Double glazing - Glevum?

mister_t

Has anybody had double glazing fitted by Glevum (based in Gloucester) as I would be interested to know what people thought of the windows and the service? The salesman went in for a bit of a hard sell which would tend to put me off.

macduf

If they are employing hard sell salesmen dont bother. Get a quote from a Trade outlet and ask a local Joiner or Window fitter to fit them and you will save loads.

maninthestreet

Find a LOCAL DG company, that has an office/showroom you can visit and take your window measurements there for a quote.

kbh4031

Personally I wouldnt bother using companies that send out "Sales people". Sales people are paid commision in most instances and will go out to get the highest price possible, so you know you are being overcharged from the offset.
My advice would be have a look around the internet at UPVC styles ect, decide exactly what you want, then call a few local companies to give you some quotes. Make sure they are FENSA or CERTASS registered.
Dont nessersarily go for the cheapest.

GL

sashman

Google "Buyers guide windows", good companies will provide advice, especially good specialist local installers.

FENSA (www.fensa.org) lists those installation companies (12,000 odd) that are registered for the self certification that they have installed products in accordance with the building regulations. They do not guarantee quality, nor do they resolve any complaints (other than if something is technically within the regulations)

The GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation www.ggf.org ) however vet the financials of every member prior to membership, and do offer an arbitration service (FREE to the public) and guarantees customer deposits so look for their membership details.

All products should be fit for purpose, however the Police look for products that have enhanced security (better than average), BS7950 specifies the level of this improved security, so look out for SBD approved products (VERY few sash window companies have SBD so check sbd web site www.sbd.org )

Also check products have BBA (British Board of Agreement). They are independent test house that certifies products will last for 20,000 opening cycles (approx 20 years life), again this is not a requirement but good evidence that the company has products that deliver what’s claimed. Again very few companies have BBA on sash windows.

Then check out the EST web site (very poor site but….) Energy Savings Trust recommend products those products that are the best 20% in the industry so you don’t have to make comparisons, products listed ARE the best 20% in the industry. C rated sash windows should save 74% of the heat that would be lost through a single glazed sash window, an A rated (there’s only one certified) saves ALL the heat lost that way!

Look for BSI kite mark that professional installation companies can now get to confirm they are professional in their workmanship, (that’s not to say others aren’t professional, but its nice to the reassurance that British Standards of installation are being met

Establish what (if any) guarantees the manufacturer passes onto you the client. Most manufactures limit their guarantees to the installer leaving you high and dry when the installer ceases trading. See if the installer belongs to a preferred installers scheme, or a manufacturers network that guarantees the workmanship of their installation partners.

Sure all these things are likely to push up the final price, but you’ll have someone to get back to if the worst should happen. Cheap products cost a fortune to put right when the installer has gone bust!!

Finally always insist on a written confirmation, get their proposal in writing so every thing is clear from the start, especially the items listed above. LOTS of companies claim to have BBA, EST, SBD but those products are non standard and will only be included if you specifically request them, and its in the contract!

Dont be pushed into buying, ask for advice, get it in writing, consider options and decide in your own time.

Sashman

mister_t

Thanks for the replies. They were in fact ~1k cheaper than the other two local companies that I had out. I think they probably are a decent company but having the sales chap waffling on for almost 2 hours is enough to put you off, though he didn't play the game of iterating the quote down or pressure to sign on the spot. I guess he was just keen to demonstrate the benefits against the really cheap companies. Incidentally they are GGF and do conform to BS7950.

Double glazing is a bit of a minefield as on appearance it is all pretty much the same but devil is in the detail. Are the frames fully steel reinforced, will they discolour over time, are the locks up to it, what low-E coating is used, how tidy a job will the fitters make, etc. Having bought a house with windows from one of the big national companies I will not be chasing the cheapest quote, it was a case of bad fitting with sealant everywhere and issues with the sealed units and hinges.