As winter is approaching household repairs are on my mind. This house is always freezing in the winter but it improved a lot since we had new windows a few years back.
What I know from shopping around is the prices vary wildly between double glazing companies, so does the quality of the product and the installation. To save you from a double glazing disaster, I thought I’d share a few tips to bear in mind when shopping for new double glazing.
condensation in double glazing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
You get what you pay for
This is true of most things in life, and nowhere more so than with double glazing. It’s no good paying for good windows to be fitted by inexperienced workmen, so do not be tempted to just accept the lowest offer – if it feels like it’s too good to be true then it probably is.
This is not a time for DIY
I’ve heard of people buying just the windows and frames, and then doing the installation themselves. Bad idea! Can you even imagine? You want someone who has installed more windows than they can remember and learnt from all their own mistakes already, so unless you’re an experienced builder this is definitely best avoided. Sometimes only a pro will do, and I really think that is true of windows and doors. As the other half says, “buy cheap buy twice” – it’s not a bargain if you’ll need to have things replaced early due to poor a poor install job.
Window cleaner at work (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Do your research
To get the lowdown on your shortlist of suppliers and fitters, you need to do a little research and check reviews and customer feedback. The worse thing you can do is chose a company based on just the price without reading about other people’s experiences.
If you are looking for a Gloucester double glazing installer then Albany might be good to check out. They have great feedback from previous customers and really do seem to care about customer satisfaction. I always prefer to go with local businesses for things that matter to me, rather than faceless chain stores.
Repair don’t replace
It might be that you don’t need new double glazing at all, so be wary of anyone who doesn’t investigate repair options before simply quoting you to replace the whole lot. Albany offer all kinds of repair services, including windows, doors, conservatories and roofs, and are happy to repair double glazing they’ve not fitted themselves, so this is definitely an option worth exploring. Things such as a jammed lock or condensation between the glass is often repairable.
Don’t forget the little things can often make a big difference, so clean your windows and every now and then pop some spray oil on the hinges. Also if you have vents at the tops of your windows leave them open to help reduce mouldy patches in the corners of your room, but don’t forget to vacuum these vents about twice a year as they can get clogged up.
Disclosure : this is a collaborative post.
My parents got all the windows redone a few years ago and the company we picked did a fantastic job. It did take a while to pick them and they were slightly pricier than other firms but it was definitely worth it as we don’t get any condensation or drafts!
What good timing! We are thinking of replacing our double glazing and my husband reckons he can install it himself. I will be showing him this and we’ll hire a professional.
I wouldn’t even know where to start when it comes to double glazing, thankfully we have always had decent windows when we have moved in somewhere x
I don’t understand why people would try and do this themselves! So important!!
You’ve made some great points here. Paying out for new windows is so much money so I think you’ve gotta get them right and look after them! xxx
You’ve given great advice to anyone thinking of getting double glazing. I have it and it’s great for keeping in the heat and keeping out noise 🙂
I agree with all of the above – I have a few friends who are getting new windows and doors put in and reading your post was like listening to myself back!
Oh our main lounge window looks just like that one in the first picture, there’s no way we can afford to do anything about it now though… if the time comes that we can I’ll have to remember this post!
I agree with doing your homework when looking for a company, we had ours done a few years ago, and went on recommendations from friends.
It’s a great post! Loved it!
‘Buy cheap buy twice’, that quote is so true.
We’ve fallen foul of our own rule before and bought cheap car parts and had to replace earlier than expected.
It’s good to know of a company that repairs double glazing problems, I never knew that existed!
My parents just had some new windows in, one window had condensation in it that they had replaced – they seem to have no luck though as then one of the new windows shattered in the night as it was faulty! x
We have been extremely lucky over the years as we have slowly replaced the windows in our house. One local tradesman custom-makes the double glazed units, another makes solid hardwood frames and a third fits them for us. They look beautiful and will last for years.
These are great tips for anyone who is considering having double glazing fitted in their home!
I would never consider DIY! There is far too much that could go wrong!
We haven’t had to deal with this yet as we are renting. but it makes sense to repair rather than replace. It seems like such a mammoth task!
Thankfully this isn’t something that I have to worry about just yet as don’t have my own place.
Great advice. Certain jobs are a pretty expensive waist if you don’t go with a recommended supplier/installer. Windows are very important as poor installation only costs you more money in the long run x
Great tips – I was having terrible problems with mine and condensation, but had new ones fitted a couple of years ago and havne’t looked back. Definitely not for DIY! Kaz x
this is a great article! I actually have something weird with my windows but I won’t be fixing it because I am renting and thinking of moving out any minute but now I know what to pay attention to next time!
Dominika
Thank you for such a nice information