Why choosing the right Double Glazing company is important.

Like all major industries and trades, double glazing is governed by guidelines that protect consumers from being taken to the cleaners by unscrupulous operators.

Work should, where possible, be undertaken by an installer registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA, CERTASS or the British Standards Institution (Kitemark).

Installers who are not registered with a Competent Persons Scheme will need to involve the Building Control department of their local council to approve and issue the necessary certificates.

The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) to ensure the quality of work provided by glaziers across the UK is of an adequate standard and fully guaranteed.

Under FENSA guidelines, installers are required to offer customers a guarantee or warranty to cover the cost of rectifying work after installation.

This must in turn be backed by an independent insurance policy in case the firm goes under and all deposits taken prior to work beginning must be protected by a deposit indemnity scheme.

If you are in doubt of an installer’s credentials, walk away.

You will find that most double glazing specialists will offer a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee on their work which covers you in the event of faulty craftsmanship. Some even offer 15-year guarantees which cover specific products such as gas-filled units.

Offers can vary in the type of work that is covered. Again, a detailed read of the small print is essential before committing.

Claire Lynam, head of communications and alliances at the BSI recommends only buying products that have been Kitemark approved.

“We would suggest using a Kitemark product and opting for a Kitemark-approved installer when entering into an agreement,” she says. “BSI-approved glaziers are re-assessed annually and inspectors visit them to look at the work being done to vouch for its quality.”

Key points

• Reputable installers should always be fully accredited under a Competent Persons Scheme
• Ask to see their guarantee documents before agreeing to any work
• Check to see whether the guarantee is insurance-backed