1. Your window should be firmly secured to your brickwork. Avoid timber packers and expanding foam at all costs as this just does not last and is easy for a burglar to rip out. As a rule of thumb the cheaper the price the poorer the quality of installation as it will be most likely subcontracted with no quality control.
2. Look for steel reinforcements within any PVC frame. It should be throughout the entire frame with the exception of the corners. This is essential as this protects your glazing unit from blowing and getting condensation between the glass. If you don’t get to see a steel reinforced corner section then do not buy as the frames will bow and eventually blow the sealed unit.
3. Only buy virgin grade PVC with calcium organic stabilizers. This quality is the only grade of PVC that will still be legal in 2015 and will be guaranteed to keep their colour for 20 years. Cheaper PVC’s use metals to stabilise them which results in discoloration and microscopic holes that fill with dirt and are impossible to clean properly.
4. According to Which magazine the optimum air gap between a double glazed unit is 20mm, this gives you the best sound reduction and thermal efficiency. When buying a replacement double glazed unit ask for proof that you are getting an A rated window with 4 mm glass on either side of the 20mm air gap. Misleading statements are selling 20mm units which are in fact 4mm / 12mm / 4mm!
5. To get a 20mm air gap you need a very solid window to support this weight hence the need for steel reinforcement and they also need very strong locks and hinges. Expect to see stainless steel rather than carbon steel if you want them to last.
6. The number one security tip is always insist that your glazed unit is fitted from the inside of your home. Outside beaded glazing can be removed with a knife and scraper in under two minutes so be very careful that you do not overlook this point.
7. All quality replacement double glazing have a double draft proofing strip to make them storm proof. A good test is to insert a piece of paper between the frame and window then lock the window, pull the paper, if it tares rather than slips out you have a high quality draft proof seal.
8. It is now illegal to fit upstairs windows that can not be cleaned from the inside and open in such a way you can use them as a fire escape. Warning illegal windows can stop a house sale in its tracks, at best it will devalue your homes potential best price.
9. Ask to see proof of a BBA certificate number. The BBA test is an independent European recognised method of testing the entire system.
10. Insist on a lifetime guarantee for the sealed glazing unit to ensure you are covered should your glazing ever develop condensation between the double glazing.
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