough and where a fire has dampers ensure they are left open when possible. Avoid over-watering your houseplants Read the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) booklet Condensation, Some Causes, Some Advice ( To find out more simply freephone or visit 7

8 RIGHT: Systems like the Sapa aluminium one shown here have become renowned for offering super slim profiles. Material Matters Most people wouldn t consider a major home purchase without considering all of the available options. We consider what to look for with different materials and how to find the right one for your home. Throughout the 1980s the double glazing market became dominated by UPVC windows to the point where many homeowners embarked on replacing their windows believing there was little other choice. However, the window industry now has a lot, lot more to offer than in the past. Choosing the wrong windows can in some cases actually affect the value of your home. So how do you get it right? Well, the age of your home and whether it is traditional in style or contemporary will all have a bearing on the type of windows that are going to look best. Careful consideration of the available options will help to ensure you buy windows that suit your home, enhance it and add value. The most common window and door framing material is, without a doubt, UPVC but these can differ a great deal between systems and whilst your budget is a prime consideration when purchasing new windows and doors, it is important to make the right choice if you want them to last and perform well in terms of security and protecting your home from the elements. One of the main considerations when looking at UPVC is the frame thickness. Good quality UPVC systems will be internally reinforced with steel to make them stronger which helps to improve their security and structural integrity. Unfortunately you can t tell just by looking if windows and doors are reinforced but it is very important that you know. LEFT: Colour is an option for UPVC, composite (as shown here) and aluminium doors and windows. Whether you choose UPVC, aluminium, timber or composites, consider carefully the security, thermal and glazing specifications as they will make all the difference to how your windows will look and, just as importantly, how they will perform HAZLEMERE The issue of reinforcement is even more important if you are looking to replace structural bay windows in your home. There have been much-publicised instances of bay windows collapsing due to insufficient structural integrity. It is almost impossible to tell what UPVC frames have been reinforced with so choose carefully and be suspicious of cheap deals - you may get less, and therefore, more than you bargained for! Look for systems with a slim frame depth (from inside to outside) but at the same time consider how chunky the frames are when you look at them straight on. Systems at the cheaper end of the market will typically have chunkier looking frames which ultimately means you get more frame than glass and therefore less light into your home. This is particularly noticeable where window openings are small. A good way of assessing the difference this can make to the visual look of your windows and doors is to walk along any row of houses and observe the many different types you can see installed. UPVC windows and doors can be either fully welded or mechanically jointed. The fully welded option is generally much stronger and has much less chance of splitting. Another key consideration with UPVC windows is whether they are internally or externally beaded. As a general rule of thumb look for internal glazing on UPVC windows as this provides the best level of security for this type of material. 8 To find out more simply call or visit

9 Aluminium has become something of an overlooked option for windows and doors which is probably down to the reputation they have carried for many years. Many people still recall the condensation-laden, silver frames of yesteryear that had to be installed into timber surrounds. However, New Generation aluminium windows are nothing like their old counterparts and instead feature white frames that can be directly fitted to the brickwork of your home in exactly the same way as UPVC can. Today s infinitely recyclable aluminium systems have a painted powder coated finish. This is a particularly tough finish which is very enduring and won t suffer from fading or pitting which can give frames a dirty look. This is an especially important consideration in towns where airborne pollutants can be more of a problem. The main benefit of aluminium for many homeowners is that it is an inherently strong material which means the frames can be designed to be very slim. Slim frames reduce the sightlines and let more light into your home. High security external beading is also possible with aluminium which some homeowners prefer as it gives a much more elegant look to the window internally. The structural strength of aluminium means that large windows can be created without the need for additional, bulky frame reinforcement. This opens up a world of options especially for contemporary or new build homes where the use of dramatic, sometimes storey height curtain wall glazing is becoming popular. Timber remains a heartfelt firstchoice for some homeowners and indeed for some homes, especially traditional style ones, timber would seem to be the most logical choice. Timber windows and doors can be either hardwood or softwood and the difference between the two is considerable. Hardwood is invariably more expensive than softwood but will require less maintenance and will last far longer. Whilst softwood systems have improved in recent years they still have a much shorter life and will require more maintenance in terms of repainting or staining. Timber windows can be designed and made to just about any configuration and can incorporate double glazing and security locking. Discuss and understand how your timber windows and doors will be made - most use traditional mortice and tenon joints but there are other jointing methods in use. Just as frame thickness is an issue with UPVC windows, it should also be considered with timber. TOP LEFT & ABOVE: The highly durable powder coating of these Monarch aluminium windows provides a long lasting finish. BELOW: a traditional painted timber door find out more over the page To find out more simply freephone or visit 9

