Harry works for a FENSA Approved installation company. He's on a mission to help professionalise installers and protect homeowners across the UK, so he started this advice column.
So, your FENSA fitters have come round, done a grand job and you're really quite happy. So now what else could be useful to remember?
Well let's remember windows look best when they are clean. It sounds obvious, but many of us get our lovely windows put in, and then for some reason we don't keep them as clean as we could, and they don't look quite as impressive as they should. I am of course speaking from experience here, as our back doors to the garden look a million times better once the muddy dog foot prints have been removed. We crack out the window cleaner, and after some hard work and lots of elbow grease, it's like having our doors replaced - they look like new again.
Window cleaners are great if you can afford them. They come round on a regular basis and do a fantastic job. It's also worth remembering that many of them are highly competitive with their pricing too, they are good value for money.Just think how many times you have had your windows cleaned and you walk into the room and you notice it immediately. A clean window can have a big impact.
One key thing to remember about cleaning your windows is, if they are skylights - don't climb on your tiles just to clean them. Get the step ladders out and do them from the inside. Don't even let the window cleaner have a go at them unless he can get at them without climbing on your tiles. You don't want broken tiles that need replacing.
Oh one other thing, if you have really clean windows, watch out for wildlife, particularly birds, flying into them. It can get a little messy!
With FENSA windows, you won't have to do much maintenance. FENSA certificates ensure that the windows you're getting meet high performance standards. Not only that, modern windows are durable options for your home. Because of this, you won't have to carry out any extensive cleaning for years to come.
For example, you won't have to repaint these windows. In many cases, you'll have uPVC or aluminium windows, both of which are fully weatherproof. As a result, the frames won't crack, twist or warp over time in even the worst conditions. Your frames, then, will keep their shape. However, they won't fade, scratch or discolour either, meaning the shade of your windows will glow for decades.
FENSA windows can also give you peace of mind. You'll get robust hardware inside these new windows along with long-lasting materials. Your frames and glazing will protect the components in your window from the weather, meaning no rust or wear. As a result, you can rely on your windows to continue performing. Your security hardware in particular will be able to keep you safe from burglars and intruders for a long time to come.
Insurance backed guarantees are a vital thing to look for in windows. With a guarantee, you won't lose out in case any part of your window doesn't perform at its best. If you get a poor installation, or components inside the window fail after only a few short years, you can make a claim. Insurance backed guarantees are what separates trustworthy installers from the rest. It's always good to look for comprehensive cover.
Because FENSA windows are low-maintenance designs, you shouldn't need to make a claim against them. But, if these windows don't perform at their best, you'll be covered. FENSA windows come with insurance against several elements of the design. As a result, if issues affect your designs over time, you can make a claim and potentially replace them with the installer you got them from.
With a FENSA fitter, you get the option of a 5-10 year insurance backed guarantee on every installation. That means even if the installation company ceases to trade, the policy underwriters will consider claims under the terms of the original guaranteefor the remaining period. For example, if a tradesman provides you with a 10 year Insurance Backed Guarantee and then, for whatever reason, ceases to trade after 5 years, you could still submit a claim within the remaining 5 years should a fault occur on the installation.
Finally, make sure you keep hold of your FENSA certificate, if you find yourself selling your home, you will need this to prove that all work carried out, meets the building regulations and standards. That being said, if you have lost your certificate, you can always reorder.
FENSA windows give you the insurance you need to make a long-lasting investment in your home.
If you'd like to find out more, or install new windows today, search through our site for all the advice and certificates you could ever need.
Also, you can find an installer with us online - search through our site to find trusted local installers in your area that make getting FENSA windows easy!
Check that you use a FENSA Approved Installer but also check the following: