Frequently asked questions

The most common signs are draughts around the frame, condensation forming between the panes of glass (not on the surface — between them), frames that are visibly rotting, cracked, or warped, and difficulty opening or closing the window. If your windows are more than 20 years old and showing any of these signs, replacement is almost certainly worth doing.

UPVC is the more common and cheaper option. It performs well thermally, requires minimal maintenance, and comes in a range of colours. Aluminium has slimmer frame profiles, which means more glass and a cleaner look — particularly useful for bay windows and larger openings. It's more expensive but tends to suit period properties and modern extensions better. We'll advise on which is right for your home when we visit.

Yes, particularly if you're currently on single glazing or old double glazing with failed seals. Modern double glazing with acoustic glass specification reduces external noise significantly. If noise is your primary concern, tell us when you enquire and we'll specify accordingly.

In most cases, no. Replacing windows under permitted development rights doesn't require planning permission provided the replacement is similar in appearance to the original. However, if your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, different rules apply. We'll check this for your specific address before any work is ordered.

A standard window replacement takes between half a day and a full day depending on the number of windows and the complexity of the job. Bay windows take longer. We'll give you a realistic time estimate when we visit.

FENSA is the government-authorised scheme that allows registered installers to self-certify that replacement windows and doors comply with building regulations. When you sell your home, your solicitor will ask for the FENSA certificate. All Glaze & Shade installations are FENSA registered and you'll receive a certificate on completion.

Bifold doors work best from around 2.4 metres wide upwards. Below that, a pair of French doors is usually a better option. Most kitchen extension openings in London run between 2.4 and 4.5 metres — comfortably within the range where bifolds perform well.

For a 2.4–3 metre opening, three panels is typical. For 3–4.5 metres, four panels. Beyond that, five or six. The number of panels affects how the doors stack when open — more panels means a smaller stack. We'll advise on the best configuration for your specific opening.

A traffic door is a single panel in the bifold set that's hinged independently, so it can open like a conventional door without operating the rest of the system. If you use your garden regularly for everyday access — putting the bins out, letting children or pets out — a traffic door is worth having. We include this option as standard on all our bifold door quotes.

Composite doors are among the most secure residential door options available. They use a solid core construction with multi-point locking as standard, typically achieving PAS 24 security standard which is the benchmark required by most home insurance policies. They're considerably more secure than standard UPVC or timber doors.

No. The colour runs through the outer skin of the door and does not need repainting. They won't warp, swell, or shrink with temperature changes the way timber doors do. An occasional wipe-down is all the maintenance they need.

It starts with a free home visit — we come out, measure up, look at the space, and understand what you need. We then provide a written quote. Once you confirm the order, your products are custom made to your exact specifications. Lead times vary by product but are typically 4–8 weeks. We then book in the installation at a time that suits you.

Minimally. Most single-room jobs — a window replacement, a set of shutters, a door — take one day. Larger jobs take longer. We work cleanly, protect floors and furniture, and leave the site tidy. You'll be able to use the room the same evening in most cases.

Yes. Someone needs to be present throughout the installation. We'll confirm the installation date and an approximate start time in advance.

We stand behind our work. If anything isn't right after installation — an adjustment needed, a seal issue, a shutter panel that needs tweaking — call us and we'll come back and sort it. We don't disappear after the invoice is paid.