10 RIGHT: Some buildings will always benefit from timber windows rather than more modern materials. There is a new generation of windows and doors emerging - composites - that are basically two materials joined together. Typically they have aluminium or UPVC on the outside and timber on the inside. The main benefit of these systems is that the external surface which is exposed to the elements is essentially maintenance free whilst the inside offers the traditional appearance of timber that is so loved by many homeowners. Offering the same levels of security and glazing options as other materials these systems are surprisingly uncommon in this country but are well worth considering before you make your final decision. Concerning Conservation It is worth bearing in mind that in some areas of the UK, planning controls have prevented homeowners from replacing their windows and doors with the material they would prefer. Increasingly however, and even in very conservation minded areas, timber windows have been successfully replaced with aluminium. If you would prefer not to have to replace your windows with timber then it is always worth checking with your local authority if you are in any doubt at all and don t necessarily accept their first answer either! Local authority building control officers can be negotiated with and working with your window supplier to show them samples can make a huge difference to their final decision. Secondary considerations Although not offering all of the features of double or triple glazed windows, secondary glazing is still a popular option for some homeowners, especially for those that live in listed buildings or conservation areas and for those where noise pollution is a particular issue. Secondary glazing is available in several different opening styles: horizontal sliding; vertical sliding; side-hinged; lift-out and fixed. For optimum performance secondary glazing should be installed at least 100mm from the existing window frame. Colouring the world Colour is becoming increasingly important for homeowners who want to create a distinctive look for their homes. Today you can opt to have your windows and doors in a wide range of colours. Some UPVC and aluminium systems offer the option of one colour for the internal frames and another for the external and of course this is easily achieved with timber or composite windows where it is just a matter of repainting. If you do decide to opt for coloured windows or doors then just remember that they can t easily be repainted and a bad colour choice can actually put potential buyers off in the future. Tips to consider when choosing your windows The best place to look at windows is in a properly equipped showroom where all of the available options can be seen. So take the time to visit a showroom - it will be time well spent. If you live in a conservation area or if your home is a listed building, you may need planning permission to replace your windows - check with your local council to avoid problems later on. There is no need to compromise on security. Look for internal glazing on UPVC windows and external glazing on aluminium windows - plus ask about security glazing clips and tapes that hold the glass in place. Consider the style of your house and the other houses around it - will your choice of glazing blend in sympathetically and add value to your home? Take inspiration from your surrounding by looking at the windows in houses similar to your own to assess what it is that you like most and, just as importantly, what you don t like. 10 To find out more simply call or visit

11 Through the looking glass We take a look at the glass used in your new windows and doors. From glass that keeps the heat and noise out to where you need to have safety glass - find what you need to know here. Today s windows and doors offer an array of glazing options and so understanding what you are buying will help to ensure you end up with what you need for your home. Double glazed units are made up of two pieces of glass separated by a spacer. With the increased demand for ever higher levels of thermal performance, manufacturers have introduced new types of glass that can perform a variety of functions to improve your home s environment whether you need to reduce noise from outside, keep the sun out of south facing rooms or just want to ensure you keep your home as warm as possible. Filling the void The gap between the two sheets of glass in a double glazed unit is filled with gas. Different types of gas can significantly effect the levels of insulation that the windows and doors provide. Keeping the heat in Glass can play an active role in keeping the heat inside your home when a special coating is applied to the internal face of the glass that effectively reflects the heat back into the room. Keeping the heat out The sun can help to warm your home but if you have a side of your home that gets too hot then talk to your supplier about the options for glass that can reduce the incoming heat. There are several ways that this can be achieved, so you will just need to decide how much you need to reduce it. Noise problems Double glazing will always impact on the amount of noise that can enter your home, but if you live near a busy road, railway or under a flight path, you might want to look into the options for reducing noise pollution still further. Differing glass pane thicknesses and laminated glass can all help to reduce noise. The key is not to try and reduce background noises too far because this will simply highlight other noises in your home such as central heating boilers, which can then themselves become intrusive. LEFT: Sunlight can make a positive contribution to keeping your home warm - but where a room gets too hot then a change of glass can make a huge difference find out more over the page To arrange a no obligation appointment freephone or visit 11

