How to buy aluminium double glazed windows online:
How to buy aluminium double glazed windows online: We’ll guide you on how to buy aluminium double glazed windows online, including what to look for in terms of quality, pricing, and supplier reputation.
Are you considering upgrading your home with aluminium double glazed windows?
Shopping for these windows online can offer great deals and convenience, but there are some key factors to keep in mind to ensure you make the right decision.
Whether you’re new to online shopping for home improvements or just want to find the best options for aluminium windows, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from the first enquiry until your aluminium windows are fitted.
Looking for something in a rush? Jump ahead:
- Safe to order online?
- Measuring your windows
- Decide on supply only or fully fitted
- Choose well-known brands
- Delivery times
- FAQs
Is It Safe to Order Aluminium Double Glazed Windows Online?
Absolutely!
Buying aluminium double glazed windows online is a common practice, and as long as you take some basic precautions, it can be just as safe as buying from a showroom or in person.
However, the online market is vast, and it’s essential to navigate it wisely to avoid falling into traps such as low-quality products, hidden fees, or unreliable sellers.
By sticking to established practices and knowing what to look for, you can confidently order windows online.
Here’s how to ensure your purchase is safe and hassle-free.
Choose a Reputable Company
This is the most critical aspect of buying aluminium windows online.
Make sure you choose a well-established, trusted company that has a solid reputation for delivering quality products.
But how do you know if a company is reputable?
- Check reviews and testimonials: Customer reviews are one of the best indicators of a company’s reliability. Use trusted platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or other independent review sites. Look for companies with a long history of positive reviews and satisfied customers. Pay attention to how recent the reviews are and if there’s a consistent track record of good service and product quality.
At GFD Homes we know how important this is and have strived to satisfy the nation for the last 14 years as can be seen by our array of fantastic reviews.
- Look for industry certifications: Reputable companies often display industry certifications that demonstrate their commitment to quality and industry standards. For example, a certification from FENSA (the UK’s leading glazing certification scheme) can reassure you that the company meets legal standards for quality and safety.
- Verify their online presence: A strong online presence with a detailed, professional website is usually a good sign. Make sure the company lists clear contact details, such as a physical address and customer service phone number. If the company lacks transparency or has very limited online information, proceed with caution.
Beware of Red Flags
Unfortunately, not all online companies have your best interests at heart.
While many are trustworthy, some might be selling low-quality windows or could even be scams.
Be mindful of certain red flags when searching for your aluminium windows.
- New companies with few reviews: While not all new companies are bad, it’s wise to be cautious of businesses that have just popped up and have little to no customer feedback. It’s harder to judge their reliability, and you could be at risk of receiving subpar products or services.
- Aggressive marketing or suspicious ads: A company that bombards you with aggressive social media ads—especially Facebook ads—could be putting all its effort into sales tactics without much concern for quality. Sometimes these businesses focus on gaining quick profits and may cut corners when it comes to delivering a quality product.
- Unclear terms and conditions: If a company’s return policy or warranty information is unclear or difficult to find, this is a red flag. Make sure you understand the terms of your purchase before completing it. A trustworthy company should have transparent policies regarding returns, warranties, and delivery. At GFD Homes we offer a 10 year guarantee on the majority of our products, giving you peace of mind long after your purchase.
Measure Your Windows and Have Sizes Ready
Accurate measurements are essential when ordering aluminium windows online.
Unlike buying from a physical store where you can discuss your needs in person, online retailers rely on you to provide the correct dimensions.
Getting this step wrong could lead to costly mistakes, as the windows might not fit properly.
How to Measure Your Windows:
- Measure the height and width: Using a tape measure, measure the width of the window opening at three points: top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest of the three measurements as the width. For the height, measure from the top of the window opening to the windowsill at three points, and again, use the smallest measurement.
- Double-check for accuracy: Even a small measurement error can lead to problems. It’s a good idea to measure twice or have a professional double-check the dimensions.
- Consider professional help: If you’re not confident in taking measurements yourself, hire a local professional to do it for you. Many window companies also offer measurement services for a fee or as part of their package.
