One in 10 people had problems with the installation of double glazing, according to our survey of more than 3,000 people who bought double glazed windows or doors in the past 10 years.
Doors and windows becoming difficult to open and close is the post-installation issue that plagues the most people, followed by the windows or doors dropping in the frame so they don’t fit as well.
Overall, a third of people in our survey also said they have had their double glazing repaired since they bought it.
Keep reading to know the issues you should look out for if you’re buying double glazing including common delivery disasters, and what you can do to help avoid them.
Before you buy, see the best double glazing brands and whether you should pick an independent glazier.
Double glazing issues to watch out for
It’s reassuring to know that nearly three quarters of people who bought double glazing in our survey had no problems with buying it, or since it was installed.
But it’s still worth knowing that, while double glazing doesn’t have the best reputation for sales, this was the least-common issue in our survey. Problems post-installation were far more widespread:
- 18% had problems after their double glazing was installed
- 10% had problems with installation
- 4% had problems with delivery
- 2% had problems with purchase
Double glazing problems: stiff windows, condensation and broken locks
Once you have bought your double glazing, and had it delivered and installed, you should be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the comfort of your new windows or doors. But problems since installation have plagued 18% of people who bought their double glazing in the past 10 years, according to our survey.
The most common are:
Many companies supply double glazing with a 10-year guarantee. So contact them if your double glazing develops a fault while it is still covered. If it is outside its guarantee you may still be able to get the company to mend it for a fee.
While some problems can’t be fixed without a glazier, doors and windows becoming difficult to open or close can be because the mechanism gets stiff over time, which is a problem that you might be able to easily fix yourself. Try oiling the mechanism, hinges, handles or where the doors of hinges pass the frame to see if that helps.
Adjusting screws to tighten hinges or mechanisms is also worth trying. But if you think these need replacing instead, contact the company you bought your window or door from.
Three quarters of those whose windows or doors became difficult to open or close in our survey managed to get the problem fixed.
See our full troubleshooting guide on double glazing repairs and maintenance.
Double glazing installation issues
The best double glazing firms are highly rated for the quality of their installations, and for leaving your home clean and tidy afterwards. The top installation problems people faced were:
- 27% – Windows didn’t fit as well as they should
- 25% – Installation took longer than planned
- 20% – Panes or parts were in the wrong position
- 18% – Work started later than planned
- 15% – Installers left a mess in home
Other problems included installers causing damage inside the home, and frames or glass being scratched or damaged.
You should raise all problems with your double glazing company in the first place and ask it to sort them out. Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 are that any double glazing installation should be done with ‘reasonable care and skill’, be made with materials that are ‘of satisfactory quality’ and ‘fit for their purpose’ and be ‘as described’.
Know your rights when buying double glazing, including what to do if something goes wrong.
Double glazing delivery disasters
Getting the wrong glass or parts was the most common issue among the 4% who said they had a problem with the delivery of their double glazing. This happened to 47% of them. Some 26% said parts were missing from their delivery.
People in our survey told us:
‘Sent incorrect size of glass for one of the frames.’
‘Delivery was promised on three occasions but dates were missed.’
‘Company making up the glazed units forgot to make them all.’
Check your contract carefully so you know what it says about the firm’s responsibilities around delivery dates, including what happens if your delivery is delayed, or there are problems with it.
Problems buying double glazing
Among those who had a problem buying their double glazing, feeling rushed to make a decision was the most common one.
Others said that explanations about their double glazing weren’t clear, they didn’t get a written quote or the double glazing company was slow to give them relevant paperwork (such as a quote, contract or product details).
We’d always recommend that you get three quotes before you choose a firm to supply your double glazing. That way you’ll get a good idea of the going rate for the windows or doors you want and a feel for how different companies operate.
Offering a big discount or making people feel under pressure to buy now is common among double glazing firms, according to our survey. Plus Anglian and Everest both had adverts banned by the Advertising Standards Authority recently – it told both to ‘ensure their future savings claims did not mislead’. So keep this in mind when getting quotes.
Here’s what you need to know about double glazing sales and contracts. Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reputable firm near you.
Which? double glazing research
In August 2020, we ran an online survey of 3,467 members of the Which? Connect panel and the general public who bought double glazing in the past 10 years. Of these, 27% said they had problems.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/12/top-double-glazing-problems-and-how-to-avoid-them/