In this video, Dennis answers a few questions about "the differences between profiles and how the individual manufacturer, while having 'guidelines' from the systems manufacturer, ultimately decides how good the windows and doors actually are".

It's easy to see how many believe that one uPVC window or door is the same as any another when most advertising is based on price - and price alone. But there is so much more to it than price.

The PVC profile plays a big part in not only the overall price, but also the overall quality of the double glazing products.

The shape might be different, it might be a different shade of white but in actual fact there are a lot of differences from the start with regard to the type of profiles.

There are a lot of different sorts of profiles on the market.

If I was to lay a meter of them all down you could tell me which were the more expensive ones by picking it up because the higher quality PVC window and door profile weighs a lot more.

But the main part of the windows and doors is really to do with the fabricators and how they manufacture the windows and doors using their own specifications.

The systems manufacturer (profile suppliers) have guidelines for what components should be used within that window or door; for example: the steel reinforcing.

However, there are no firm regulations, particularly, unless the double glazing manufacturer / installer is kitemarked.

Its up to the manufacturer as to how we put the windows and doors together with regard to the products that we source, the locks, handles hinges, that type of thing and how much steel we put into it.

And then there's the joints (corners etc). Some companies still mechanically join them, which is not as strong as a fully welded corner.

At one time you used to get companies glue the corners of windows and doors together, but luckily those days have well gone.

See also:
Customer Questions about Double Glazing Manufacturers