What is double glazing?
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass, the trapped air between the two panes creates insulation, preventing the warm air from escaping. The inner pane does not come into contact with the cold air outside thus keeping it warmer than the outside pane. The air space between the two panes is filled with a moisture absorbing chemical which eliminates condensation. Double glazed windows and doors insulate against draughts and sound plus modern double glazing units have improved security features to help keep your home safe from intruders.
When choosing double glazing shop around for special offers or special promotional deals, you could make a huge saving of up to 50 percent or more. Ask the company if the double glazing will work efficiently for years to come and retain it's good looks. Ask how long the guarantee is for, look for a company that can give you a ten year guarantee or even fifteen years on both the product and the installation.
Ask how long the company has been in business, the longer the better especially if the company is offering long standing guarantees, the last thing you want is to have your double glazing installed and the company goes bust two years later.
Ask the company about their policy on customer satisfaction, it is important that the double glazing company has a high level of good quality after sales. Then, if something does go wrong with your double glazing you will not be waiting around for weeks for the installers to fix the problem.
Make sure the double glazing company have the following certificates:
BS EN ISO 9001 – 2000
Model for quality assurance, production, installation and servicing
BS 7950
The standard for the enhanced security performance of domestic windows
BS 6262
The safety glazing standard which determines when safety glass should be installed
BS 5713
The standard of hermetically sealed flat double glazing units
BS 7413
the standard for the white PVC-U profile and it’s durability, strength, colour fastness and flammability
BS 7412
The performance standard for windows made from white PVC-U extruded
Make sure the double glazing company are members of:
FENSA
FENSA Limited is the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme for companies that install windows and doors in homes.
For more information visit their website at: www.fensa.co.uk
GGF
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is a trade association for all those who make, supply or fit flat glass, such as windows, film or plastics.
For more information visit their website at: www.ggf.co.uk
Please note: from 1st April 2002, all replacement glazing in homes will come within the building regulations and anyone who installs replacement windows and doors will have to comply with improved thermal performance standards. Home owners must ensure that they get a certificate from the Local Authority Building Control or have the work complete by a FENSA registered company.
If for some reason you do have a problem with your double glazing and the problem has not been resolved you can contact the Office of Fair Trading Consumer Information Line on (0345) 224499 for guidance on where practical help may be obtained if problems arise with purchases of goods and services.