Decide on Supply Only or Fully Fitted
One of the decisions you’ll need to make when buying aluminium windows online is whether you want supply-only or fully fitted windows. Here’s what each option entails:
- Supply Only: With supply only, you are essentially buying the windows, and it’s up to you to arrange the installation. This is a great cost-effective option if you consider yourself handy around the house or if you’re already friendly with a trusted local contractor. As it requires more effort on your part, it’s important to be mindful of any issues that could arise during installation.
- Fully Fitted: This option includes both the supply and installation of the windows. It’s generally more expensive but is a hassle-free option for homeowners who want everything handled professionally. The installation is typically guaranteed, meaning if there are any issues, the supplier is responsible for fixing them.
Choose Well-Known Brands of Aluminium Double Glazed Windows Only
Brand reputation matters when it comes to buying aluminium double glazed windows.
Some brands have built their reputation over decades by delivering high-quality, durable windows.
Sticking to these well-known names can give you peace of mind that you’re investing in a long-lasting product.
Popular brands in the UK include:
- Smart Systems: Known for their sleek and modern window designs, Smart Systems offer aluminium windows that are both durable and energy efficient.
- Reynaers: This brand is famous for combining aesthetics with performance. Their aluminium windows are widely praised for their quality and longevity.
Check the Delivery Time Meets Your Needs
Delivery times for aluminium windows can vary depending on the supplier and the specific product.
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest deal, long delivery times can sometimes be problematic, especially if you’re on a tight renovation schedule.
Tips for Managing Delivery:
- Confirm the estimated delivery date: Make sure you’re fully aware of the expected delivery time before placing your order. Many companies provide a delivery time range—ensure it fits with your project timeline.
- Factor in potential delays: While most reputable companies stick to their delivery schedules, unforeseen delays can occur. It’s a good idea to plan for a little extra time just in case.
- Check delivery costs: Don’t forget to check if delivery is included in the price or if there’s an additional fee. Sometimes, the cheapest options have hidden delivery fees that can significantly increase the overall cost.
Secure aluminium double glazed windows easily with GFD Homes!
Buying aluminium double glazed windows online can be a fantastic way to enhance your home’s look and performance.
By choosing a reputable company, avoiding red flags, and ensuring accurate measurements, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re getting a top-quality product.
For more information on the benefits of aluminium windows, you can call our expert team on 01642 309 576 or book a visit to our Teesside showroom.
Popular FAQs about Aluminium Double Glazed Windows
Are aluminium double glazed windows good?
Yes, aluminium double glazed windows are excellent for homeowners who want a combination of style, performance, and longevity.
Aluminium is a strong material that can support larger panes of glass, which means more natural light in your home.
In addition to being energy efficient, aluminium windows are low maintenance, resistant to rust, and have a sleek modern appearance that complements many home designs.
Can existing aluminium windows be double glazed?
You can retrofit existing aluminium window frames with double glazing in many cases, as long as the frames are in good condition.
Retrofitting is a great option if you’re looking to improve the insulation and energy efficiency of your home without replacing the entire window.
However, it’s worth consulting with a professional to assess whether your current windows are suitable for retrofitting.
Who makes the best aluminium windows in the UK?
The UK has several top-tier manufacturers of aluminium windows, each offering different advantages:
- Smart Systems is renowned for its energy-efficient windows with slim profiles, allowing for larger glass areas.
- Reynaers is well-regarded for its premium finishes and performance in both residential and commercial applications.
- Schüco windows are known for their high thermal efficiency and sleek design options.
Is aluminium double glazing better than UPVC?
While both aluminium and UPVC windows have their advantages, aluminium is generally seen as the superior choice in terms of durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
Aluminium frames are stronger and can support larger panes of glass, offering a more modern look with thinner frames.
Additionally, aluminium is fully recyclable, making it more eco-friendly than UPVC.
On the other hand, UPVC is usually cheaper, so if cost is your primary concern, it might be worth considering.
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