According to the Sun’s Deputy Political Editor, Graeme Wilson, in an article he posted on the Sun website on 20th October 2009, entitled “Hovels for Heroes” thousands of Armed Servicemen and women, along with their families live in homes without double glazing, and many live in squalor. The Sun article suggests that “One in three families said that their accommodation was in a “poor” condition – and only half described their homes as “good”. A third said their houses were filthy when they moved in, according to the devastating report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee. Two out of five said they were unhappy with the “state of repair”.
In addition Graeme Wilson points out that “Thousands of homes have no double-glazing, “security defects” and lack modern kitchens or bathrooms.” The article expresses genuine concern that “More than 10,000 houses for our heroes are in a WORSE condition now than a year ago. As many as 9,000 service homes lack proper showers, while 6,000 have wiring nearly 40 years old.”
Surely our service men and women deserve to live in decent accommodation, especially at a time when so many are tragically losing their lives for their country in Afganistan and Iraq. Lets hope the publicity highlighting the problems will cause those in authority to act to rectify this situation immediately!
CATAGORY|UK Politics
With so much that’s written about replacement windows, along with the pros and cons associated with such products, we understand how confusing or daunting it can be when making your decision.
Replacement Window Energy Saving Installation
When it comes to home improvements it’s essential that you know
why you’re buying new windows as well
what you’re purchasing. Replacement windows come in a vast array of styles, fittings and colours, however, the key benefits stay exactly the same. We appreciate that aesthetics are sometimes as important as longevity, so before you buy replacement windows, we would like to remind you why they’re so advantageous to your property.
The green light
According to the Energy Saving Trust you can lose up to 50% of your heat through windows, and if the windows are old and ill-fitting, the prevalence of drafts will increase this figure considerably. “Energy Saving Recommended double glazing can cut heat lost through windows by half, as well as saving you around £135 a year on your heating bills. It can also save you around 720kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year.” (Energy Saving Trust website) New properly fitted windows with new materials, double glazing, and good window replacement installation will cut down heat loss, in turn reducing your heating bills.
Think about the design
Customers have far more variety of windows to choose from today, without having to change the size of the window openings. For example, replacement window’s gives you a balance between good ventilation and how well they suit the existing exterior of your home.
Add value
Window replacement means that you have invested in your house, and you can increase the value of your biggest single asset. You may find that your window replacement installation makes your house more attractive to new buyers, enhancing a quicker sale of your property.
Protect and serve
Both UPVC replacement windows and aluminium replacement windows benefit from the latest in multi point locking technology, which means they’re highly secure, making it increasingly difficult for anyone to break in to your home.
Why not see our bespoke Replacement Windows for inspirations, assurance and solace. We want you to realise the benefits before making a commitment.
CATAGORY|Saving Energy, Windows & Doors
Shell V Power or unleaded petrol, your choice!
I think they do. Both are highly efficient products, cost more than “standard” windows/petrol and enable a more efficient use of energy, plus provide excellent performance for your vehicle/property.
Shell’s V-Power unleaded petrol was launched in 2006, and it was soon after reviewed by What Car “Shell claims that V-Power provides your car with more power and responsiveness, and it does it in three ways. A higher octane rating of 99 RON (Optimax was 98 RON) means that the fuel burns more effectively, while additives in the fuel reduce the loss of energy in the engine by reducing friction in the cylinders.”
Hazlemere’s UPVC and aluminium “A” rated double glazed windows similarly provide your home with the highest possible energy efficiency, saving you money on your energy bills by reducing the heat lost through existing windows, especially if they do not have a thermal break. Whilst Hazlemere’s “A” rated windows do not clean your house, they do provide optimum heat retention and insulation, making your property more green by performing at the highest level of energy efficiency.
Admittedly both cost slightly more, but once you take into consideration the extra level of performance investing in these higher quality products, then you get a good return on your investment. If your car’s engine benefits from better quality fuel, how much more will your property benefit long term by fitting “A” rated double glazed windows, be they aluminium or UPVC energy efficient energy saving windows?
CATAGORY|Windows & Doors
A double glazing company is running a TV advert which seems to offer a “national” window scrappage scheme. The view of the double glazing blogger, the Renegade Conservatory Guy brings whether this claim is true into question. Following is the response from Renegade Conservatory Guy (RCG) on his blog to valid a question from Emma who says she is looking for replacement double glazing:
“Hi Emma, The real Window Scrappage Scheme has been proposed to the Government through a petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website, but as yet there is no official scheme unless Government policy changes. You obviously saw a TV advert from Anglian who have created their own marketing campaign on this subject.” (Renegade Conservatory Guy)
Under what seems to be a totally “unofficial” window scrappage scheme, potential customers are appearing to being offered “up to £2,000 off”, but as there is no retail price list, and the fact that “minimum order values apply”, it does just sound like a marketing gimmick, rather than a genuine subsidy.