12 Safety Zone British Standards clearly states the critical locations where special glass must be used in our homes. These areas are glazed doors, glazed side panels to doors and windows within 300mm of any door. There are three types of safety glass that can be used in these vulnerable areas. The first is laminated glass which is actually two pieces of glass bonded together with a plastic layer between the two. This type of glass cracks on heavy impact but the pieces of glass stay in position and so reduce the risk of injury. The next option is toughened glass which is much stronger than ordinary glass and if it does break it falls into small granular pieces that are unlikely to cause serious harm. Security Zone As well as protecting those who are meant to be in your home, the use of laminated glass can also help to protect your home from unwanted visitors. A note of caution though - it is important to understand that glass that is hard to break may actually be a risk in itself should you need to escape from your home in the event of a fire. However, special fire-egress hinges can be fitted onto your windows which will allow the window to open far enough to allow you to escape. Experienced window companies will be able to advise you on the best arrangement for your home. This type of advice is invaluable and is one of the reasons why buying on price alone is rarely a good idea. Finishing touches Where privacy is an issue you may wish to opt for patterned or opaque glass which come in a wide range of styles. Other considerations are etched patterns, bevelling, leaded lights, stained glass and Georgian bars. These finishes are achieved in different ways so a trip to the showroom to see a sample of exactly what you want, and more importantly what you will get, will help to ensure that what you choose really does give you the finish you expect. Poor quality finishing can make all the difference to the final look of your windows and doors. Wired Safety glass has a wire mesh embedded within it so that it behaves like laminated glass when broken. RIGHT: Textured, bevelled glass and lead designs can all be features of your new windows and doors. 12 To find out more simply call or visit

13 Find a supplier Where do you start looking when you need to find an honest and reputable company that you can trust to give you the advice you need with craftsmanship to match? Finding a reputable supplier is often the hardest part of any home improvement project. Here is our advice for finding someone you can rely on and we also offer guidance on what you should be checking when you first start to talk to them. One of the best places to start your hunt for the best company for you is with friends, neighbours and family. Ask the people you know if they can make any recommendations either following work that they have had done themselves, or perhaps if they know of anyone that has had work done recently. By working from recommendations and local reputation you will get a clearer idea of the company from the start. Companies with a good reputation are also likely to have been in business longer, which is a good indicator that you will probably be more secure with them. The phone directory, direct mail leaflets that drop on your doormat and local newspaper advertising are also all good ways of establishing who is operating in your area. Unfortunately the phone directories, mailing companies and newspapers do not regulate who can advertise with them so you will need to be a little more careful when dealing with companies that you haven t heard of before. Once you have started to talk to companies, ask the following sort of questions. How long have they been established in the area? The longer the better, but check that they have always traded under the same name, as some companies will go bust and then reappear, like the phoenix, with a very similar name and continue trading. Deposits are lost and guarantees become void in this process and is sadly when the customer loses out considerably. Are they FENSA registered? If a supplier is not FENSA registered then any double glazing work will need to be certified by your local building control officers to prove it has been installed in accordance with the building regulations. This will cost you extra. The need for this certification has been law since If you install windows and doors without the correct certification you will have trouble when you come to sell your house. Ask to see references or testimonials. If possible ring the referees up and ask them if they were happy with the work that was done. Most importantly ask how problems were resolved. It is unrealistic to expect every installation to be trouble-free, but it is how a company deals with problems that is the most important issue. Do you have to pay a deposit? Companies will vary on what they expect you to pay up front. Some reputable companies do not ask for a deposit at all. On no account should the deposit be more than 10% unless the order is highly specialised. What guarantee is offered? Some companies sell insurance backed guarantees but these only cover you if the company goes out of business. What is more important is how they handle their after sales support generally. Again, check with the referees if the company managed under guarantee callbacks efficiently and without trouble or cost. Does the company carry public liability insurance? Replacing your windows and doors is a major home improvement project so you need the peace of mind of knowing your supplier is fully insured should something go wrong on site. Smaller, oneman operations may not have this valuable protection. Finance options. Consider any finance options carefully as loan or credit card charges may be lower. By paying your deposit or full balance with your credit card you will enjoy some protection (within certain spending limits) from your provider should something go wrong before or during your delivery and it may offer you some protection for the completed installation as well. To book a no obligation professional consultation freephone or visit 13

