UPVC Patio Doors are amongst the most common and they come in all shapes and sizes, from UPVC french doors, UPVC sliding patio doors, UPVC folding patio doors, UPVC french doors and so on.

A significant  issue to remember when buying UPVC Patio Door.

It can be confusing to see the number of companies involved – there can be several – each providing gurarantees, so who is ultimately responsible?

A UPVC door sale can involve the following three companies:

1/ The UPVC section maker:  that is not what they are called, but it is a description! -

Take Eurocell by way of example. The company that manufacturers the Raw PVC is not generally the company that supplies it. The manufacturer produces a material in a variety of sections. A lot of the properties, such as UV resistance come from the material, where the structural strength comes from the section.   One guarantee often given is a long 10 year guarantee – but dont be misled. The guarantee only covers the materials, not the door operation!

2/ The UPVC patio door maker.

The door product is often branded by the door maker. The door maker takes sections from the raw material manufacturer, then either buys in or builds the mechanisms, creates catalogues for the products, and so turns glass and UPVC section into useable doors in a range of sizes , qualities and designs.

3/ The UPVC door retailer

Patio  doors are sold both by direct marketing  and from retail outlets. And here it can get even more confusing: some of the products are sold as “white label” where you never know who the door maker was. Many products sold by a white van man are of this type - others are branded products carring the name of the patio door maker.

4/ The UPVC patio door Installer

The company or tradesmen that installs the door may not be the retailer, it may be just a subcontractor or self employed tradesmen. His work may or may not be covered by one of the master builder type associations, who take responsibility for the product.

Where it all comes home to roost..

The problem is that there can be so many organisations involved it is hard to know who if anyone guarantees the work! – If the installer disappears – who is responsible?

Our advice

1/ Make sure that commercial responsibility is taken by a substantial company that has been trading for a long time

2/ Choose a company backed by an association guarantee.

3/ Choose a section that has a long manufacturers guarantee.

4/ Pay with your credit card – so if push comes to shove, you can get your money back!

Don’t take the risk of shoddy work by a self installed tradesmen without a long track record, who dissapears with your cash.

Make sure you know who guarantees your new UPVC patio doors