How to buy double glazing

To avoid falling into the trap of fictitious specifications and the inflated cost of that follows, read this article, which has a lot of useful information to rely on when choosing double glazed windows.

Some companies are not known for their integrity and by understanding what tricks they use, you are more likely to pay a justified price, not an inflated price.

This article is based on information obtained by our expert staff, a number of independent experts as well as homeowners who have agreed to comment on their history of purchasing and operating double glazed windows. If you are wondering the best way to go about buying double glazed windows, start by researching the information below.

Before you approach double glazed window manufacturers: what you need to do

Firstly, we always recommend visiting showrooms or exhibitions of uPVC windows before you buy. We will give you a complete overview of the market for uPVC windows, including double glazing windows & assortment, displays of structural elements, material, fittings and demonstrations. Our skilled staff will also provide you with pricing information, so you can understand what the costs for a particular product should be. You will not only learn about the construction of the double glazed window, but also see how wide the range of designs is. For example, we have a modern showroom with trendsetting examples of plastic windows, doors and accessories. Here you can choose a design, find the most suitable colour and get a detailed product description from an experienced expert.

Finding a reputable double glazing company

Online research is definitely becoming the most popular way for homeowners and tenants to look for professional workers, to complete almost all kinds of work around the house. Unfortunately, this method can expose you to accounting unprofessional or untrained contractors, and that can mean trouble in the long run. The reputation of the person who will do the double glazing of your house or flat is extremely important. Reputation is an indication of experience, respectively professionalism. By trusting a proven company, you will also save budget on future fixing problems that amateurs can create.

Choosing a double glazing company

The service they offer will certainly have an impact on your choice of company. We have our own showroom, experienced experts, professional workers, who will take their time to visit the site for precise measurements and discuss design and performance goals for your window & door upgrade in detail. Punctuality are the components that make the company look good and make an impression. In their absence, one should also think about the quality of the range on offer. When a company is serious about its service, then you can rest assured that the quality of its products is of a high standard.

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Top tips from double glaziers

Today there are many ways to research the uPVC double glazed window market or check the reputation of a company you are interested in. The most important indicator is previous client reviews, usually we recommend to only trust Google reviews as they are authentic. The experience of production and successful sales of double glazing and other variants will be detailed by a third party to give you a true reflection of the company. Also, firms for one reason or another change their names, liquidate their organizations and enter the market under other names. In this case, it is worth reflecting on the past activities of the company, whether it was in good faith. Do not confuse name change, relocation with rebranding or reorganization of production.

Feedback plays an important role. In this way you can make sure that you have found the right company for buying double glazing in or the opposite and, in this case, save your budget, time and nerves.

Every company that respects its business has a portfolio of work that you can use to determine if the range and services are right for you or if you should look for something else.

A very convenient service is an online calculator on the company’s website. This way you can find out the preliminary cost of double glazed windows without contacting the manager, and you can prepare as much as possible for your purchase.

The price quotation is also an important aspect when buying double glazing, as it displays the cost of all the services, the products themselves and, accordingly, you will understand how much the cooperation will cost you. The company always gives a long-lasting guarantee and writes an insurance policy for the products and services they provide.

When you have quotes from several suppliers, don’t compare the final prices alone. Check whether the frame system, glazing specification, hardware, installation and warranty are actually equivalent. We explain how to compare replacement window quotes and why two apparently similar proposals can differ significantly in price.

The company must be officially registered, especially if it has its own production facility. This is an indicator that the activities comply with technical regulations and specified standards. The relevant documents are always available and the manager can provide them on request. The conclusion of a cooperation agreement is also an indication of the organization’s status on the market.

And, lastly, a company worthy of your attention does not impose its products and services, does not demand anything. It only provides its services, its products, its maintenance.

What should I look for in a double glazing contract?

The contract should show your rights and obligations as a contractor when buying double glazed windows. This information includes a description of the goods and services you are ordering, a full cost estimate (possible extra costs are discussed and entered here, the difference is always returned to the client), and what you will undertake to do and what you can expect in case the contractor fails to fulfil his obligations.

Note the following:

  • The presence of penalties if deadlines are not met and if materials not provided for in this contract are used;
  • Existence of clauses with possible factors and costs, such as bad weather or other reasons for which the installation of double glazing may be delayed;
  • Liability of the company for unsatisfactory quality of work;
  • Whether you can hire third parties.

