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Frequently asked questions

With so much choice, choosing your next home improvement can be a little daunting.  Let us help you make an informed decision by answering some of your key questions.

Browse our most frequently asked questions

Our friendly advisors are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You will find answers to some of the most common questions they receive below.

Which are better aluminium or upvc windows?

Most experts agree that aluminium is the better material with which to make windows from. Aluminium is inherently strong and requires no extra reinforcing of its frames. Because of their strength, aluminium frames can be made slimmer in profile compared to upvc windows. This makes them look neater and allows more light into your home due to the increased glass area.

UPVC windows have a high coefficient of thermal expansion which makes them prone to twisting and warping, especially when exposed to a lot of sun. This means they can start to let in drafts and even rainwater after only 10 – 15 years. Aluminium on the other hand is not nearly as sensitive to higher temperatures and UV radiation.  Aluminium windows can easily last up to 40 years and beyond.

UPVC windows can be recycled at the end of their useful life. However, it is a difficult and expensive procedure due to the presence of polymers and reinforcing material. Alternatively, aluminium frames can be recycled repeatedly with virtually no deterioration in quality.

Do you do timber windows?

We do not sell or install timber windows.

What’s the difference between flush and non-flush casement windows?

Firstly, a casement is the moving part of a window – the bit that opens and closes.  Standard (or ‘lipped’) windows feature casements that sit proud of the surrounding window frame.

The increasingly popular flush casement window features casements that sit completely level with the frame for a neater, more understated look.  The difference is clear to see if you compare the two windows side by side – why not pop into one of our showrooms to see the difference for yourself?

Do you offer triple glazing as well as double glazing?

Most of our systems can be supplied with both double and triple glazing. However, in the majority of instances double glazing is the preferred option. For more information and to determine which is best for your project, please contact us to arrange an appointment with a consultant who can explain the main differences to you.

What colours can I choose from?

There are too many colours available to list! However, our aluminium systems come in a range of popular ‘house’ colours which are all priced the same and are always held in stock. In addition, you can choose from a vast range of special RAL colours which are available as a bespoke option. We also offer dual colours which allow you to have a different colour on the inside to the outside.

Our UPVC windows come in a range of colour foils, in addition to the standard White.

Do you make your own windows?

We make all of our Lusso range of aluminium windows in our manufacturing facility in Gloucestershire. In fact, we are an aluminium systems company and design most of our products ourselves and have done since the 1990’s. Our products are designed, painted and manufactured in the UK.

Do you do supply only windows?

No we do not offer a ‘supply only’ service. All of our windows are comprehensively guaranteed for 10 years. Therefore, we insist on fitting your windows using our own fitters who have been trained in-house and are extremely competent at fitting our various systems. We do not employ sub contracted fitters, which allows us to maintain our high standard of installation.

Is Joedan a member of FENSA?

Yes, Joedan are members of FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme). FENSA has been set up by the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies with Government encouragement in response to the current Building Regulations for England and Wales.

When having windows and doors replaced homeowners must comply with current thermal performance standards and ensure that they get a certificate of compliance from FENSA or from Local Authority Building Control.

FENSA also enables companies that install replacement windows and doors to self certify compliance under these Building Regulations.

Are you members of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)?

You should always use a GGF member for your new windows and doors. Joedan is a long running GGF member. The GGF is the only government approved regulatory body in the UK window and door industry. By using a GGF member for your windows and doors, you are protecting yourself against unwittingly using a sub-standard company for your work. GGF members have to prove high levels of financial security, and have their terms and conditions audited regularly to make sure they are fair and in the customer’s best interests. The GGF also offer a mediation service between member and customer should there ever be a need for it.

What does Secured by Design mean?

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.  This includes domestic windows and doors, and the components within them such as locks, hinges etc.

Joedan is a registered member of Secured by Design and many of our products have been tested to meet the demands of the standard.

What does U-Value mean?

A U-Value, in simple terms, indicates how well your window will be at retaining the internal heat within your home and preventing it from escaping to the outside.  U-Values are measure in Watts per square metre, or W/m2 K. The lower the U-Value number, the better the heat retention of the window. All new or replacement windows require a minimum U Value of 1.6 W/m2 K.  Ask your Joedan consultant for further details and they’ll be only too happy to help.

What does G Value mean?

A G-value, in simple terms, controls excessive heat and glare caused by solar energy by the sun. By reducing the solar gain (G-Value) the indoor space of the room / building will be cooler in the summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning. Ideally suited for South & South-West facing elevations only. Ask your Joedan consultant for further details and they’ll be only too happy to help.

What is WER for replacement windows?

Window Energy Rating (WER) indicates the thermal performance of the replacement window. Energy rating calculation will result in a product being categorised into an energy-rating band (A ++ to G) and is displayed with a label like any new white goods. Current building regulations require replacement windows to be WER B or above. DSER is the same scheme for replacement doors. Ask your Joedan consultant for further details and they’ll be only too happy to help.

What kind of front and back doors do you offer?

We offer aluminium, composite and upvc front and back doors. There are many different styles, specifications and prices when it comes to choosing between these three products. We recommend speaking to one of our consultants or visiting a design centre in order to understand the differences in more detail.

Are all composite doors basically the same?

No, they’re not.  Standard composite doors are generally 44mm in depth, and are foam filled.  They have GRP colour skins (commonly known as fibreglass) and are relatively lightweight.

Solid Core composite doors are generally 48mm in depth and are made of laminated layers of timber, making them more robust and durable than foam filled doors.

At Joedan we only offer solid core composite doors. There is a vast choice of styles and colours in our solid core range and therefore it’s best to download the brochure from our website to see for yourself what is available and then speak to a consultant about prices and options.

Can I have a different colour on the inside to the outside of my door?

Yes, in most instances you will be able to choose a different colour on the inside of your door to the outside, so for example you could have white inside and red outside.  Or, green one side and blue the next!  Whatever floats your boat!  A Joedan consultant will be able to help you confirm your choice is available.

How many keys do you get?

You get 3 keys as standard with any of our doors – you can request additional keys upon placing your order with us, or have more keys made later, the choice is yours.

Can I get suited locks for my front and back doors from you?

As long as your doors are from the same product range this is not a problem. Just let your Joedan consultant know upon ordering and they can ensure your keys are suited so the same key works for all doors.

What does secured by design mean?

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live.

SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.  This includes domestic windows and doors, and the components within them such as locks, hinges etc.

Joedan is a registered member of Secured by Design and many of our products have been tested to meet the demands of the standard.

Where do your bi fold, patio and French doors come from?

Joedan design and manufacture our own doors at our purpose built facility in Gloucestershire. All of our doors have been engineered to specifically meet the vagaries of the British weather. Our products are made from thermal aluminium frames and finished in a maintenance free, Marine-Grade powder coated paint as standard.

Our bi fold doors and sliding patio doors have been designed to complement modern house refurbishments and extensions. As height and width requirements increase with modern tastes, our doors have been engineered and tested to cope with larger size specifications. Why not contact one of our consultants who will be happy to talk through the maximum heights and widths we can achieve for you?

Should I choose sliding or bi folding doors?

If you have a large opening at the rear of your living space, bi-folding doors and sliding patio doors are both great options for opening up your room to the outdoors.  Bi-folding doors fold completely back for a full opening into your garden.  Sliding patio doors have slimmer frames, which means even when they’re closed you have a more uninterrupted view of the outdoors.

As we have some special options such as triple-track sliding doors, where all three panes can slide in either direction, it’s easier to speak to a Joedan consultant who can help you choose the right product and design for your home.

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If you have a questions not answered or featured above you can contact the Customer Services team by completing the form below.

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