Checklist
Yorkshire Windows – Buying Double Glazing – checklist
You’ve agreed that new double glazing will enhance the look of your house, improve the warmth inside and keep drafts outside.
But how can you be sure that you are buying the best?
Well, Yorkshire Windows believes that all windows and doors for every customer should be manufactured and installed to the highest possible standards, and has done so since the company was founded in 1979.
To help you be certain that you have made the right choice for your home and family, we are pleased to be able to provide you with some of those tricky questions that will help you weed out the less professional companies in the sector you may be considering to do your double glazing manufacture and installation.
By following this checklist, you can be sure to choose products which are manufactured and guaranteed to the appropriate standards, and that the fitting and installation are also guaranteed.
What’s the difference?
Many companies in the replacement window market do not manufacture themselves, but buy from a third party. The guarantee offered by a third party company to those they supply is usually inferior to the 10 year product and installation guarantee offered by Yorkshire Windows. In some cases, the guarantee offered by the third party is only for 1 year on the window frames, and does not extend to the fitting.
So which guarantees and standards are important then?
BSI Kitemark? This certification has been around for a long time and guarantees the performance of the product under several relevant tests. Products are submitted for independent testing and a certificate is issued to companies for each approved product. To achieve the award, not only is the complete product tested and approved, but the individual components are as well.
Yorkshire Windows has been awarded seven Kitemark licenses for various aspects of its products and services.
You can check out who has been awarded a Kitemark license through the BSI website: http://www.bsi-global.com/Kitemark/KitemarkDirectory or telephone 01442 278688.
BSI registered firm? Firms are registered and provided with a unique number after independent inspectors approved by BSI have assessed their processes and quality controls. Manufacture and installation are both inspected during this process.
Yorkshire Windows is a BSI registered company for both manufacture and installation.
You can check out who is registered with BSI on their website. See above for details.
Environmental standards? BSI also issues companies with a standard stating that they run their businesses in line with good environmental standards. Yorkshire Windows has the BS 140001 standard, which covers its recycling, energy efficiency and manufacturing processes. The company is a certified recycler of all waste materials which it generates by the manufacture and installation of windows and doors – including removed windows and doors.
Security? Many companies claim that their products offer good security features, but Yorkshire Windows has worked with the Association of Chief Police Officers body – ACPO – to develop products which are distinguished by having security designed into them. The design, fittings and furniture of all doors and windows from Yorkshire Windows offer the best security ratings that can be supplied.
BBA? The British Board of Agreement (BBA) certifies a wide range of building products as being fit for purpose. Tests include a durability benchmark giving customers the peace of mind that not only is it fit for purpose, but that it also stands the test of time.
Yorkshire Windows has BBA certification for its range of windows and doors.
You can check on companies and their certification through the BBA website: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk or by telephoning 01923 665 300
GGF? The Glass and Glazing Federation provides a Customer Charter ensuring that all its members maintain minimum standards for product quality and performance. This is embodied in a Code of Ethical Practice which all GGF members must sign up and adhere to. A Deposit Indemnity Fund scheme provided by the GGF protects your deposit before and during the period of the contract.
Yorkshire Windows has been a member of the GGF for 27 years and meets all its criteria of approval.
You can search for GGF members and access information from the GGF website: http://www.ggf.org.uk or telephone 0870 042 4255
Trustmark? Trustmark is a new scheme supported by Government, the building industry and consumer groups to help you find reliable and trustworthy trades people to make improvements and repairs to your home.
Yorkshire Windows is Trustmark registered through its membership of GGF.
You can search for local Trustmark members and access information from the Trustmark website: http://www.trustmark.org.uk or telephone 08454 040 506
Product guarantees? Yorkshire Windows offers a full 10 year product guarantee covering the manufacture of all products supplied and installed.
A copy of this guarantee is supplied at the completion of the contract and signifies satisfaction with the manufacture installation, and payment for the work done. Your representative can show you a sample of this guarantee if required.
You should double check that any other guarantees offered by other suppliers give you this extent of guarantee protection on both manufacture and installation.
QA/Certas/FENSA Guarantee Guilds? The law requires that customers are all offered an insurance backed guarantee. Yorkshire Windows has decided that it is in its customers best-interests if this is handled by FENSA – an industry-wide body, and so all customers will be contacted direct by FENSA after installation, to discuss such a service.
Other companies may seek to offer this themselves. Yorkshire Windows believes that its business is in the manufacture and installation of windows and doors, not insurance, and so has left this to other sector specialists
Building Standards Regulations? Regulation L of the recently introduced revised Building Regulations made it the responsibility of the householder to ensure that any replacement door or window work carried out at your premises meets the new standards. An important part of these standards is the installation of low emissivity glass (Low-e) in those doors or windows. Whilst this glass is slightly more expensive than traditional glass, there will be long-term savings to the householder in better insulation and reduced heating costs.
Yorkshire Windows only offers products that fully comply with Building Standards regulations, ensuring that you comply with the law.
So what’s the difference? The difference in buying from Yorkshire Windows is peace of mind that the products and installation are fully tested and guaranteed for quality, durability, security and environmental performance.