Believe you me, Hazlemere Windows would love there to be a government “National Window Scrappage Scheme”, so consequently the Hazlemere Group actively supports the Glass and Glazing Federations petition to Number 10 Downing Street. In-fact, Hazlemere Windows & Doors has been encouraging householders to sign up to the GGF petition to get the government to introduce a windows scrappage scheme, to enable homeowners to install environmentally friendly energy efficient, energy saving windows.
So if you are considering replacing any windows and/or doors, please don’t be duped into believing there is a government national window scrappage scheme, as sadly at present there is not, but hopefully if enough people sign the Glass and Glazing Federation’s petition, then the government mind see the electoral, energy saving and environmental benefits in assisting property owners to improve the UK housing stock.
CATAGORY|Saving Money, Windows & Doors
If you are buying or selling a property that has had replacement windows or doors installed since July 2002, you will need to provide the seller or purchaser with a FENSA certificate. Not having this important document can hold up the sale of the property, so do please make sure that if you have had (or are planning to have) any replacement windows or doors installed in your home that you receive a FENSA certificate within a couple of months after the work is carried out, if not, check online at www.fensa.org.uk that your double glazing installer did register the work they carried out on your property with FENSA.
FENSA advise that the quickest way you can both apply for, and obtain a replacement or duplicate FENSA certificate for windows and doors installed in your home after July 2002 is via their website.
Simply click on “Reorder Certificate” which brings up a window asking for your property’s postcode. Put in your postcode, and, as long as your double glazing installer registered your installation at the time they carried our the work, this should bring up your address, the work that was undertaken (i.e. number of windows & doors) and FENSA ID number.
Simply then fill in the details and pay £10 + VAT (£11.50) by credit card or debit card. FENSA will then send you a replacement certificate in about 7-10 days. Having contacted FENSA, their representative recommends that re-ordering a FENSA certificate online is often much much quicker and less expensive than asking your Solicitor to do this for you as Solicitors a) tend to send a cheque by post which needs to clear before certificate is sent out, plus b) will probably charge you for the privilege!
Double glazing manufacturers and installers do not issue FENSA certificates, so as a consequence do not have copies of them as these are issued directly by FENSA to each retail windows & doors customer. You can contact FENSA “direct” on 020 7645 3700 or ring their main number 0870 780 2028.
Alternatively you can write to FENSA with a cheque and all the necessary details at 44-48 Borough High Street, London SE1 1XB. You can check that Hazlemere Window Company Ltd are members of FENSA by going onto the FENSA website, which will confirm that Bucks based Hazlemere Windows & Doors registration number as 10589. Hazlemere Windows, Doors & Conservatories are also members of the British Fenestration Rating Council and the Energy Saving Trust.
CATAGORY|Windows & Doors
Despite only finishing 5th in the Brazilian Grand Prix, Jenson Button deserves to be World Champion, whatever the papers say, because a) he has more points than anyone else, b) has more race wins than anyone else (6), and c) does not need to score any points in Abu Dhabi. Starting from 13th on the grid in Sao Paulo, Jenson drove fantastically, working his way through the field, thanks to some exciting and daring overtaking manoevres.
Former F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, also drove outstandingly, finishing on the podium (3rd) despite starting the race from 18th on the grid in his McClaren. This means he is now 5th in the Drivers standings, leading Kimi by one point with one race to go, after a dreadful start to the season. Lewis has helped McClaren edge ahead of Ferrari in the Constructors World Champion. We congratulate both Brawn GP and Jenson Button bringing both the F1 World Drivers Title and F1 Constructors Title to Britain with the luxury of one race to spare.
With McClaren now back on the pace and Brawn as World Champions, lets hope that Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button can keep the F1 World Crown on British shores for several years to come. Between them, and the upcoming Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull, Formula One has had a freshen up and some much needed life breathed into it. Anyhow, everyone at Hazlemere Windows is proud of our F1 World Champions, nothing quite like UK manufacturing for durability, reliability and strength!
CATAGORY|F1 Formula One, Lewis Hamilton
Gary Waddock watched Wycombe Wanderers make a bright start against old rivals Colchester United with a 1-1 draw in the Coca-Cola Football League One match at Adams Park, equalising Colchester’s first half goal thanks to a shot into the bottom left hand corner of the goal from just outside the penalty area on 87 minutes by Wycombe Wanderers striker Jon-Paul Pittman.
Having left Coca-Cola League Two side Aldershot Town, Gary Waddock saw a positive and encouraging performance by the Blues in his first match in charge as Wycombe Wanderers Manager. Former Wycombe Wanderers Manager Peter Taylor left the club by “mutual consent” having failed to see his side make any progress in League One. The only way for the Blues is up as currently are 24th in the division.
