Why Aftercare Should Be a Dealbreaker When Choosing a Window Installer

To Summarise

• Window fitter aftercare benefits are just as crucial as product specifications and installation quality when choosing a glazing company
• Independent, family-run businesses like ours typically provide faster response times and more personalised service than large national firms with outsourced support teams
• Our comprehensive 10-year guarantee on parts and labour, backed by insurance protection, ensures your investment remains protected long after installation
• Local companies with direct accountability can resolve snagging issues, condensation problems and window repair needs without frustrating delays or call centre runarounds
• Aftercare guarantees demonstrate a company’s confidence in their workmanship and commitment to excellent customer service beyond the point of sale

When you’re investing thousands of pounds in new windows, doors or conservatories, it’s easy to focus solely on energy efficiency ratings, security features and competitive prices. Yet one of the most overlooked factors, and potentially the most important, is what happens after your installation is complete. The window fitter aftercare benefits you receive can mean the difference between years of peace of mind, or months of frustration trying to get someone to return your calls.

Here’s a common misconception: once your double glazing is installed and paid for, the relationship ends. In reality, that’s precisely when your relationship with a window company should truly begin. Whether it’s a minor adjustment to hinges, addressing unexpected condensation between panes or simply having questions about ventilation and maintenance, you need a company that will be there – quickly, professionally and without fuss.

This is where independent, family-run companies have a distinct advantage over national firms. We’re not a faceless corporation with call centres across the world. We’re a local business serving Essex and London, and our reputation depends entirely on your satisfaction. When you email or phone us, you’re speaking to people who genuinely care about resolving your concerns.

The significance of aftercare in the glazing industry

Product quality matters. Professional installation is essential. But aftercare? That’s where you discover whether you’ve chosen a company you can trust for the long term.

According to recent industry surveys, nearly 40% of homeowners report difficulties contacting their window installer after installation for repairs or warranty claims. That’s a staggering proportion of people left frustrated despite investing substantially in their homes.

Aftercare guarantees impact several critical areas:

• Financial protection: A robust multi-year guarantee ensures you won’t face unexpected costs if something goes wrong with materials or workmanship
• Practical support: Quick resolution of snagging issues, adjustments to fittings and guidance on maintenance keeps your windows performing optimally
• Long-term value: Proper aftercare extends the lifespan of your investment, maintaining energy efficiency and functionality for decades
• Peace of mind: Knowing you can reach someone who will actually help removes the anxiety that often accompanies major home improvements

Without comprehensive aftercare, even the best products can become sources of stress. A casement window that doesn’t close properly affects your heating bills. A composite door with misaligned hinges compromises security features.

Why being local and family-run makes all the difference

There’s something fundamentally different about working with a company that’s built on family values and local reputation rather than shareholder returns.

We were founded in 2004 by father and son John and Andrew Barnett, together with John’s wife Julie Barnett. This came with a founding principle of putting customers first, a belief which remains at the heart of all we do today.

Rapid response when issues arise

As a local company serving Essex and London, we can typically attend to concerns far faster than national firms. Our installers and service team are based in the same communities we serve. Our responsive customer service team respond to enquiries as soon as possible, particularly over the phone.

Direct accountability you can count on

Our reputation isn’t protected by nationwide radio campaigns or television adverts. It’s built entirely on referrals, online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied homeowners. That direct accountability changes everything. This is why we’ve achieved an average rating of 4.87/5 from over 800 reviews on Trustatrader.

Warranty support without the bureaucracy

Many national companies offer impressive-sounding warranties but make claiming against them unnecessarily complicated. We take the opposite approach. Our 10-year guarantee on parts and labour is genuinely a “no quibble” commitment. There are no charges for callouts or repair work unless there are clear signs of negligence or malicious damage.

The guarantees that protect your investment

Our confidence in the quality of our workmanship and the best products is reflected in the comprehensive guarantees we offer every customer.

Our 10-year guarantee

Every window, door and conservatory we install comes with a full 10-year guarantee covering both parts and labour. This covers the complete installation, ensuring that if anything goes wrong due to materials or workmanship, we’ll put it right at no cost.

Insurance-backed protection

We provide additional security through insurance-backed guarantees on all windows and doors. This policy, administered by Installsure, ensures that your guarantee remains valid even in the unlikely event we stop trading. For further information, call 0207 645 3744.

Glass & Glazing Federation membership benefits

As members of the Glass & Glazing Federation, you receive extra protection as standard, as well as access to the Conciliation Scheme should any dispute arise.

Industry accreditations

We’ve voluntarily acquired accreditations from respected bodies including TrustMark, Trading Standards Institute approval, FENSA, Glass & Glazing Federation, Secured By Design and Which? Trusted Trader.

Our range of services and products

We offer a comprehensive range of glazing services for your home.

Windows

• uPVC & aluminium casement windows: Traditional side-opening windows offering excellent energy efficiency
• uPVC flush sash windows: Contemporary finish that sits flush with the frame
• uPVC sliding sash windows: Classic vertical-sliding design ideal for period properties
• Bay & bow windows: Available in uPVC and aluminium
• uPVC tilt and turn windows: Tilt inward for ventilation or swing fully open

Doors

• Composite doors: Combining strength, security and thermal performance
• uPVC & aluminium bifold doors: Space-saving folding door systems
• uPVC & aluminium sliding patio doors: Smooth-gliding doors offering wide openings
• French doors: Classic double-door design in uPVC or aluminium
• Aluminium entrance doors: Striking, secure front doors
• uPVC front doors: Affordable, thermally efficient entrance doors

Conservatories and glazing

A range of conservatories and orangeries, with flat rooflights, tiled roof replacements and glass roofs available.

All our double glazing uses advanced thermal glass with Argon gas filling, achieving ‘A’ energy efficiency ratings for lower energy bills.

Frequently asked questions

What is FENSA? FENSA is the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme, ensuring window and door installations comply with building regulations for England and Wales.

What guarantees do I get with new windows? You receive a comprehensive 10-year guarantee on parts and labour, plus insurance-backed protection ensuring your investment remains protected.

Who are Advanced Glazing Systems?

Advanced Glazing Systems was founded in 2004 by father and son, John and Andrew Barnett together with Johns wife Julie Barnett. We specialise in high-specification replacement windows, doors and conservatories, serving homeowners across Essex and London. We’re accredited by FENSA, the Glass & Glazing Federation, Secured by Design and TrustMark.

Our comprehensive 10-year guarantee is backed by GGFi insurance protection. For information about our window options, call us on 01277 230101 or email sales@advancedglazingsystems.co.uk.