14 Installation & beyond Getting ready As with most things, getting prepared ahead of your installation date is key to its success. Even if you are fortunate enough for your installation to take place in the middle of a dry summer, you still should expect some disruption. The installation team will need access to your home, so you may need to take a few days off work or ask someone to house sit for you while the work is going on. Clear all your window cills of ornaments and curtain fittings and ensure the outsides of the windows can be easily reached as well. If you have a dog that is likely to be upset by all the disruption then ask someone to look after it for a few days. If not then take the time to introduce it to the work men so that neither party has any unpleasant surprises! On the day Be hospitable to the workmen and it will reap rewards. Offer them drinks or the facilities to make their own and show them where the toilet is. Check with them what work they are expecting to do and ensure it matches your own expectations. If something doesn t seem right or if you have any queries then take it up with the customer services team at the company immediately so that it can be rectified early on. Inspect the work at the end of each day and make a note of anything that needs attention so that you can discuss it with the installers the next day - they really won t thank you for pointing something out right at the end that they could have put right earlier! When the job is done At the end of the installation look around it carefully and ensure that you understand how all the windows work and door locks operate. Check that any making good of the window and door surrounds that you agreed to have done is completed satisfactorily and So the day is rapidly approaching when your installation is due to take place. We offer our best advice for making your home ready so that the job progresses as smoothly as possible. We also look beyond the installation to ensuring you stay happy with your new windows and doors long after they are installed. ensure that you have all of the window and door keys safely in your possession before the installers leave. Finally, if you are happy with the work then it is only fair to pay up promptly. After sales service It is sometimes necessary to ask for minor adjustments to be made to your doors and windows and, provided you have a guarantee that covers remedial work, then your supplier should be more than happy to come back and carry this out. Some companies even offer a check-up after a few months as a matter of routine. To keep your doors and windows working properly your supplier will advise the best maintenance routine for you. You should ensure this maintenance is carried out otherwise your guarantee may become invalid which could mean you have to pay for costly repairs that could easily have been avoided. ABOVE: Quality companies invest in their products. Look for the signs of a quality company - it usually makes for a happy customer. 14 To find out more simply call or visit

15 Buying Tips An essential checklist of what to remember when you Round-up are buying new windows and doors for your home. From locking options to so called special offers - here are some top tips. If you believe the time honoured adage of you don t get owt for nowt then the profusion of buy one get one free offers that abound in the world of double glazing simply don t add up. But how do you assess one quotation for glazing against another when there are so many variables? The answer is that there is simply no shortcut to researching what you are offered very carefully. Always try to get at least two quotations if you have the time but remember that the cheapest is not necessarily always the best, or most economical, in the long run. Here are some top tips for buying better windows and doors. Security is key Enquire carefully about the locking options available on the systems you look at. What is standard for one company might be an optional extra for another. Most modern replacement windows and doors feature multi-point locking as standard. This is a locking system that secures at more than just one point in the window frame. Some will also offer a night vent position which gives you a lockable, secure, partially open position - remember though that any window left open, even if only slightly, is still a security risk. If you have to pay a deposit, be immediately wary of any company that asks for more than 10%, unless your order is particularly large. More reputable companies tend not to ask for a deposit at all Guarantees Carefully scrutinise any guarantee you are offered. The benefit of buying from a well established company is that they are more likely to be financially stable and able to offer you support for years and years after you have bought from them. Guarantees you have to pay extra for may only cover you if the company goes bust. Always ask for guarantee details in writing and check what it covers very carefully. Remember, if you pay a deposit to a firm promising a quick delivery, you ll be stuck with them if they do take much longer. GREAT OFFERS The only thing to remember here is that every company has to make money somewhere. So, if you are offered a buy one get one free offer, or other similar type of deal, then it is clear that the company is probably simply charging more for the windows you are paying for. If this doesn t seem to be the case then you should consider why a company has to give their products away in the first place! Delivery & Installation Be absolutely clear with your chosen supplier about the expected delivery and installation date and include it in your contract with them. It s also worth checking how long they expect the installation to take. Good companies will usually keep you posted and confirm their arrival a few days before the due date. More ways to get the best double glazing for you Some hinges offer a fire escape option. Discuss what is best for the layout of your home and be prepared to pay a little extra for peace of mind. Opting for a higher energy rated window such as Hazlemere s Dualframe 75mm Systems means you get the best thermal performance and help the environment at the same time. Visit the company s showroom. Check if the repair of the window or door surrounds (known as making good) is included in the price. Ask for references and take them up - always check how problems were dealt with.

16 Reduce your home heating bills by introducing Hazlemere s eco-friendly window & door systems Hazlemere has all the right know-how to help you find the perfect windows and doors for your home. Hazlemere has a superb range of windows that all carry Window Energy Ratings to help you choose the most energy efficient and energy saving windows. Whether you re looking to make your home warmer and reduce your heating bills, improve security or just to make your home look altogether smarter. From single entrance to sliding patios doors and from the largest windows to the smallest - Hazlemere has something to suit every home and budget. Our High Wycombe showroom is home to our complete product range including windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries as well as a wide selection of composite front doors, French doors, fascias, soffits, cladding, gutters and bi-folding/ sliding doors Trust Hazlemere - The No. 1 Window, Door & Conservatory Centre In Your Area To find our more about ECO-FRIENDLY windows and doors and how you can save money on your home heating bills, visit Hazlemere s showroom or, better still, arrange an appointment. Wellington Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3PR t w e info@hazlemere.co.uk Printed on paper made from wood pulp sourced from sustainable forests. Elemental chlorine free.