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Answering your questions about our products and service

We’re sure you have plenty of questions to ask, especially if you are just starting out with your home improvement project.

We’re always happy to talk to you in person, whether that’s over the phone, by email or in person at our showroom. However, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked queries here to give you the best possible head start.

Window Questions

How do I get a quotation?

Most of our customers invite us to their home for us to take some measurements and discuss their ideas. The people who come to see you are all salaried, which means that we don’t pay commission giving them no incentive to outstay their welcome. We have never cold called for business and never employed any pressure tactics of any kind.

Our focus has always been on manufacturing and installing the best products, which means we don’t usually need to convince our customers to buy them! Quotations can be sent out by email or post and usually arrive within a day or two.

What is your lead time if I decide to place an order?

Our usual lead time is 4-6 weeks from the day you place your order, although we are sometimes able to install products sooner than that.

If you are looking to have the work done quicker than our usual 4-6 weeks, give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you.

Do you have a showroom?

Yes, we have a comprehensive showroom in Hazel Grove, Stockport. We have a wide selection of window colours and styles on display, as well as over 50 doors and a couple of conservatories. There is plenty of free parking and a small play area for children, too.

Do you employ your own window installers?

Yes, all of the teams that install our windows and doors are time-served joiners who work for us. None of our window and door installations are sub-contracted.

What is the energy rating of your windows?

Our windows are available as both A rated and C rated. The difference between the two is minimal, usually just a difference in the spacer bar, with A rated windows having a warm edge spacer bar and C rated having an aluminium spacer bar.

Sometimes there are other small differences which we can talk you through when we have prepared your quotation.

Door Questions

Do your windows come with a guarantee?

Yes, all of the Kömmerling windows that we make here are covered by our Unique Lifetime Warranty. This means that for the length of time that you own the property, the window is guaranteed.

This includes the frame, locks and double glazed units. If we install a window that we haven’t manufactured, for example a sliding sash window, then the product is covered by a 10 year guarantee.

Will I need scaffolding?

It is very unusual to require scaffolding to install uPVC windows and doors because they are installed from the inside.

When it comes to roofline products, it is more common to require scaffolding due to the nature of the work. We will advise you if scaffolding is necessary and provide a quotation for it along with the quotation for the work itself.

Do I need planning permission?

If you are considering any kind of home improvement project it is always best to contact your local authority to see whether or not you need planning permission.

When it comes to replacing your windows with double glazing, you shouldn’t need planning permission as long as the appearance of the replacement windows is in keeping with the style of the property. There are, however, a few exceptions:

  • Buildings in a conservation area
  • Listed buildings
  • Buildings under an Article 4 Directive
  • Windows in shared buildings, for example apartments
Can I paint my uPVC windows?

uPVC paints do exist, but we wouldn’t recommend doing it as it doesn’t look particularly good. If you do decide to go ahead and paint them, then uPVC primers make it easier to paint onto the uPVC.

Do bear in mind, though, that once they have been painted it is almost impossible to return them to their original colour. Please also note that painting your window frames would invalidate your warranty with us.

Do you install Velux windows?

No, we don’t install Velux windows or Velux-style windows.

Conservatory Questions

Why does my double glazing suffer from condensation?

This all depends on where the condensation is forming. If the condensation is inside the unit, then this is likely to be down to a fault with the double glazed unit itself – usually the seal – and the unit will need to be replaced.

If the condensation is on the inside of the unit, it is probably caused by poor ventilation. For example, if you don’t have an extractor fan in the bathroom then moisture in the air from the bath or shower can settle on the glass as condensation.

Opening the window will usually reduce the condensation.

If the condensation you are experiencing is on the outside of your window, it means that the low emissivity glass is doing a good job of keeping the heat in your home, meaning that the outer pane of glass is cooler than the air outside. With single glazing or older double glazing, the glass units aren’t as effective at keeping the warmth in, which results in the outer pane being warmer and less susceptible to condensation.

Outside condensation is more likely in Spring and Autumn when we have clear nights and the temperature can drop quite quickly overnight, resulting in the dew-point being reached very quickly and condensation forming on the outside pane. The dew point varies depending on the outdoor temperature and the amount of moisture in the air.

You may also notice that not all of the panes in your home are affected in equal ways by early morning condensation.

This is because even subtle differences in the orientation and the position of objects outside the window can change the surface temperature of the glass to the point that one pane suffers and another does not. Any object, for example an overhang, a canopy or a tree, blocking off the window to a clear night sky may also have an effect. There is not a great deal that can be done to avoid the risk of condensation forming on the outside.

Turning the heating up more would have an effect but is understandably not a great option. Outside condensation does not often last long and soon disappears once the sun has risen and warms up the outer pane.

Do your products and services come with a guarantee?

We trust our products and take pride in our workmanship. For our customers’ peace of mind, we’re pleased to provide a guarantee with the majority of our products and services.

All of our Kömmerling windows are covered by our unique Lifetime Warranty. This means that for the length of time that you, the original customer, remain in ownership of the installation address, we will replace or repair any Kömmerling windows which prove defective due to yellowing, faulty workmanship, faulty materials or corrosion. Naturally, this guarantee does not cover accidental damage or natural weathering and tarnishing of furniture, but does include locking mechanisms, hinges and double glazed units.

The following products are not covered by our Lifetime Warranty but still benefit from a fully transferrable 10-year guarantee: aluminium bifolds, inline patio doors, composite doors (Solidor, Residor, Rockdoor), Scotdoor timber doors, vertical sliding sash windows, The Residence Collection casement windows, conservatory roofs (glass and polycarbonate), Guardian Warm Roofs and composite garden studios.

All building work enjoys a full 10-year warranty.

Also, if you move house within 10 years of the installation, you can choose to transfer the balance of the 10 year period to the purchaser of your home. You can do this by simply sending us their details in writing, quoting your contract number. An administration fee will apply to change the details.

Due to their nature, encapsulated units, plumbing, integral blinds and all electrical work have a 12-month guarantee.

Looking for advice?

Call us on 0800 954 2500

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