PVCu Guarantees – How to tell the Good from the Bad.

When you buy replacement uPVC windows, upVC conservatories or upvc doors  you are likely to be offered a 'guarantee' or 'warranty'. Sounds great. But are they worth the paper they´re written on – and how do you tell?

Paramount Home Improvements takes its obligations very seriously and we abide by a very strict code of conduct issued by the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) and install our upvc window products to FENSA and BSI standards.

However, not all upvc window companies are the same, before you consider buying, check out what a guarantee means.....

Here are some questions to ask – click to discover the answers you´re looking for.

1. What is a guarantee? 
2. What is a warranty? 
3. What legal protection do I get? 
4. What guarantees should I look for?
5. What are my legal rights? 
6. Should I consider choosing a GGF installer?
7. What is "FENSA"?

A1. What is a guarantee?

---

According to Trading Standards "a guarantee is normally provided free of charge at the time you buy the goods or services. A guarantee is considered in law to be an agreement to provide some benefit for a set period of time in the event of the goods or services being defective. Usually, the guarantee undertakes to carry out free repairs for problems that can be attributed to manufacturing defects. Manufacturers are not legally obliged to provide you with a guarantee, but if they do, it must be in plain English and clearly explain how to make a claim."

A2. What is a warranty?

---

According to Trading Standards "a warranty provides the same sort of cover that a guarantee does, but often you have to pay extra for it. Effectively, these sorts of warranties are insurance policies, issued by and underwritten by insurance companies. Just to confuse matters, these can sometimes be known as 'extended guarantees' or 'extended warranties'!"

A3. What legal protection do I get?

---

Warranties and guarantees are both contracts. They give you the right to make a legal claim against the person issuing them. This means that if the manufacturer refuses to honour the warranty or guarantee, you can take them to court to force them to meet their promises.

However, it is important to remember that both warranties and guarantees are in addition to your statutory rights under either the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) or the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (as amended). If you have problems with goods or services, it is best to go back to the company from which you bought them, as the law considers them to be responsible for any problems under their contract with you.

There´s plenty more information on http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/

A4. What guarantees should I look for?

---

Window installers usually offer guarantees with their work but make sure you check what is and what isn't included. Also, you may get a 10 year guarantee but what happens if the contractor goes out of business? You may feel more secure with an insurance-backed guarantee as this avoids the problem; if so check the small print to see what it actually covers. Alternatively opt for a well-known company with a strong heritage.
Perhaps the best guarantee schemes cover completion of work should the contractor go out of business – and these are offered by trade associations such as the GGF.

A5. What are my legal rights?

---

The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, means you should expect work to be carried out with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost. If the contractor supplies materials – such as the windows themselves – they must be of satisfactory quality and fit for the purpose for which they are intended. Make sure you have a written agreement with the installer – as it is easier to enforce your rights this way.

A6. Should I consider choosing a GGF installer?

---

It is always worth choosing a GGF installer. The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the recognised authority for the UK window installers. There is a GGF member in almost every UK town. All GGF members are vetted for quality of service and work to A Code of Good Practice and to the Technical Standards laid out in the Federation's Glazing Manual.

The GGF also has a Customer charter that offers consumers:  

• advice on where to buy
• advice on what to buy
• safeguarding of purchases
• quality service at all times
• continued customer care

Critically all deposits placed with GGF Members are protected by an indemnity scheme, backed by CGNU, which safeguards deposits up to £3,000 or 25% of the contract price, whichever is lower.
Discover more at http://www.ggf.co.uk/

A7. What is "FENSA"?

---

FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self–Assessment Scheme. It was set up by the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) and is backed by the Government. Approved suppliers will guarantee to meet new Building Regulations for England and Wales that were introduced on 1 April 2002. This means that when you have windows and doors replaced you must ensure that you get a certificate from Local Authority Building Control or have the work completed by a FENSA Registered Company.

But what is FENSA:

• FENSA is a government backed self assessment scheme applicable in England & Wales
• To join the FENSA scheme, window companies must adhere to statutory regulations and offer products that comply with Building Regulations Part L which governs energy efficiency standards. FENSA registered installers also review compliance with building regulations
• Installers will provide a third-party warranty to you
• Occasional and random inspections are carried out by FENSA at installations
• Installers inform FENSA of every installation they carry out and this information is stored on a central database

Discover more at http://www.fensa.co.uk/