misser Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 hi all thinking about getting new upvc windows.. anyone any idea on who is good and who is not so good in the west lancs area....one man band outfit or one of the biggies ie anglian/safestyle/everest etc...don't know owt about windows so all comments appreciated thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Don't use Safestyle - their after installation support is bad at best, and apparently their salespeople are rude / manipulative / dishonest. As you say, I'd try and find a local small outfit with some pride in their work. Can't help you with specifics I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmfrank Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Don't use Safestyle - their after installation support is bad at best, and apparently their salespeople are rude / manipulative / dishonest. As you say, I'd try and find a local small outfit with some pride in their work. Can't help you with specifics I'm afraid. +1 there **** , local firm best idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricko Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 Where in West Lancashire are you? I had a couple of windows fitted by a builder from Ormskirk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted January 3, 2014 Report Share Posted January 3, 2014 My family and friends use a company just outside Bolton. They are the cheapest, but also the best we have come across. They have put windows in for me, windows for my youngest, doors and windows for next door neighbour and probably 30 windows and a door for my eldest - he owns a couple of children's nurseries. PM me if you want a contact number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Some windows are externally beaded and some are internally beaded. Whoever you use make sure that the windows that you get are internally beaded. This is very important from a security point of view because the externally beaded ones are dead simple to remove the glass panels from. You just use a knife or similar prise the bead out and remove the whole glass panel. Example. A neighbour’s house had a window fault and got onto the supplier who came out and measured it all up and made arrangements for a fitter to come out to replace the window unit. When the fitter came out to fit the window the people were not there for some reason so the fitter popped out the bead replaced the glass cell unit put the bead back in and left a card though the door. He was on site about half an hour max. After I had seen this I was more aware of this potential problem and when we went to have all of our windows replaced some companies were selling either inside or outside beading. When questioned about outside beading the sales people said that no one had ever heard of a window being removed and that’s what they sold. After seeing how easy that fitter removed that window we went for the internally beaded option 100%. Perhaps they’re all internally beaded now but it is worth checking it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Well, you might think after so long in the business I could tell you straight off living in Lancashire also. Thing is I just cannot as far as the names go, I have seen appallingly bad jobs from most- normally its a fitter issue though the difference between a real good company and a bad one is after sales and the individual fitter / surveyor. To many big companies you are just a number to many small ones a potential loss of money if things go bad. Of the big companies Everest have the best reputation you wont pay twice but you will pay twice as much (so its chicken and egg) an their after sales is generally ok. Safestyle I shouldn't go near with a long pole not very nice people lets just say. Lancashire double glazing have some history behind them now but don't even know who owns / runs the company today. Forget the hype on product. Veka, rehau or profile22 are all decent and you should in all honesty look more to who fits it. If you PM me a more precise location and what your after I could maybe but you in touch with someone smaller and trusted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE AD Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Iv'e took a lot of anglian stuff keep clear,safestyle keep clear everest are good frames but as said it depends on the fitter,getting a bad name now and will cost you three times as much as a local company. Knock on a few doors in your street and ask who they had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delburt0 Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Just replaced my landing widow due to a broken hinge it was cheaper to replace window, my freind whose a joiner but fits windows measured it up, ordered it and we both fitted it £140.00 for the window sill and glass, £6.00 for 2 tubes of brown silicone. It's not rocket science if you no any one that fits them measure them up and cut the middle man out.