Trade Glazing Direct double glazing windows review

Trade Glazing Direct is a double glazing company that specialises in the supply and installation of high-quality, energy-efficient double glazing windows without the retail mark-up. The Norwich-based company carries out installations across the UK and has three offices in Norwich, Bristol and Brighton.

It operates differently to other UK window suppliers like Britelite and Everest, as it sells other manufacturers’ window ranges at trade prices. Operating without showrooms and not offering mock-ups and print brochures helps Trade Glazing keep prices low.

Double glazing windows start from £170 each (excluding installation and accessories), which is very reasonable compared to its competitors window costs.

The company offers a choice of uPVC windows, aluminium, composite and wooden frames in casement, tilt and turn, sash, flush, bay and bow double-glazed styles. You can also choose different frame colours and glass options, including frosted glass.

Trade Glazing Direct doesn’t just offer windows; the team can also fit doors and conservatories in a range of styles and colours to match your windows (and improve lighting and insulation in your home).

Windows are backed by a 10-year warranty. While a 10-year fixed warranty isn’t the most attractive guarantee option on the market, it is fairly standard for the industry and matches that of many far more premium double glazing providers. Trade Glazing Direct’s installers are CERTASS-approved, so you can be confident that the company provides high-quality installation.

Security is a key consideration when choosing a window supplier, and while the company itself is not a member of Secured by Design, it supplies some SBD-accredited window brands, including Linear and Smart Systems.

Key features

Trade Glazing Direct supplies uPVC, wood, aluminium and composite windows at trade prices in various styles. Products – including windows by Liniar and Smart Systems – are sold directly to customers without the retail mark-up. Other brands include Residence 9, Global & K2 Conservatories and Supalite Tiled Roof Systems. A 10-year product warranty is attached to Trade Glazing Direct products.

• Guarantee options: 10-year standard fixed guarantee
• Price range: £170 – £1,410 per window (depending on frame material and style)
• Energy efficiency rating: A+
• Secured by Design (SBD) rating: Sells SBD-approved window systems

Trade Glazing Direct offers a simple 6-step process for ordering your new windows and having them installed. You can kick-start the process by choosing your favourite window style, which you can customise with your ideal frame material and colour, accessories and glass styles.

From there, request an online quote and book in a consultation. Your Trade Glazing Direct consultant will discuss your options and preferences, then provide a free written quote detailing the costs of your materials and installation. Your quote will be valid for one year. An added bonus is that Trade Glazing Direct will price-match if you find a comparable product at a better rate.

Representatives will perform a technical home survey before your made-to-order windows are installed. Your new windows will be covered by a warranty period, meaning the company will rectify any problems if they arise in the future.

How does Trade Glazing Direct compare to other double glazing window companies?

If you have a limited budget but want to prioritise energy efficiency and safety, you could consider Britelite. Britelite windows have a similar price tag to Trade Glazing Direct’s products, but it also offers an A++ triple-glazed glass option. The company is a Secured By Design member, has a BSI Kitemark accreditation, and its windows feature a 10-point locking system for added safety.

Everest is highly recommended if you would like a more premium option. The company has several design options that are similar to those offered by Trade Glazing Direct. It also holds an impressive list of accreditations as well as lengthy, flexible product guarantees. One example is the impressive 20-year guarantee offered with all uPVC Exclusives windows, which covers fogging and discolouration. Customers can even opt to purchase a lifetime guarantee.

However, Everest windows don’t come cheap. You may pay up to three times more than you would with Trade Glazing Direct.

Trade Glazing Direct’s window prices are not listed online as the products are made to measure. However, according to comparison sites, most brands will charge customers within the following price range for double glazing:

Cleaning is an important part of window maintenance. If you have opted for uPVC window frames, wipe them down with warm soapy water and dry them with a cloth at least twice a year. Clean the glass with a clear spray glass cleaner. Never paint your window frames or use paste or cream cleansers as these can be abrasive.

If you’ve opted for composite materials, use soap or washing-up liquid to rub around the frame and glass to remove grit and grime. You can clean the windows with cleaning liquid and a cloth or newspaper.

Wooden frames need a little more care. Avoid using too much water, and do not use glass, kitchen or bathroom cleaner on the frames.

Trade Glazing Direct offers high-quality, made-to-measure products in a range of colours and styles. There are hundreds of customisation options, accessories and finishes to complete the look at an affordable price.

A+-rated, energy-saving double-glazed window products are fitted by master installers. While the company doesn’t offer warranty periods that last as long as those sold by more premium brands (like Everest), the products are high-quality and the pricing is much more affordable.

There isn’t a showroom to visit, but the company is very hands-on in terms of the consultation and customisation process, so you can be confident that you’ll receive an end product similar to what you envisioned.

Overall, we would recommend Trade Glazing Direct for homeowners on a budget who want premium yet affordable products in a range of designs, styles and colours.

Methodology

Compiling an objective review is very important to us. We read hundreds of online customer reviews about Coral Windows, and reviewed technical documentation and brochures.

We then rated Coral based on the features and qualities customers care about most, including:

• The type of double glazing material (uPVC, wooden, aluminium);
• The number of styles on offer;
• The energy efficiency rating held by the company;
• The level of security offered;
• The warranty period;
• The company’s years of experience;
• The number of payment options;
• The total rating score of the company held on Trustpilot; and
• Additional benefits (including FENSA certification, design options, customer support and the inclusion of trickle vents).

Read more about how we review windows.