Are smaller, local companies better than the big nationals?

Our Local Window Fitters are the pride of our company. We know the benefits they offer to our customers. What we didn’t realise was that even Which? Magazine agrees!

Here is a piece from their article about Local Window Fitters:

Need new double glazing? Who would you trust to install it?

by Sylvia Baron, Senior Home Researcher Which? Magazine

“Only 7% of Which? members trust double glazing companies. Not that surprising when they’re renowned for dubious selling techniques, and steep price drops are a familiar part of the sales patter. But building regulations mean we don’t really have a choice but to install double glazing when windows need replacing.

So when you’re shopping for new windows, should you trust the big names like Anglian and Everest, or should you go for a smaller, less well-known local firm? Independent double glazers do better Our latest satisfaction survey of double glazing companies found that that independent traders perform better and might even be cheaper.

The four big national companies (Anglian, Everest, Safestyle and Zenith Staybrite) are apparently leaving customers less satisfied than those who went with an independent double glazing company. As one Which? member said: ‘Local firms rely on word of mouth for their reputation and in a small town they cannot afford to let this slip.’

Local firms could be cheaper too And, while you might assume you could get a better deal using a large firm, that’s not necessarily the case. We sent a price questionnaire to Which? Local recommended double glazing traders to get the average prices you should expect to pay for different double glazing jobs. We also sent the same questionnaire to Anglian, Everest, Safestyle and Zenith Staybrite.

Both Everest and Safestyle declined to share their prices, with Everest telling us, ‘It’s no secret that we charge a premium price for our products’. Anglian and Zenith both provided their prices, but we found that these were typically higher than those quoted by the independent traders who responded.

Problems getting double glazing What’s more, those using local independents are also less likely to experience problems. Of those members who used local firms, around two thirds didn’t have a problem. But this figure fell to just over half for those who went with one of the big four companies.

The most common problems were: delivering the wrong parts, scratched glass, windows not fitting properly, installation taking longer than planned and installers causing damage to a property’s interior. Each of these problems were nearly always more common with the big four.”

Local Window Fitters – Trusted and Value for money

So in short, your best option is to do your research and trust your Local Window Fitters. That way you’re bound to get the best deal. Not only in terms of price and value for money, but also reliabiltly and quality workmanship. You can contact Surrey Windows today for a no obligation quote or just a chat about your home improvement options.

Why not pop into our Window Showroom in Surrey? We will be very pleased to see you!

Aluminium Bi folding Doors UK

Surrey Windows are Aluminium Bi folding Doors experts and have been installing bi-folding doors in Surrey and London long before they became the lifestyle and high demand product that they are today.

Consumers have a wide choice of bi-folding doors to choose from but Surrey Windows choose to provide only one product – perhaps one of the best bi-folding doors on the market today and the only ones with an industry leading 20 year guarantee.
If you are considering bi-folding doors there are a few key things to consider. Bi-folding doors will usually be installed in a new extension or to replace an existing older patio door.

Aluminium Bi folding Doors Warlingham, UK

Aluminium Bi folding Doors and home renovation.

In recent years and despite the economic climate Surrey Windows have seen a massive increase in orders from people extending their homes and needing new windows, French doors and doors.
Kitchen and Living room extensions are just one area where people are improving their homes and their living spaces with the addition of bifolding doors that flood areas with light.

Despite his increase in home renovation and with folding sliding doors becoming so popular there is now a huge choice of products available.
A door is not just a door! Bi-folding doors are unlike typical hinge doors. They are designed, manufactured, installed and used differently to standard French doors or patio doors.

Whilst you may be tempted to go for the cheapest product, where bi-folding doors are concerned, cheapest is definitely not the best. Fact.
The bi-folding door market has boomed with now a huge choice of door makes and types to choose from. Surrey Windows not only have many years experience in providing the best quality bi-folding doors on the market with an industry leading guarantee, they can also give you expert advice on what to consider.
If you are looking for new doors or simply need some honest, impartial and no pressure advice, let Surrey Windows help you as Surrey Installers of bi-folding doors.
See the lovely range at our Surrey Windows and Doors Showroom

Multi-Point Locking – what is the Point?

Recently we received an enquiry to replace a french door and side windows following a robbery. As familiar as we are with the hardware and technology involved in modern windows systems, this was the first time we’d be going to look at a system that had actually been breached.

We’ve seen lots of images and videos but nothing prepares you for the scene of devastation and the traumatised home-owners.

It is surprising that an insurance company asks their customer to find a reputable company to replace the ruined doors and windows – their customers are very upset and shaken by such an event and you would expect the insurer to do all these things for them!

We arrived at their home and were surprised not to see an old window and door that would be typical of the neighbourhood but instead fairly modern PVCu ones.

The locking system on the french doors had proved effective – the Scene of Crime officers had shown us all the attempts with a crow bar to pry the doors apart but they had proved very effective in staying closed.

However, the successful method of entry used was to actually pry one of the opening window sashes out of its frame!

