A question for a Double Glazing expert

joeshmo

sorry about this but i dont know where else to post. ive been told 2 completely differing views on this from biased individuals and it is very important to my decision on getting my double glazing done. my question, does the film (as opposed to coloured glass) placed over double glazed windows to give it the coloured effect fade over time?? im looking to go with a local company but they dont do coloured glass, just the film.
secondly, where is it put on and is it possible to put lead on with the film?

joeshmo

well if no-one knows the answer to this, can they recommend a forum or group or person who might. if i contact fensa themselves, will they help me?

McAzrael

FENSA are only concerned with building regs compliance, so won't be able to help you. I couldn't honestly tell you how stable the films are, only that they are very stable. How long are you planning to live in the house? They are usually used between leads in a pattern as an alternative to traditional leaded lights where peices of coloured glass are held together by the lead to make up the pane. If you want to scare yourself silly, get a quote for making the pane the traditonal way (once you've found a glazier who knows how to do it - it's a dying skill). I suspect you will lose interest in the colourfastness of films very, very quickly.

kbh4031

Try this site the forums on here are very good and someone may be able to help.
http://www.diynot.com/

GL x
Let us know how you get on

joeshmo

thanks guys its appreciated. ill check out the forum as you suggested

bob_a_builder

More info here
http://www.double-glazing-web.info/
and here
http://www.thewindowman.co.uk/index.htm

joeshmo

to let you guys know the score i decided to go with Anglian windows-the manager said he would do me the price which goldplus(see my other threads) was and allow me to pay in full after the job completed. going by the brochure it looks like Anglian use proper decorative glass as opposed to film. added an extra hundred pounds to the total to get 3 extra fanlights done with decorative glass to the existing design i have in my lounge.
ive paid a 10 per cent deposit.
on the first 2 full windows(not fanlights) we looked at he said it would be more to have my own design and i said we might aswell call it a day if he expected me to pay more so he said he'll leave it to the surveyor to decide if i should pay more and has actually put a question mark followed by 'existing design' on the contract. the design isnt that over the top and looks quite simple to me. the amount im paying is my absolute max so it will be interesting to see if they increase the cost for my existing design and if i get my deposit back if i pull out because they have increased the price. ill keep you guys updated as to what happens. this is the first time ive had dg done and im sure there are others out there who are in the same boat and it may help with what to watch out for. (right now i can only comment on Anglian and so far they have a good product and good sales technique, indeed or i wouldnt be going with them-im edging on cautious now bacause of these question marks)

joeshmo

the thing which is worrying me now is in the fine print it says the surveyor will say if there is an error in the pricing ANYWAY so im wondering why the salesperson put the question marks- its starting to get me very worried.

edit: 1300, acting on my worries, ive just rang the salesperson, yes i know its a saturday, and told him my concern. hes said hes checked the costings and they are fine and he'll come round on monday at 1300 to draw up a new contract if thats all thats worrying me. very good service from Anglian so far.

joeshmo

right update. the salesman came on the monday and did me a new contract without the question marks. was a star. got a phone call from the surveyor today and hes coming on thursday. very good and speedy service from Anglian so far.

joeshmo

thought id post an update for those interested. the anglian surveyor came and measured the windows on the 12th april. there was no further increases in price required. he knew his stuff and put my mind at ease on a few things.he said my garden was unsafe at the back(being overgrown) so will need to be cut back- he was right and i have done this.
he has put down a preferred job date of May. however i am still awaiting the call from the sgo man(decorative glass) to pay me a visit(its been 2 weeks since the surveyor visit now) so i would say a May job is looking unlikely.

(for those going with Anglian, its worth noting that the insurance guarantee which insures you if Anglian cease trading is extra to your agreement but is only £60-00 and covers you for 10 years.. (i received a pamphlet 1 week after the surveyor visit)).