FAQs
Condensation and Glass
Q Will I still get condensation when my new windows are installed?
A. When double glazing is installed it dramatically reduces the instances of condensation, but in some situations there is the possibility that it can still occur. It is important to remember that ventilation is a key factor in reducing condensation by making sure there is a proper airflow into the home.
Q. What is K glass?
A. K Glass is a type of glass which is different to standard glass, and is coated with a special cover on one of the panes to make the sealed unit more energy efficient. K Glass is a brand name which is perhaps the most widely known, however there are many other glass ‘coatings’ which can be used. The use of these coats became part of the building regulations in 2001.
Q. What are Gas filled units?
A. Gas filled units are another means of achieving a better thermal performance on the sealed ‘double glazed’ units in your windows. The gas is inert and not dangerous in any way. The use of this kind of sealed unit does cost a premium.
Q. If I have a broken sealed unit do they take the whole window out?
A. No. If you have a broken sealed unit then only the unit needs to be removed. The installation company or maintenance department of your housing office will remove the glazing beads, replace the broken sealed unit with a new one, and replace the beads making the window as good as new again.
Installation and future maintenance
Q. How long will the installation take?
A. Generally speaking the installation process for windows and doors should be started and completed on the same day leaving your property safe and secure. There are some instances when it may take more than one day depending upon the scale of the works, but you should seek confirmation of this from your TLO prior to the works starting.
Q. Will I be shown how to open and close my new windows when they have been installed?
A. The site supervisor or your Tenant Liaison Officer should show you how to safely operate all of your new products. If this is not done then you should make a point of asking them to do so. Many of the locking mechanisms on your new windows and doors will be different to what you have previously had, and it is important that you know how they work.
Q. Who is responsible for decoration/wallpaper?
A. Your housing body will agree with you prior to the commencement of your scheme whether there is a decorating allowance built into the works. Generally speaking it depends upon what works are being done to your home. If it is purely a window and door contract then there is no reason why decorating should be disturbed beyond the immediate perimeter of the window or door to be replaced, and this will be ‘made good’ or covered as a part of the installation process.
Q. What should I use to clean my PVC-U windows and doors?
A. Generally it is recommended that you use a warm soapy water to clean your new windows and doors and do not use any abrasive cream cleaners on the product.
Q. If the locking mechanisms become stiff over a period of time what should I use to free them up?
A. Despite popular opinion, it is not generally recommended to us a ‘WD40’ type of product for releasing stiff locking mechanisms or hinges on window and door products. A ‘3 in 1’ oil type product is much more suitable as a rule.
Q. What happens if I lose the keys?
A. If you lose your keys for your windows your area housing office will likely have spare sets which they will have been given as a part of the contract. Window keys are of a common type within your house so even if you lose one or two, you should have more than enough to go round. However, if you lose your door keys, you will need to report this to your housing office immediately, and they will need to arrange for the door locks to be changed and new keys issued. All door keys are completely unique in their design and no two are alike.
Specification and making the right choices for you
Q. Will my new windows be secure against intrusion?
A. Subject to the specification agreed with your housing body (see ‘Benefits’ on the main menu of this site), your new windows and doors should meet the most exacting British Standards for resistance to intrusion. The two main standards are BS7950 for windows, and PAS23/24 for doors.
Q. Will I be able to get out in the event of a fire?
A. Fire Egress is a main consideration when laying down any specification, and you should make sure that this is included by your housing body. There are a number of ways of achieving this, by the use of ‘Egress Hinges’ or by the design of the window itself, or by the choice of a window such as a tilt and turn. Details of all of the window options available are in the ‘What type of windows are there?’ section in the main menu.
Q. Do I need to have a ventilator fitted to my window?
A. The Building Regulations generally dictate when ventilators are required, and they state that it is particularly appropriate in newbuild applications. In refurbishment the general rule is that ‘the ventilation should be no worse than what is taken out’, however, it is good practice for ventilation to be included as a part of the new window specification (see notes on condensation above). Many people do not like them and often try to seal them up, however this is not recommended as they do play an important part in the ‘wellbeing’ of your property.
Q. Will my new windows and doors be suitable for people with disabilities?
A. PVC-U windows and doors can be made suitable for use in disabled adaptation environments. Part M of the building regulations covers access, and PVC-U doors can be made to accommodate a suitable low level threshold, and be made to widths which allow wheelchair access. PVC-U windows can be fitted with a range of hardware to suit the elderly or infirm, or people with disabilities, and you should discuss this with your supplier.
Q. What are composite doors?
A. Composite Doors are a ‘new’ kind of door related to the type of PVC-U doors which have been fitted for many years. They tend to be of a more ‘traditional’ design than PVC-U doors and come in a range of colours. Generally speaking your housing body will work with you to choose a range of doors and a range of colours suitable for front and rear door applications which will form part of the tenant choice options on your schemes.
Q. Is there any reason why we can’t have tenant's choice on window styles as well as door styles?
A. Tenant’s choice on window styles is much more complicated than on door styles because of the complexities of the building regulation requirements. These regulations, which are law, dictate a number of areas which need to be complied with, for example the need for Egress in the case of fire (which affects the design options). It is a complicated subject and can on occasion mean that you might not be able to get exactly the style of window you might ideally want. However, in discussions with your housing body you will be able to look at all the options available and consider all the relevant facts.
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