These are the questions we are asked most often by homeowners in Clerkenwell before they book a survey. If yours is not here, call us on 020 4634 6779 or use the contact page and we will answer it directly.
Costs and quotes
How is the price of double glazing worked out?
Every price is built from the same parts: the size and number of openings, the frame material, the style of window or door, the glass specification, the colour and hardware, and how difficult access is. Removing old frames, making good and disposing of waste are included in our quotes. Our double glazing prices page explains each factor in more detail, so you can see what moves the cost up or down.
How do I get a quote?
Email us a few details or call us. We arrange a free home survey at a time that suits you, measure every opening and talk through the options. You then receive a written, fixed quote listing each item, so you can compare it fairly with other installers. There is no obligation and we do not use pressure selling on the doorstep.
Do I have to pay a deposit, and can I cancel?
Windows and doors are made to measure, so we usually ask for a deposit when you accept the quote, before anything is ordered. If you sign the contract in your home, consumer law normally gives you a 14-day cancellation period. Our terms and conditions set out how deposits, cancellation and refunds work, including what happens once bespoke items have gone into production.
How do I pay?
Your written quote sets out the payment stages, normally a deposit when you order and the balance once the work is finished and you are happy with it. We take bank transfer and card payments. We do not arrange credit.
See also our guide to how we work.
Products and performance
Is triple glazing better than double glazing?
Triple glazing adds a third pane, which lowers heat loss a little further and can help with noise. It is heavier, costs more and lets in slightly less light. For most homes, modern double glazing with a low-emissivity coating and gas-filled cavity already meets current Building Regulations comfortably. Triple glazing makes most sense on exposed, north-facing elevations or where you are aiming for very high energy performance.
Should I choose uPVC, aluminium or timber frames?
uPVC is the most affordable, needs little upkeep and suits most houses. Aluminium is strong and slim, so it holds large panes with narrow sightlines and works well for modern homes and bifold or sliding doors. Timber looks right on period properties and is often expected in conservation areas, but it needs repainting or staining over time. We can show you samples of each at the survey.
What do window energy ratings mean?
Window Energy Ratings run from A++ down to G and combine heat loss, solar gain and air leakage into one grade. Another useful figure is the U-value, which measures heat loss alone: the lower, the better. In England, replacement windows must reach at least band B or a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K under current Building Regulations. We confirm the rating of each product in your quote.
My windows have misted up between the panes. Do I need new windows?
Condensation between the panes means the seal on the sealed unit has failed and moist air has got in. It cannot be wiped or dried out. If the frame is sound, we can usually replace just the glass unit, which costs far less than a new window. If the frame is warped, rotten or the hinges are failing, a full replacement is usually better value.
Installation
How long does it take to fit a window?
A standard replacement window usually takes a few hours to remove and fit, including sealing and finishing the trims inside and out. A typical house is often done in one or two days, while larger jobs, bay windows and doors take longer. We give you a start date and an expected finish in writing before the work begins, and we tell you straight away if anything changes.
How much mess and disruption should I expect?
We take out one opening at a time, so your home is never left open for long and is secure at the end of each day. We lay dust sheets, protect floors and furniture near the work, and take all old frames and glass away with us. You will need to clear sills and move curtains and blinds before we arrive. Some plaster around the reveals may need light making good.
Do I need to be at home while you work?
Someone should be in at the start to agree the plan and at the end to check the finished work, test every handle and lock, and receive the keys. In between, many customers carry on with their day. We explain how each window and door operates before we leave.
Regulations and certificates
Do replacement windows need Building Regulations approval?
Yes. In England and Wales, replacing windows and external doors is notifiable building work. It must either be carried out by an installer registered with a competent-person scheme or be approved by local building control. We are registered with FENSA, so we notify the work for you, and you receive a certificate confirming it complies. Keep it safe, as solicitors ask for it when you sell your home.
Do I need planning permission?
Replacing windows in a house with ones of similar appearance is usually permitted development, so planning permission is not needed. The rules are different for flats and maisonettes, for commercial buildings, and in conservation areas where the council has made an Article 4 direction. In those cases we advise you to check with the local planning team in Clerkenwell before ordering, and we can help with the details they ask for.
What if my home is listed?
Changing the windows or doors of a listed building normally needs listed building consent, even when the new ones look similar. Doing the work without consent is a criminal offence. Councils often expect repair rather than replacement, or slim double glazing in timber frames that match the originals. Tell us at the survey if your home is listed, and speak to the conservation officer before we take anything further.
Where is safety glass required?
Building Regulations require safety glass in critical locations where people could walk into the glass. That includes glazing in doors and in side panels close to a door, and glazing in windows that sits low to the floor. Toughened or laminated glass is used in these places. Our surveyor checks every opening and specifies safety glass wherever it is needed, so you do not have to work it out yourself.
Guarantees and aftercare
What guarantee do I get?
Our installations come with a 10-year guarantee. The guarantee covers the frames, sealed units, hardware and our workmanship, and the documents are handed to you once the job is finished. Full details are on our accreditations page.
What should I do if something goes wrong after fitting?
Call us or send a message with a photo and a short description of the problem. Most issues, such as a stiff handle or a door that needs adjusting, are quick to put right on a single visit. If a fault is covered by the guarantee, there is no charge for the repair. Please do not let another company alter the windows, as this can affect your cover.
How do I look after new windows and doors?
Wash uPVC and aluminium frames with warm soapy water a few times a year and avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents. Keep drainage slots at the bottom of the frames clear, and put a drop of light oil on hinges and locking points once a year. Timber frames need recoating every few years. Opening trickle vents helps keep condensation down in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.
