Double Glazing Quote

greenface

Raxiel wrote: »

Trickle vents are mandatory on new windows if they are already fitted, but not if they aren't.
New windows will have a night latch, which provides more ventilation than the vent, and has the advantage that it can be completely closed when you don't need it. Even a closed trickle vent will let through almost as much noise as an open window unless you fit expensive 'acoustic' covers.

We just had new windows fitted last week. In our case, the company didn't recommend them, but when asked told us they would be £10 extra each. Alternatively they could be retrofitted if the worst came to the worst, and it turned out the new ( better sealed) windows caused condensation, either in-situ with a drill or (due to our proximity to their factory) by taking the sashes back to the workshop and routing them out.

After visiting the factory to see a frame for another customer that already had them, we decided against them and so far it's looking like the correct choice.

This person above talks a lot of sense . trickle vents throws your rated windows out of the park . unless its a new build or already there then you do not need them . My only opinion if the boiler is in a bedroom then a wall or trickle vent would be another safety factor . night latches offer a bit more than a trickle vent normally with the option of shutting them closed .

april89

I'm really glad that you raised the potential pitfalls of trickle vents. I hadn't considered that they may significantly impact the window performance as they were being recommended but as the biggest reason we're replacing the windows is to improve thermal efficiency they probably won't be helpful! A bit of further internet research shows they do really seem to be like marmite in the window world but as our current windows don't have them we're very tempted to only have one in the bathroom and one in the en-suite (as their doors are normally shut) and then just open the window/use the second latch position elsewhere. It turns out the boiler room already has an air brick so one shouldn't be needed there.

Thanks again everyone. :beer: Now time to haggle!

loadsofhounds

Thanks Raxiel for you're reply. I've been watching a couple of videos on youtube, so I might have a go at fixing them myself. I think the hinges might have dropped so I'll start there and if i can't I'll call someone out.

april89

We have quite a few quotes now Michael, although not meaning to bring up my own post - if any forumers could advise the best ways to determine whether cheap quotes mean cheap work or just less expensive prices it would be a huge help.

After sharing the lowest quote with all of those who provided a quote (for the same specification) the 'lowest' values vary between £7,750 and £11,480. That's almost a 50% difference but whilst the company quoting £11,480 (who are well reviewed) is maintaining that is the lowest they can offer there are another three companies spread between the £8000-£10,000 range.

Beyond checking their reviews for product and service how can we tell whether we would be getting as good an offering with the cheapest or not paying over the odds for the more expensive? Naturally we want the *best value* whether that's the cheapest or not. We want the windows to look good and last!

greenface

Mainly all to do with overheads and profits . on a domestic property there shouldn't be much difference in price between the cheapest and dearest frame to buy .trade

ratrace

Do you really need brand new windows, can you not replace the facia's the light coming through could just be the fact that more expanding foam needs to be filled in, windows on the whole dont give trouble its just the locks that need replacling from time to time

im only saying this as im trying to prevent you spending 8k+ when you dont need to

april89

Which bit are the fascias? I thought they were the decorative edging on the surrounds?

It may be someone knowledgeable could resurrect what we have. There are no windows with condensation in the middle. However, one of the large downstairs windows wobbles in its space noticeably under pressure and the visible air gaps in most of the windows are between the opening windows and the containing frame. They seem to have badly dropped on their hinges but we haven't found a way to adjust them back to straight.

greenface

Facias are generally the edge of your roof that the gutters fix to (normally) although some frames have facias . trims are trims of different widths to cover gaps and make up a better looking finish . try to always make sure the trims are insulated behind .foam or rockwook etc . that cold spot can feel draughty and cold .

ratrace

As the above post

if they have dropped it maybe a case of taking them out and getting them fitted correctly again with new fixtures, more insualtion and more expanding foam etc... and if only a few windows are causing problem why replace the lot just do the ones that need doing

do you know how old they are?
if youcan add pictures of the problem people might be able to find a cheaper solution hope this helps

april89

We understand that the windows are about 20-25 years old. I have a photo of the exterior of the house as a whole but not the close up of the various windows. What photos would be most useful?