UPVC windows - is there anything I need to ask/know?

[MrsS01]

anyone?

Quality! Finish, locks, seals, fading, garantees (you must have a 10 yr), glass types ( there are many types of glass like energy efficient, self cleaning etc).

I love these coloured aluminium windows now - usually in a grey.

Ask if the frames are UV(ultra violet) stable which reprevents them from discolouring in sunlight, this is rarely a problem with white frames but some of the brown wood effect frames can fade quite quickly if they are not UV stable.

Another thing to look for is whether the glass is inserted from the outside or the inside, the normal method for domestic households is to have the glass inserted from the inside so as the glass retaining strips cannot be removed from the outside by someone trying to get into the building, this is important for security and may have an effect on your house insurance.

I think you need to determine what look you want - I've found glass companies are not designers so you have to figure the look yourself. I've spent lots of time looking at replacement windows - some appear quite ugly and it seems to depend on the quality and if the UPVC is flush - i.e dummy sashs. Work out what type of openings you require and if you have the measurements lots of sites give you a costing option. All companies should be FENSA to protect your cash. Try quite a few companies, local small'ish well established companies would be my preference rather than large national companies.