Advice for homeowners

Harry

Meet your
FENSA Advisor

This is Harry.

You might recognise him from our TV ad.

Harry works for a FENSA Approved installation company. He's on a mission to help professionalise installers and protect homeowners across the UK, so he started this advice column.

Rain is simply a pain

Let's be honest, once we get into spring, how many of us were looking forward to throwing open our windows and giving our homes a good airing? We also look forward to feeling the warmth and sunlight flooding in through our windows, doors and skylights. So it is a bit of a problem that for the last few weeks all my windows have seen is rain, rain and - oh, more rain!

 

How does glazing stand up against the rain?

 

So with all these extreme weather conditions lately, what does that mean for our glazing? Well, if you've recently had new glazing installed (maybe double or triple glazing); you'll probably have noticed a number of benefits that make you feel cosier and sheltered from the rain.

 

These include:

 

  • Noise pollution reduction
  • Increased heat retention
  • Reduced condensation
  • Reduced radiation of cold air
  • Fewer drafts
  • Cheaper energy bills

 

So if your windows have not stood up to the test of the rain and this horrid spring weather, you may be considering investing in some replacement windows.

 

We would recommend having your windows installed by a FENSA fitter so you know the installation will be certified to meet local building control standards, and that you will have the relevant documentation if it comes to selling your home. What's more, getting your windows fitted over the spring / summer months ensures that when the winter returns (though has it actually left us yet?!) your home will be far more efficient at keeping the heat in, keeping your home warmer and saving you money.

 

Have you recently had glazing installed, or are considering it over the summer? Let us know your experiences. To get some tips on how best to look after your window, visit our homeowner and installer advice hub to get recommendations from FENSA

 

Prepare your windows for all weather conditions and take the pain out of home improvements when you work with the right fitters. Find double glazing installers near you and get a FENSA certificate when the work is complete. 

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What to check before appointing an installer

Check that you use a FENSA Approved Installer but also check the following:

  • Ask family and friends who have used installers about their satisfaction and whether they got a FENSA certificate.
  • Check the installer's references by talking to their previous customers.
  • Get at least three quotes and check you are being quoted like for like.
  • Cheapest is not always best and good contractors are always in demand.
  • Get quotes, timeframes and the fact that you will get a FENSA certificate all in writing. A proper written contract with an agreed completion date will help prevent confusion later on
  • Check the warranty on the installer's work and ensure they have enough insurance to cover their warranty. Domestic glazing installers that are registered with a competent person scheme like FENSA are legally obliged to provide warranty insurance to cover your installation should the company cease to trade within the life of the warranty.
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