uPVC Windows / Doors

VonChicken

Hello,

I'm currently looking to have my uPVC windows and French doors replaced and I'm looking for some advice ... my initial questions are:

1. With regards to toughened glass, what are the requirements with regards to safety and should I consider it for security? i.e. in reality is it anymore secure than "normal" glass or could someone smash it with a hammer if they wanted to get in?

2. Does anyone have any experience with Pilkington glass and if so is it any good?

3. Does anyone have any experience of Spectus Windows?

Any help is appreciated, there are that many standards for locks, frames and glass it's a bit of a minefield.

Thanks in advance!

Furts

The buildings regulations are a legal document - we all have to comply with the Law. In the BR areas where safety glass must be used are defined. Remember these are minimum requirements and you may well choose to do more. But all windows and doors have to meet the minimum standards in the BR.

If toughened glass is hit it breaks into little pieces - much safer than shards of jagged glass.

If you are looking for glass which is more secure then you should look at laminated glass.

Both laminate and toughened would be deemed a safety glass.

Looks to be a number of companies using spectus in their name so over to you here on who/what you are looking at. At the back of my mind a company with such name went out of business in recent times? Again over to you here.

VonChicken

Thanks for the detail.

The company in question is Spectus Window Systems there website is spectus with .co.uk on the end (I’m not allowed to post the link direct as I’m a new member).

Thanks again!

EachPenny

VonChicken wrote: »

The company in question is Spectus Window Systems there website is spectus with .co.uk on the end

I replaced my parents windows 20-something years ago when you could do it DIY so did all the fitting myself. The frames and glass were made up by a local company, but they used profiles manufactured by a company called Spectus.

Comparing the logo on that website and the logo on the windows it appears to be the same company, and their website says:-

Look at our background: you’ll see we’re here for the long haul. We’ve been manufacturing Spectus profiles in the UK for over thirty years and are part of the Epwin Group, an independent British business with almost 40 years’ experience in the manufacture and supply of low-maintenance building products. We invest in the best machinery and designs but we don’t believe in chop and change just for the sake of it.

...so I think we are talking about the same company.

The site says "Spectus Window Systems is a trading name of Specialist Building Products Limited" and Companies House says Specialist Building Products Limited were incorporated in 1976.
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/01268689

20 years is a long time, and companies and their products can change. But I found the profiles used in the windows to be robust (useful for a novice DIY fitter ) and they have stood up well to the elements - the plastic still looks good without excessive deterioration or discolouration (white frames btw).

The quality of the window is affected by the manufacturer, but after 20 years the windows are still draught proof, the seals are good, and there are no issues with distortion or sagging. (but that could be down to the standard of workmanship of the installer )

Being in business for a long period of time is an important factor in the double glazing trade, so if the company you are looking at genuinely has 30 year's experience then I'd take that as a positive sign.