Double glazing salesmen have always had a poor reputation due to a few bad apples. At Hamiltons, we take great pride in our value, transparency, accreditations and customer service, but sadly not all companies work to the same high standards.
Many glazing companies offer knock down prices that seem too good to be true.
They might call at your house with a buy one get one free offer, or promise windows that are incredibly cheap.
Unfortunately, with windows, you really do get what you pay for.
Installation
Windows have to be installed by professionals in order to keep noise out while keeping heat in. Shoddy installation will completely invalidate any claims of energy efficiency, and you may actually get more noise than you did before because of rattling and whistling from draughts. Rushed installation means your investment is wasted.
Poor installation can also look scruffy on the inside of the house. Some installers use plastic architrave to cover up mistakes and gaps, and this offers little protection against the elements while letting the windows move. Some architrave looks awful, too.
Construction
Window frames must be able to withstand extreme ends of the weather cycle, from exceptionally hot, baking sun in summer through to icicles and high winds in winter. In any season, weather conditions can cause poor frames to develop problems.
Heat can cause seals to crack, and it can warp and twist frames, taking them out of alignment with the window panes. In the rain, poorly sealed frames can absorb water, and in winter, you may start to get condensation between the panes of glass when the seals fail. Windows in steamy locations, such as kitchens and bathrooms, tend to develop niggly problems more quickly than others, and it only takes a bout of extreme weather – such as a storm – to bring out a more serious issue.
The end result is a window that degrades much sooner than it should, given the amount of money you’ve spend on it. In the meantime, your windows might stick, creak or let in draughts and moisture, and you might have problems getting them to close so you can lock them – a clear security problem.
Locks
Speaking of security, windows are key entry points for intruders, so it’s important not to skimp on locks. Get the very best multi-point locks you can afford. If you don’t believe us, look at some videos on YouTube: you’ll be alarmed at how quickly cheap locks can be snapped.
And remember: locks are only secure if you use them. Don’t leave windows open and unlocked for any reason.
Investing in Your Windows
In life, we tend to realise that quality products are not always the cheapest. At the same time, quality isn’t necessarily unaffordable. If you think of good windows as an investment, rather than a luxury, it’s easy to see why bargain basement installers should be avoided.
For a free quote with no obligation, speak to Hamiltons today. We have decades of experience in glazing and roofline work, and we know how to supply quality at a price our customers can afford.
