Why It's Important to Choose a Qualified Double Glazing Installer
Energy efficient double glazing can cut your energy costs and prevent draughts. But you'll need to work with a professional installer.
Make sure that contractors have access to your windows by clearing them from obstructions. This will save the contractors time and decrease the risk of damage. Also, it is helpful to remove curtains and blinds from the window area.
Qualifications
Double glazing is a fantastic way to improve the insulation of your home, as it retains more heat in the home in colder weather. It also helps to minimise condensation and noise from outside. It is essential to choose an experienced and qualified installer because a poor installation can increase your energy bills and shorten the life of your windows.
A professional installer will assess your requirements and suggest windows that are suited to your property. They will ask you questions about your home and windows that must be replaced. They will also inspect the frames that surround the windows to make sure they fit properly. They will then visit you to demonstrate the window, and take measurements of the windows in place as well as the room layouts and building structure. This will ensure that your windows are fitted correctly and give you peace-of-mind that your double-glazed windows are of the highest quality.
There are a myriad of styles of double glazing that you can choose from, depending on your budget and objectives for home improvement. For example, you can choose uPVC double glazing or secondary glazing (an inner glass pane that is installed inside the window). Alternately, you can go for wood, aluminium or composite windows. A professional double glazing installer can recommend the right windows for your home, and assist you in making an informed decision.
It is also important to determine if the double glazing installer is registered with any professional bodies or accreditation schemes. For example, the GGF, the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme, TrustMark, FairTrades, and Which? Each of these organizations has been created to ensure a process of vetting and approval to fenestration companies.
Many professional window firms are working to current British Standards, one of which is the BS 8213-4:2016 for Windows and Doors. These standards usually cover surveying, physical glass surveying, and the installation of roofline components like guttering, fascias, soffits, and gutters, window manufacturing techniques, and glass-supporting structures.
Some double glazing companies specialize in the construction and installation of conservatories. They will build frames, set up and finish the interior of the conservatory, and then sell to homeowners directly or through builders. They may also have special departments that are focused on the market for new construction as well as public sector projects, such as local authorities, schools, hospitals, offices and shops.
Experience
A double glazing installer with years of experience in the field is a huge advantage. A highly-experienced team will work efficiently, and adhere to safe work practices. They will also be able identify potential problems and fix these quickly, preventing costly errors.
Make sure the company you choose to work with has been vetted and approved by professional organizations. Examples include the TrustMark Home Pro Scheme, the Glass and Glazing Federation, FairTrades and Which? schemes, and the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman. The members of these organisations have been scrutinized to ensure they meet high standards of customer care and technical training.
A reputable double glazing installer will also be dedicated to ensuring that their customers are completely satisfied with the quality of their products as well as the installation. They will provide a complete assurance on their products as well as installations, and have a complaint procedure in place to deal with any issues that arise during or after the installation.
The time required to install a new double glazing window can vary greatly depending on several factors. The time of installation will be influenced by the size and design of windows, and whether they are being placed in a new structure or replacing frames that are already in place. In certain situations it may be difficult to fit windows with double glazing in listed buildings, which means they may require to be adapted to fit the original design of the building.
Be sure that the installer you choose is upfront regarding the installation process from the beginning, including the length of time it will take and what the cost will be for the entire project. A reputable installer should be able provide you with a quote within a matter of hours of your initial inquiry and will not charge for site surveys. They will also be able give you an estimate of materials, labour and the removal of old window frames. Albany is a great example of an installer who recycles old frames. This reduces landfill waste and protects the environment.
Insurance
It is important to have the appropriate insurance for your business. If, for example, an accident occurs while installing windows and the glass breaks or falls it, you could be liable for the replacement cost or other damage. Public liability insurance protects you by absorbing these costs, and ensuring that your clients don't suffer financial loss.
Another type of coverage is professional indemnity insurance. If you give suggestions that result in the project being delayed or over budget, this kind of insurance can cover the additional costs you could have to pay. This is particularly important if you are working on large projects, like new constructions, where delays can result in substantial financial losses.
Other types of insurance that are available to glaziers include business interruption, goods in transit, commercial legal costs, and directors and officers management liability. Having the correct insurance can also help to build client trust and confidence which is crucial to building your business.
Double glazing provides homeowners with many benefits with a focus on efficiency in energy use, noise reduction and improved aesthetics. It can be more expensive than standard windows, however the upfront investment can pay off in lower energy bills and less maintenance. There are also incentives offered by the government like the ECO4 scheme, which could assist in reducing the initial cost of double glazing.
A quality installer of double glazing will provide a complete installation service. This includes removing old windows and frames, cleaning the brickwork surrounding the windows, and then installing the new double-glazed units. The installer must spend the time to learn about your goals, objectives and requirements for your property in order to recommend the most suitable products.
It is also important to find an installer who is FENSA registered. This is the organization which provides vetting and approval process for double glazing companies, and can help you locate an installer with a proven track of record. You should also select an installer registered with the Better Trading Standards and FairTrades schemes. These schemes are designed to encourage ethical business practices and excellent customer service.
Guarantees
A reputable double glazing installer will provide a guarantee on their work. It's also a sign that they are a member of a recognised trade association like the GGF, FENSA or the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS). The warranty of the manufacturer should back up the assurances offered by reputable installers.
You will be asked several questions by an installer who is interested in installing regarding your project. They will be interested in knowing if the project is for a brand new house or a home that is already in use, and why you're installing double glazing. This will allow them to suggest the best windows for your needs.
During the installation, a skilled team will take down the old frames and windows to prepare the area for new windows. If necessary, they will repair any damage to the brickwork around the windows. Then they'll fit the new frames and then place the glass units. Then they'll conduct an inspection to make sure everything is in order.
Double-glazed windows offer many advantages. It is more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows and can save you money on heating bills. It increases the value of your home and makes it more appealing to potential buyers. Double-glazed windows can also make your home more quiet by making it less noisy from outside.
While most home improvements go without an issue, there are horror stories of double-glazing windows that have gone wrong. The reason for this is usually the installation being incorrect or incomplete. It can be caused by use of substandard materials or by the installers themselves. Some of the more common issues are faulty equipment, visual obstruction, and condensation.