Guide to hiring a window installer

New windows are a great addition to any home but only if they are installed properly, so find out how to hire a reputable window installer here.

Competent window installers
can be found from trade
associations like the GGF

There are over 13,000 window and double glazing installers in operation across the UK – so it can be hard to separate the professionals from the cowboys. According to research from insurance company Santander, 18% of British homeowners have hired a rogue window trader who performed a botched job. In fact during 2009, Trading Standards received 22,000 complaints about double glazing firms alone. So how can you be sure you hire a professional windows installer?

The Glass and Glazing Federation

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the largest accreditation scheme in the UK for window installers. Lis Chaplehow, from the GGF says: “The main advantage of hiring someone registered with the GGF is that it provides the customer with peace of mind. They can be sure that the installer is properly qualified.” There are a number of other reasons to hire a tradesman from the GGF:

• Your deposit is protected by up to 25% of the contract price (or a maximum of £3,000).
• All companies are vetted to ensure they meet professional standards and work to a code of conduct.
• The installer will comply with current building regulations and conform to safety requirements British Standard (BS) 6262-4:200.

Lis adds that: “We also offer a free conciliation service, so if the customer has a complaint they can explain the problem and we will work to fix it.”

The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS)

The DGCOS was introduced in 2010 and is the first official ombudsman scheme for the glazing and conservatory industry in the UK. David Bingham, Managing Director of Conservatory Land says: “The introduction of the DGCOS will offer much needed protection for consumers... hopefully the scheme will protect the interests of all parties involved in disputes.” The main benefits of the DGCOS scheme are:

New windows must comply with
current building regulations

• A 12 point vetting programme to ensure window installers are competent.
• Comprehensive health and safety accreditation.
• An assurance that companies have as a minimum: £5m of public liability insurance and £10m employer’s liability.
• A 10 year quality guarantee for the work.
• Deposit protection for up to 25% of the contract price (or a maximum of £12,500).

Building regulation compliance for windows

Replacement windows and doors need to comply with building regulations to meet current energy saving standards. Windows must therefore have a low U-Value (the rate at which heat is lost through the window) and must be checked with the local building authority who will issue a certificate to confirm this. The easiest way to conform to the building regulations is to use a self assessment scheme, which will provide you with a certificate to say the windows meet building regulations and inform the local authority of this for you. Lis explains: “Schemes like FENSA are basically fast track services for self assessment.” The main windows self assessment schemes are:

Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme (FENSA) – set up by the GGF, this is probably the best known scheme, 28% of households in the UK have used a FENSA installer.

Windows must meet energy
efficiency standards

British Standards Institution (BSI) – this well established scheme provides accreditation for a range of industries including glazing.

Certification and Self Assessment (CERTASS) – set up in 2006, the scheme also carries out its own vetting process on all installers who register with them.

If you do not use a self assessment scheme you will need to apply to the local building control authority yourself, who will come and check the work at a cost. Graham Dear, from Addlestone Windows and Conservatories in Surrey says: “If you do not use a self assessment scheme it means more hassle and cost for the customer.”

Energy efficient windows

As well as being installed correctly, your windows must be as energy efficient as possible to reduce carbon emissions from your home. The Energy Saving Trust says you can save up to £135 per year in heating bills and 720kg a year in carbon emissions by installing double glazed windows. You can ensure the efficiency of new windows by looking for ones with a British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) logo on them. This is the UK’s national system for rating energy efficient windows from A-E, A being the most efficient.

AB