The opening window sash did not have shoot bolts rising and dropping into the top and bottom of the frame, nor did the hinge side of the sash have any protection or anti-jemmy bolts.

This made it very simple to insert a crow bar under the opening sash and pry it almost silently out of its frame.

Upon closer inspection, the locking mechanism on the window did have good quality components and could still be classed as ‘multi-point locking’. However, we would not class this as such as only one of the four sides of the window is in fact secure.

The Benefits of Multi-point Locking

Squire Window Cylinder Locks — *photo by kind permission of Henry Squire & Sons Ltd, copyright Henry Squire & Sons Ltd

Surrey Windows employ a true ‘multi-point locking’ system that secures the locking side of the sash using expanding bolts, the top and bottom of the window using shoot bolts and finally (and the one a lot of companies forget) the anti-jemmy bolt on the hinged side.

The robbery itself could have been performed fairly quietly so as not to disturb the neighbours to all three sides of this home.

Securing the doors and windows with true ‘multi-point locking’ would have only left one more option for entry and that would be smashing through the double-glazed glass unit itself.

Deter burglars with high quality locks

The noise created by having to do so would deter many potential burglars! When considering windows and doors – DO check out the security features, treat it as importantly as the energy ratings and appearance.

If you do have true ‘multi-point locking’ then DO tell your insurance company, it can reduce your premiums.

Come and visit our showroom today and we’ll show you our window security – even if you’re not ready to buy yet, it’s worth knowing how good your current windows and doors are.

Installing Double Glazed Windows And Fitting Double Glazed Windows

Thinking about how to install Double Glazed Windows? Could you save money fitting your own? Many costly tools are required and there is your time.

Installing double glazed windows requires a certain amount of know-how, and is perhaps not something for a DIY enthusiast to take on.

How to Install Double Glazed Windows and Fitting Double Glazed Windows

Glazing of windows forms an big part of your door and window installation. All glazing must meet relevant British Standards such as BS6262 and BS 8000.

Surrey Windows have 0ver 30 years combined experience installing Double Glazing in Surrey, London and the surrounding areas, and the cost may be less then you think!

How to install Double Glazed Windows – Legal Requirements

Toughened safety glass is a legal requirement in areas below 800mm from finished floor level, in doors and screens.

During the fitting of Double Glazed Windows the glass will be installed, packed and correctly glazed. It is important to ensure that any glass units with safety glass are installed the correct way round.

The installed units must also carry the appropriate safety marks. Modern glass units will usually be coated to ensure their energy efficiency.

The trained window fitter will install the glass units the correct way round. Failure to do with would make the glass perform poorly. When the installation of the windows is finished, they will have their final checks carried out.

Internal reveals in the property will be made good as discussed with the window surveyor and agreed on the contract. Only then will the protective tape be removed from the windows and doors.

In the case of a window installation being carried out to new builds or extensions, it would be normal for window protection to remain in place whilst the rest of the work to the building is carried out.

The installation team will carry out a “walk though” with the home owner. Everything will be checked and the operation of windows explained. Door locks, bi-folding door operation, trickle vent operation, egress or easy clean hinges and so forth will also be fully explained to the customer.

The final inspection after installing double glazed windows and doors will cover:

Overall Visual Appearance
Glazing
Operation of windows and doors
agreement on glass patterns
hardware and sight lines
sealing of windows
explanation of window and door drainage
and to answer any further questions the property owner may have.

Please do not hesitate to contact one of our helpful sales staff for more information about how install double glazed windows and doors.

Or why not pop our Surrey Double Glazing Showroom, we would love to see you

Condensation on Outside of Double Glazing – What Does it Mean?

Condensation on the outside of the windows is not automatically bad news.
We have had conversations with customers lately who have been asking why they are getting condensation on outside of double glazing units?

The simplest explanation is that double glazing with condensation on the outside means that it is simply doing its job!

Is Condensation Normal With Double Glazed Windows?

Condensation can never be completely eliminated even with new double glazing. In the early days double glazing was sold to replace old single glazing windows.

Many sales people claimed it would eliminate condensation on outside of windows. This is not true.

There are many factors in the dwelling which can cause condensation. So if you do see condensation on the outside of your window pane, it simply means that the windows are working as they should to keep the winter cold out and the heat in!

Some may mention that the condensation formed on the unit is concentrated on the centre of the unit with no condensation on the perimeter of the unit where it meets the window frame itself.

As long as the condensation is not between the glass panes the window is functioning perfectly normally. As the daytime temperature rises, so the condensation will disappear.

Why Grey Double Glazing Is The Popular Choice For New Doors &Windows

There was a time when you could have any colour for new windows, as long as it was white. Well now there is a much wider choice, with Grey Double Glazing being the popular choice of colour.

For the last 10 years or more you will have seen a transformation in the look of windows and doors that are installed in homes and commercial buildings – Colour.

Colour has come to the forefront

It has long been accepted for commercial buildings that architects and clients choose the colour of their windows and doors and it’s rare for such buildings to have standard white windows and doors installed.