Should I tell my home insurance company about new double glazing or doors?

Notifying your insurance company about the installation of new double glazing is important because the interior finish, which includes glazing and doors, is covered by insurance and you should protect your possessions in case of an emergency.

DIY double glazing installation

If you have professional experience, you can do the installation of double glazing yourself. Otherwise, we do not recommend doing this as trying to save money on professional service may cost you a lot of money to reinstall in the future as this is a sequential process involving many factors and nuances. In addition, you may not be able to make a claim against the company if they windows are faulty. If you have stipulated terms and conditions in contract for installation of double glazed windows, and company employees are obliged to perform necessary works, you will grossly violate this point by your own actions in installation of windows.

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What should I look for when buying a uPVC window?
Check the specifications of the complete window, including the frame, glazing, seals and hardware. Ask for whole-window performance ratings: a lower U-value means better insulation, while the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) indicates how much solar heat enters your home.

Choose an opening style that suits your ventilation, access and cleaning needs. Before ordering, request a written specification, installation scope and warranty terms. A showroom visit can also help you assess how easily the windows open, close and lock.

What is the best gap for double glazing?
There is no single ideal gap for every application. The appropriate spacing depends on the gas fill, glass specification and required thermal and acoustic performance. A wider gap does not automatically provide better insulation.

Ask the supplier to explain the proposed glass and cavity dimensions and provide performance data for that configuration. Compare the performance of the complete window rather than choosing by gap size alone.

What is the most ideal location for double glazed windows in a house?
Double glazing can be suitable on any side of a house. The specification should reflect each room’s sunlight, shading, ventilation and noise exposure.

For a Sydney home, north-facing windows can benefit from winter sun, while east- and west-facing windows need attention to summer heat gain. South-facing rooms generally receive less direct sunlight. If you are replacing existing windows, focus on choosing suitable glazing for each opening rather than changing the room layout.

What should I ask a double glazing salesman?

Ask for clear answers to these questions before placing an order:

  • What frame system and glass specification are included?
  • What are the whole-window U-value and SHGC?
  • What evidence supports any noise-reduction claims?
  • Which opening styles, locks and hardware are included?
  • Does the price cover measuring, delivery, installation and removal of the old windows?
  • Who is responsible for making good any affected finishes?
  • What are the estimated production and installation times?
  • What does the warranty cover, and how do I request service?

Have the agreed specifications and inclusions recorded in your quote or contract.

Are double glazing guarantees transferable?
Do not assume that a window warranty automatically transfers when a property is sold. Transferability depends on the written terms of the particular warranty.

Before buying or selling a home with Prestige Plus windows, contact the team for written confirmation of whether the warranty can transfer, what documents are required and how much coverage remains. Keep the original invoice and warranty documents. The length of a warranty alone does not establish whether it is transferable.

Can I cancel a double glazing contract?
Cancellation depends on why you are cancelling, the contract terms and any applicable statutory rights. If you have simply changed your mind, Australian Consumer Law does not generally require the supplier to accept a cancellation. Check the cancellation and deposit terms before signing, particularly for made-to-measure windows.

Different rights apply if the goods or installation fail to meet consumer guarantees. The available remedy depends on the nature and seriousness of the problem and may include repair, replacement, a refund or cancellation of a service. Contact the supplier promptly and describe the issue in writing.

How do I compare double glazing quotes fairly?
Ask each supplier to quote for the same window sizes, opening styles and performance requirements. Compare the frame system, glass specification, hardware, finishes and installation scope before comparing the total price.

Check whether GST, delivery, removal and disposal of existing windows, access equipment and making good are included. Request written clarification of exclusions, provisional amounts and possible additional charges. A cheaper quote may cover a different product or a smaller scope of work.

What should I prepare before requesting a double glazing quote?
Prepare photos of the existing windows, approximate dimensions, the number of openings and your property’s location. Explain your main priorities, such as reducing outdoor noise, improving comfort or replacing difficult-to-operate windows.

Mention access restrictions, your preferred timeframe and any known strata or heritage requirements. This information helps the supplier prepare an initial estimate. Before manufacture, confirm who will take the final measurements and approve the window schedule, including opening directions, glass, frame colours and hardware.

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