Windows guarantee

graduate

I am trying to decide between two local companies for some new UPVC windows and a door. Both have quoted almost identical prices which they have both dropped by similar amounts when asked if they could improve the quote.

Both offer a 10 year guarantee, one is 'insurance backed' the other isn't. The guy who doesn't offer an insurance back guarantee says that they are not really 'worth the paper they are written on.'

Are either of these guarantee really worth that much? What else could I use to decide between the companies?

Thanks
G

brightontraveller

graduate wrote: »

I am trying to decide between two local companies for some new UPVC windows and a door. Both have quoted almost identical prices which they have both dropped by similar amounts when asked if they could improve the quote.

Both offer a 10 year guarantee, one is 'insurance backed' the other isn't. The guy who doesn't offer an insurance back guarantee says that they are not really 'worth the paper they are written on.'

Are either of these guarantee really worth that much? What else could I use to decide between the companies?

Thanks
Garry

To a point there correct its more all guarantees are limited to the existence of guarantor?
Its all in T and C,s to an extent
e.g. insurance backed as long as there maintained, serviced etc by an approved contractor every 6mts at a cost of £2000 per annum
Isn’t better than one not insurance backed but guaranteed by a company with healthy bank balance, no intention or need to go bust

Furts

The simple answer is to cut through the sales BS and ask a fundamental question. if my two traders got bust which manufacturer is offering the better quality and the better back up.

The installation company is almost an irrelevance, because unless it is Anglian (and you have my pity if it is) then no company makes it's own windows, unless it is a small outfit. If it is a small outfit then, with a few exceptions, it will not have the quality accreditation to produce good quality windows. (Hence the existence of the super manufacturers.)

On the basis that the windows are coming from a super manufacturer it is the profile quality, the manufacturing quality, the sealed unit quality and the ironmongery quality which is paramount, and these will provide your answer.

shaun_from_Africa

Whichever one you go for, make sure that you have written evidence of the 10 year guarantee and that you pay for some or all of the work using a credit card or direct finance. (a personal loan is no good for this).
That way, if the installer or insurance company backing the warranty vanishes or folds up, you still have the credit company to hold liable for ensuring that the warranty is honoured.

adandem

On most guarantee it is the frame that carries the 10 year warranty, the glass, locks etc are guaranteed for less time. In my experience, these have the highest failure rate.

phill99

adandem wrote: »

On most guarantee it is the frame that carries the 10 year warranty, the glass, locks etc are guaranteed for less time. In my experience, these have the highest failure rate.

This is correct.


Frames are only 10 years and what goes wrong with a frame?


The working parts are normally limited to 12 months.

Furts

phill99 wrote: »

This is correct.


Frames are only 10 years and what goes wrong with a frame?


The working parts are normally limited to 12 months.

Which is why I advised going to a super manufacturer. Mine come from one, and the profiles, windows, glass units and ironmongery all come with a 10 year guarantee. Indeed, anything less is a sign of dubious quality which is why I advise against small manufacturers, and window fabricators working out of sheds and garages.

adandem

Furts wrote: »

Which is why I advised going to a super manufacturer. Mine come from one, and the profiles, windows, glass units and ironmongery all come with a 10 year guarantee. Indeed, anything less is a sign of dubious quality which is why I advise against small manufacturers, and window fabricators working out of sheds and garages.

My windows did not coy from a shed or garage.
Who are the super manufacturers of hardware?