Double glazing question

Emmahook2008

Hi,

We have a 60s build house which may have the original windows. We get a lot of condensation on the windows and they are quite mouldy. There is a little bit of mould at the top of the walls in the house which are external as well. We are going to change the windows and we have had the sales pitch from a national vendor who was talking about Argon and low E glass. He said that if we went with a local vendor we would be buying what we already have again and we would end up with condensation again within a few years. Whereas his windows would last longer.

I am guessing that windows have probably improved in quality over the last 60 years and having very old windows without trickle vents are the main cause if the problem. However I would like to get a good product as this is going to be a big spend but am very wary of a sales pitch. Can anyone tell me whether he is correct?

Many thanks. 

Emmia

I'll be surprised if your windows are actually from the 1960's 

The national supplier is almost certainly talking rubbish.

You're usually better off finding an independent local provider (and I'd definitely get more than quote whoever you go with) - all suppliers will be able to do trickle vents, different types of glass and argon.

FreeBear

Emmahook2008 said: We are going to change the windows and we have had the sales pitch from a national vendor who was talking about Argon and low E glass. He said that if we went with a local vendor we would be buying what we already have again and we would end up with condensation again within a few years. Whereas his windows would last longer.

A load of bovine manure from the salesman. Bet he also gave you an outlandish price followed up with some discounts for "scrappage"..

If your windows are original, they are going to be single glass with wooden frames (or steel if they are Crittall). Unless this is a listed property, any replacement will have to meet current Building Regulations. So they will be low E sealed units and probably argon filled. Fitted by a local company, you are far more likely to get a quality job without the BS sales pitch. You'll also get an insurance backed warranty from most local installers - Trusting a big national to be around in 10/15/25 years time is like hoping for a miracle (remember Everest & SafeStyle ??).

Oh, and the local will be half the price of any national.

With a 1960s property, you need to check to see if a lintel is required on the outer leaf of brickwork. Not all installers will check, but a local company is going to be much more familiar with buildings in the area and can use experience when pricing up.

ThisIsWeird

Emmahook2008 said:

We have a 60s build house which may have the original windows. We get a lot of condensation on the windows and they are quite mouldy. There is a little bit of mould at the top of the walls in the house which are external as well. We are going to change the windows and we have had the sales pitch from a national vendor who was talking about Argon and low E glass. He said that if we went with a local vendor we would be buying what we already have again and we would end up with condensation again within a few years. Whereas his windows would last longer.
I am guessing that windows have probably improved in quality over the last 60 years and having very old windows without trickle vents are the main cause if the problem. However I would like to get a good product as this is going to be a big spend but am very wary of a sales pitch. Can anyone tell me whether he is correct?

Hi Emma.

Please check your local Facebook page and other sources for local window manufacturers. Get recommendations from friends and neighbours - it should be easy to short-list 2 or three who are worth inviting round to tender for the job. Listen carefully to what each says, and ideally have someone with you to listen and also ask Qs. These should be 'low-pressure' sales, so enjoy!

Avoid 'Nationals'; you will almost certainly end up paying 2, 3 or even more times the price, simply to line their slimy pockets. Shudder.

'Argon' and 'Low-E' will have likely some value, but marginal - make sure you compare actual figures.

You have other issues going on, tho'. You say you also have mould forming along the tops of your walls in the house? Unfortunately, that is likely to continue, possibly even increase; as you increase the insulation value of your windows by fitting these new DG units, the next-coldest surfaces will attract the moisture in your home, and that will likely include the cond that previously appeared on your single-glazing. 

This may possibly be countered to some degree by you being able to raise the inside room temps, due to the new DG, but don't bet on it. Carefully-controlled ventilation will likely be required, perhaps coupled with changes to 'lifestyle - ie where the moisture is produced in the first place.

Albermarle

Whether you buy a window from a national name, or a local company, the basic structural parts of the window will be pretty much the same. That is the PVC frame, the double glazing units, the handles, the locks etc
They will normally just buy all those components in, and then fabricate the window to your requirements/measurements and then install them in your house.
The supply of the components will normally be from reputable manufacturers, mainly UK based with tight quality control standards to BS/ISO etc .
So there is no value in paying more to a large National company and best to stick with the locals, or at least the ones with a known good reputation.

Usually if there are problems it comes from the installation, rather than the window itself.

Although it is an industry probe to companies going bust, big and small, so do not pay upfront. 

FreeBear

Albermarle said: Although it is an industry probe to companies going bust, big and small, so do not pay upfront. 

If possible, pay at least £100 on credit card (not a debit card). That way, you get additional protections and the CC company can be held liable should the installer go bust.

MysteryMe

You've been subjected to a sales pitch which is a load of cobblers OP.  I used to have a side line where I would pose as a potential customer for the likes of double glazing salesmen coming into people's homes as the company wanted to monitor what was being said.

You expect sales pitches to be favourable to the product being presented but when it starts stretching to pressurized selling or misleading statements then the line is crossed, as it appears from what you say.

Go from personal recommendation from family, friends, work colleagues you know, not online reviews. If you don't have anyone to ask use a properly vetted online trader scheme such as those operated by Which or Trading Standards.