Hazlemere Windows Marketing Director Mark Austin, worked with Gary Waddock during his time as Commercial Director at QPR when Gary was Queens Park Rangers Assistant Manager and Ian Holloway Manager at Loftus Road. Having achieved promotion from the Blue Square Premiership with Aldershot Town, Gary Waddock is a proven winner, so hopefully he will turn things round soon at Adams Park for High Wycombe based Wycombe Wanderers.
CATAGORY|Football
At the beginning of 2009 we all wondered what an earth had happened to the McClaren F1 motor racing team, with them unable to get either of their cars in the top ten in qualifying. During the early Formula One Races it was painful to watch the 2008 F1 Motor Racing World Champion Lewis Hamilton struggle near the back of the starting grid, although as always overall out performs his team mate in both qualifying and in most races.
Then, about halfway through the F1 season McClaren found a winning Formula again, and Lewis Hamilton was again dominating pole position and getting on the podium, and more importantly winning races. Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence has made the 2009 F1 title race more exciting, and has helped Red Bull at least give themselves a chance of the Drivers Championship, although I doubt they will overhaul Brawn in the Constructors Championship. Lets hope Jenson Button can win the Drivers Championship in style by winning one of the last two races.
Third place in the constructors Championship in now between Ferrari (currently 2 points ahead) and McClaren, thanks to Lewis Hamilton new found package/form and sadly Massa’s unfortunate accident at Spa. With the two aging Ferrari drivers not what they once were, McClaren have a great chance to turn a disasterous start to 2009 into a relatively successful finale. Roll on the final two races in Brazil and the Middle East!
CATAGORY|F1 Formula One, Lewis Hamilton
High Wycombe based window manufacturers, the Hazlemere Group, are supporting the Glass and Glazing Federation’s government petition, which calls on the introduction of a scrappage scheme for the double glazing industry to assist UK homeowners to fit energy efficient double glazing to their properies.
In September 2009 the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) launched a PR campaign to petition Number 10 Downing Street to introduce a scrappage scheme as a subsidy to fit new energy efficient double glazing in UK homes. The GGF petition states: ‘We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to introduce a window scrappage scheme in the UK to improve the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock.’
The GGF have already exceeded the 500 signatures their petition needed for it to advance. If you agree with the GGF and would like to make your voice heard, simply click here to sign the online petition
The implementation of a full on scrappage scheme for the double glazing industry, along similar lines to the car industry, would certainly show a genuine commitment from the government towards saving energy, and go some way to assisting UK homeowners lower their property’s carbon footprint.
Bucks manufacturers and installers, Hazlemere Windows, offer homeowners a wide range of energy efficient window systems, included “A” rated UPVC and aluminium windows, the highest possible level of energy efficiency achievable. Hazlemere Windows “A” rated windows have been endorsed and approved by both the British Fenetration Rating Council and the Energy Saving Trust.
CATAGORY|Saving Money, Windows & Doors
Oh, how times have changed! Buckinghamshire based Hazlemere Window Company appreciates the comical side to the ‘old school’ double glazing salesman.
We not only pride ourselves on our professionalism and passion at Hazlemere, but our sense of humour too! Over the last few decades the double glazing salesmen has been widely susceptible to criticism, stereotype and innocuous ridicule.
Fortunately, the tide turned during the 1990’s, with double glazing companies, in particular ‘old school’ sales personnel, were forced to change their attitude and application, or be faced with irrevocable indignation towards a wavering industry.
However, since the dawn of the new millennium things have dramatically changed for the better. The industry has extinguished the resentful blaze that infiltrated homes across the UK; with the population growing increasingly confident in organisations like ours.
So, to celebrate the (almost) reincarnation of the ‘old school’ double glazing salesman, we wanted to show you some very amusing cartoons we discovered recently that depicts our profession in the now distant past – which most of you can probable relate to! Enjoy…
Are you over the moon with your double glazing installation?
[caption id="attachment_1551" align="aligncenter" width="219" caption="You can tell what they sell from their glazed expressions........"]
[/caption]
Ice to know you, to know you Ice!
[caption id="attachment_1547" align="aligncenter" width="231" caption="Who'd be a double glazing salesman?"]
[/caption]We found these wonderful cartoons on
www.cartoonstock.com – a big thanks to these guys for entertaining the office and reminding us how not to be!
As you may have read on our website already, we recently introduced our No Pressure Promise to guarantee that all of our sales staff don’t use aggressive or hard sell tactics when visiting your home. Although we can joke about how things used to be in our industry, we are ardent about the future of it, and in particular how we represent ourselves both on a professional and personal level – Remember you can also come in and visit our friendly, approachable team at anytime. We look forward to seeing you!
CATAGORY|Home Improvements
