If you have decided to install wooden windows, take the following advice into consideration.
A mediator firm is unlikely to have manufacture license. But the license for installation of wooden constructions and products is necessary and compulsory. In some cases the qualification of the firm’s workers may be not as high and this is sure to have a negative effect on your windows. They will get misted, damp and rot. The casements won’t close tight or won’t close at all. In most cases the reconstruction is impossible, but if it can be done it will cost half the windows’ price.
With the beginning of cold season the number of complaints of wooden windows quality overflows Moscow Consumer Union. Here are experts’ conclusions after examining the typical complaints (the firms are not mentioned):
1. Window blocks and balcony door have not been fastened to the walls by anchor bolts or any other support;
2. Filling of the joint between the window block and the wall was of low quality, required heat protection of joints had not been achieved, which caused cracks on the slopes;
3. Some window blocks miss plastic plugs from outer side, holes for plugs are covered with plaster... Balcony door locks do not work. Locks, used only for inside doors, have been installed into the balcony door.
4. The installed window blocks have different size from aperture of the windows (125 mm narrower and 30 mm shorter), which means that serious mistake was made when making measurements.
5. The hermetic sealing of the double glass pane had been broken, as a result water condensate appears on the inner surface of window panes and flows down the windowsill and casing. Sealing seatings do not adjoin the profile tightly and the water gets inside.
Examples of inexpert installation: Inexpert installation spoils the windows irreparably. Inexpert installation: protective film
hasn’t been glued, the solution
damaged the paint.Inexpert installation: the window glass pane has split.
- the minimum amount of orders, which lets the firm work, is 100-150 sq.m. a month. If you are the first client in two weeks just stop and think it over;
- look about the office. In a reliable firm you are sure to see the table of orders, information table, succession of installations and so on. Good organization of work shows the firm’s stability;
- accessories. The firm should not buy all possible windowsills and climate-boxes, but you must have an opportunity to see their wide range;
- photos of the objects, , videotapes, book of comments. What is the firm’s “window history”?
- can you visit the manufacture? It’s a stumbling block for mediator firms and shady cliques. Serious company is sure to grasp at the opportunity – the client, who visited the manufacture, is very likely to become a customer. Unreliable firm will start mumbling about reorganization, temporary reconstruction, remote regions.
- the trademark is the name of the windows. “Wooden windows are sold under a trade mark. Every wooden window must have its name!” – says the famous wood specialist, “Shteinbock” general director, Dr Jurgen Brausevetter. Besides, the trade mark patent can’t be bought (even in Russia). It only can be got after a long, expensive and difficult procedure.
I see. But how can I differ a low quality window from a high quality one? Low quality wooden windows are not made by mediator firms, are they?
Wooden pitch can’t be used for window beam manufacture. Of course you can’t saw up a complete wooden window, but a reliable firm must produce wood in any aspect: from beam to unpainted wooden windows. If you don’t have an opportunity to see the angle or to visit the manufacture, be on your guard. Wooden pitch in a wooden window is a delayed-action bomb. It’s easy to differ the wooden pitch: look for growth rings.
It’s quite easy: either you like it or not. The surface must be even, silky, no paint stains must be seen, glazing bead must be tight. Reliable firm usually states in the agreement, that the quality of complete products corresponds to the exhibited samples
(it’s a German rule).Dangerous and intolerable defects:
- glazing bead, nailed to the casement;
- unprocessed rusts (joints of vertical and horizontal parts of casement);
- sealing agent, which gets out of the grooves;
- low quality sealing agent is oily and sparkling;
- fake accessories don’t have a trademark. Open the casement: if the locks are of uneven color or have stains – stop! Such locks may crack and the casement will tumble inside.
Objectionable defects:
- the beam width less than 78mm (freezes through at low temperature);
- the width of double glass pane less than 26 mm;
- common accessories (only specially made accessories can suit Russian climate);
- use of cheap paints. High quality window painting is possible, when Glazurit, Remmers, Zowosan, Tikkurila, Sikkens paints are used;
- windows from southern regions of Russia. Southern manufactures economize on the beam and use cheaper wood and accessories.