Using a colour is the preferred choice. In recent years however colour has come to the forefront for British homes.

It is commonplace now to see matt white, black, sage, buttermilk, heritage greens as very popular colours, as well as dual coloured windows and doors. Grey Double Glazing Windows however, is by far the most desirable colour of all.

A more contemporary theme

What has been behind the massive success of grey as a colour for today’s double glazing products?

One reason is that the refurbishment of homes over recent years has taken on a more contemporary theme.

Another is that the colour grey has been very much led by architects in the design of their buildings.

Recent years have seen a boom in the building of apartment blocks all over the country and again the colour grey has more often than not been chosen as the standard colour for windows and doors.

For our homes, whilst white windows and doors will always be the core product it is quite common nowadays for consumers to choose white windows with contrasting grey doors, particularly grey bifolding doors.

Thinking about grey as a colour for double glazing does not instantly conjure up a positive image. However in replacement doors and windows, Grey Double Glazing Windows is arguably the most popular colour after white and one only needs to see grey windows and doors installed to see how well they work with most types of properties.

Surrey Windows offer a wide range of coloured product in Aluminium, PVCu and Timber, visit the showroom in Banstead for first hand information.

Slimline Aluminium Windows

Introducing the AluK aluminium system, slimline aluminium windows. As part of our ongoing effort to bring our customers the very latest in aluminium windows, we introduce the AluK Aluminium system.

This is one of the very latest aluminium windows systems available today and is ideal for new build or window replacement. Our latest slimline aluminium windows meet the highest standards for security and energy ratings.

It also brings all the advantages of aluminium such as slim sight lines, inherent strength and a wide choice of colours. We can also customise the product for you to create any window design or style.

Slimline Aluminium Windows meet the needs of London and Surrey properties

Surrey properties can often be unique in their window styles and with this in mind we have customised the product to offer windows that will perfectly match. We offer four different sash options:

Flat
chamfered
ovolo
slim sash for crittall replacement windows.

Our new Aluminium window range is available in windows that can be top hung or side hung open out, tilt and turn even fully reversible. Whether you are looking for a contemporary modern window or require something with more traditional lines it is possible.

Other new features of the latest addition to our aluminium window range include:

Internally or externally glazed options the choice of externally or internally beaded windows will depend on the look you are trying to achieve. Our specialist team can advise you further but regardless of option chosen the windows all meet British Standards for security.
Flat, chamfered or Ovolo details to achieve traditional or contemporary appearances The choice of profile detail means there is a window to suit traditional, new build or steel window replacements.
58mm or 70mm frame depth. The choice of outer frame depth means windows can be fitted as direct fix windows or into existing hardwood subframes.
Windows can be specified as highly secure with ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation.

Surrey Windows can customise your new windows further

Glass thicknesses of up to 44mm This means you can have triple glazing, enhanced glass or glass with integral blinds built in.
No more expensive dummy sashes. Unlike other window systems requiring dummy vents to keep a consistent look throughout, our windows use a unique double beaded arrangement which achieves the dummy sash look without the additional cost.

As with all our aluminium windows, we offer a huge choice of colours, textures and finishes some of which can be seen in our showroom at Banstead High Street.

Wooden Sliding Sash Windows

Aluminium Sliding Sash Windows, UPVC Sash Windows London , Wooden Sliding Sash Windows, Aluminium or Timber have all the beautiful detail you can imagine.

Our Sliding Sash windows are the best on the market today. They have all the elegant style of traditional sash windows and the very best modern materials.

These windows help get rid of the upkeep problems and drafts that original timber sash windows have become known for.

Stunningly authentic Sliding Sash Windows

Our PVCu range of window are stunning Sash Windows. And they meet all of today’s strict requirements. We’ve taken the time to study original sash windows and to recreate the really important details.

Details, such as the internal and external staff beads, continuous one-piece horns, authentic deep bottom rails.

Our Sliding UPVC Sash Windows feature a special thermal break that meets the current window energy ratings. They use 24mm units with Diamant low iron glass to the outside pane. The inside pane has a warm edge swisspacer, Argon fill and 4mm Planitherm® Total+ soft coat glass.

Wide choice of colours

These windows can also be curved if needed and come in a wide choice of colours including anodised finishes.

Conservation areas

Surrey Timber Sash Windows are elegant yet functional with all the original character and charm.

These windows feature a “cords and weights” system used where conservation area needs are an important factor. They make sure you keep character and charm of your property and still have modern tech and performance.

Energy Efficient

All our Sliding UPVC sash windows, Wooden Sliding Sash Windows offer tilt in facility for easy cleaning, decorative authentic sash horns, high security and the best energy saving ratings.

Our energy efficient windows have been found by the Energy Saving Trust to cut heat loss from your home by up to 74% over single glazed timber sash windows.

This helps you go green while saving on your heating. Keep the character of your home and faithfully blend the beauty and elegance of original sash windows.

All windows are not the same !

Visit our Double Glazing Showrooms to see the full range.

We are ready to welcome you at our Banstead Showroom.

Double Glazing Surrey