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricko Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 (edited) It's a bit harder with sash windows, the internal aperture is larger than the external one, due to the boxed in sash weights. You need to build it up either with bricks and mortar or timber. Edited January 4, 2014 by ricko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynny Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Wirral glazing, on the Wirral, I use them as one of my subbies, all the lads are nvq/ city and guilds qualified, 10 year fensa guarantee, they do a lot of commercial work for myself but also have a domestic side. They specialise it UPVC,aluminium and are specialist glazers, They are a hell of a lot cheaper than Everest etc and aren't just men with a van who fit windows if you know what i mean Google them, Atb Flynny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE AD Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Just replaced my landing widow due to a broken hinge it was cheaper to replace window, my freind whose a joiner but fits windows measured it up, ordered it and we both fitted it £140.00 for the window sill and glass, £6.00 for 2 tubes of brown silicone. It's not rocket science if you no any one that fits them measure them up and cut the middle man out.. That don't add up £140.00 for new window and about ten quid tops for hinges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Potter Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Had all windows and doors replaced just before Christmas by a company local to me in Warrington ( used to be West Lancashire before the boundary changes about 40 years ago) Company is called Stirling and are based in Warrington, they both manufacture and install, very good quality products and IMHO exceptional value for money. Highly recommended, just google them for contact details. Mr Potter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88b Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 That don't add up £140.00 for new window and about ten quid tops for hinges I got ripped off at £60 for a pair then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 4, 2014 Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Gosh and I thought it was the salesman that was suspected of being full of BS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 Wirral glazing, on the Wirral, I use them as one of my subbies, all the lads are nvq/ city and guilds qualified, 10 year fensa guarantee. Atb Flynny Nvq in fitting plastic windows ?? Does that exist ? As far as I'm aware theirs not a single course in any trade where they teach fitting windows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 Wirral glazing, on the Wirral, I use them as one of my subbies, all the lads are nvq/ city and guilds qualified, 10 year fensa guarantee. Atb Flynny Nvq in fitting plastic windows ?? Does that exist ? As far as I'm aware theirs not a single course in any trade where they teach fitting windows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 Nvq in fitting plastic windows ?? Does that exist ? As far as I'm aware theirs not a single course in any trade where they teach fitting windows Yes it does....NVQ in Fenestration Installation. I have dealt with 100's of different window installers and fabricators over the years and I would advise you to get several quotes, the prices can vary enormously depending on the section fabrication, glass specification etc etc. If your windows are sash windows they will be more expensive than casement windows for example and not all companies who install casement windows in UPVC are proficient in sash window fabrication. Fensa registration for your installer is important in as much as it ensures they install a product which is compliant with the requirements of the Building Regulations and is a home owners self certification scheme. They wont generally be concerned if you have problems with the installer, ie delivery, programme, payment workmanship etc..so testimony from previous customers is always advisable. Might be a good idea to take basic measurements and sketch the configuration of the windows..(or photos) and send them to several companies in your area for an initial quote..they will always take a full survey before fabrication and installation in any event but it will be sufficient to get a quote. Some companies might be reluctant to do this as they rely on their salesman to get their foot in the door and pressure sell on first visit and start quoting all sorts of bogus discounts. ( then when negotiations start to stall,they will ring the office and suddenly a further 25% will miraculously appear.) There can occasionally be problems with internally beaded windows with driving rain finding its way past the weakest part of the neoprene seal, This is not a problem with externally beaded windows and there is no security risk generally as with modern glazing techniques panes are adhered to the internal frame rebates with double sided security tape and present no security problems. Even if you unclip the beads the pane cant be removed without smashing it. I wouldn't worry too much if your supplier offers you externally beaded windows therefore but obviously discuss this with them. Glass specifications for fenestration in respect of heat retention, reflection and general thermal and acoustic properties have moved on so much in recent years it might be worth your while considering triple glazing and making the units future proof...you will only have them installed once so the relatively small extra cost of the extra pane will be money well spent. Small Independent companies are best in my experience and I would be tempted to avoid larger companies who don't retain their own fitters and rely purely on subcontract fitters ....some of these are very good, don't get me wrong..but they work to a price and some couldn't give a stuff about the installation standards. Finally make sure you have access to the terms and conditions of any insurance backed guarantees before deciding which way you go and parting with any cash. many are not worth the paper they are written on and give you zero protection if the installer goes into liquidation. Also ask to see a sample of the section fabrication before committing...many have been disappointed with the final section size after installation. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polester Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/qualifications/database/iq-level-2-nvq-diploma-in-fenestration-installation-qcf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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