Trade Glazing Direct double glazing windows review

Trade Glazing Direct specialises in the supply and installation of high-quality, energy-efficient double glazing windows without the retail mark-up. It operates differently to other UK window suppliers like Britelite and Everest as it sells window ranges at trade prices – not its own windows. Operating without showrooms and not offering mock-ups and print brochures helps Trade Glazing keep prices low.

Double glazing windows start from £150 each (excluding installation and accessories), which is very reasonable compared to the cost of windows from other brands.

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.

The Norwich-based company carries out installations across the UK and has three offices in Norwich, Bristol and Brighton. The company doesn’t have a Trustpilot rating, but you’ll find two five-star ratings on Bark and an overall rating of 8.53 out of 10 on CERTASS based on 48 customer reviews.

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 master 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 Trade Glazing Direct doesn’t disappoint. While the company itself is not yet a member of Secured by Design, it supplies SBD-accredited window brands, including Linear and Smart Systems.

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: £150–£950 per window (depending on frame material and style)
• Energy efficiency rating: A+
• Secured by Design (SBD) rating: Sells SBD-approved window systems

Highlights: A+ energy efficiency rating for all windows. Competitive trade pricing for high-quality products.

Key benefit: Trade Glazing Direct offers trade prices directly to its customers without a retail mark-up. This makes it a more affordable option than other UK window companies.

Memberships and certifications: The company is a member of CERTASS.

Styles: Casement, tilt and turn, sash, flush, bay and bow double-glazed windows with a choice of frosting, colours and accessories.

Double glazing windows provide a number of benefits. (Image credit: Adobe)

Double glazing is an expensive investment for your home. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons of any brand before choosing them to supply your new windows.

The pros of choosing Trade Glazing Direct include:

• Wide variety: Trade Glazing Direct offers a range of exciting colour and style options so you can customise your windows to match your home and personal taste.
• Good reputation: Trade Glazing Direct has been in business for more than 50 years. It has a five-star rating on Bark and an 8.53 out of 10 rating on CERTASS based on 48 customer reviews.
• Competitive prices: The company keeps prices low by offering a no-frills service without showrooms or online mock-ups.
• Professional installation: Trade Glazing Direct’s installers are accredited by CERTASS.
• Finance options: You can pay for your new windows with Trade Glazing Direct’s finance options, including a “buy now, pay later” plan.

Buying your new windows from Trade Glazing Direct may have the following disadvantages:

• No showroom: Not having a showroom enables Trade Glazing Direct to keep its costs low. However, the company will send a representative to your property with product samples following your initial consultation.
• Limited warranty periods: Trade Glazing Direct offers standard 10-year warranties. 10 years is a common warranty length for this industry, but some other brands (like Everest and Anglian) guarantee their windows for much longer.

Trade Glazing Direct can also build conservatories. (Image credit: Trade Glazing Direct)

Trade Glazing Direct offers a simple six-step process for ordering your new windows and having them installed. Kick-start the process by choosing your favourite window style, then customise your selection with your ideal frame material and colour, accessories and glass styles.

Book a consultation by requesting an online quote. You will be able to arrange a suitable time for an at-home 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.

If you have a limited budget and you prioritise energy efficiency and safety, you could also 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. It is a Secured By Design member, has a BSI Kitemark accreditation, and its windows feature a 10-point locking system.

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.

A completed installation. (Image credit: 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 can install doors and windows. (Image credit: Trade Glazing Direct)

“Excellent service. Very reasonable competitive prices. Beautiful windows and doors expertly fitted. Highly recommended.”

• Fiona, Bark.com

“Very pleased with how the fitters were very polite and cleared up after themselves – would gladly pass your name on to anyone who needs any work done.”

• CERTASS review

“Unfortunately the order took just under 12 months to fulfil the order and communication updates were poor. However, once ready the installation process was smooth and efficient.”

• CERTASS review

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.

Our methodology

To compile this Trade Glazing Direct windows review, we consulted customer review sites, media articles, technical documentation and other sources. We then rated the company against our 100-point scoring system to see how it compares to other UK window brands.

We evaluated the following factors:

• The type of double glazing material (uPVC, wooden, aluminium), for a total of 20 points;
• The number of styles on offer, for a total of 10 points;
• The energy efficiency rating held by the company, for a total of two to five points;
• The level of security offered, for a total of 10 points;
• The warranty period, for a total of two to five points depending on its length;
• The company’s years of experience, for seven to 10 points;
• The number of payment options, for a total of 15 points;
• Customer reviews found online, for a total of one to 10 points; and
• Additional benefits (including FENSA certification, design options, customer support and the inclusion of trickle vents), for a total of 15 points.

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