The selection of a frame manufacturer is a difficult process, because we are called to choose among dozens of professionals (certified and uncertified). The difficulty lies in the fact that we do not see the final product we will buy, but only some exhibits, which are usually the best samples because they are in showrooms and in many cases may not be faithful replicas of the windows and balcony doors that will be installed in our home.
Another reason that makes this purchase quite difficult is that there are many factors that determine the quality of frames, which require specialized technical knowledge to distinguish them. Of course, as with any product we buy, we should dedicate enough time and correctly choose the company that will manufacture the frames for our home, because it is a serious and costly investment that we will use daily and forever. Below are some useful tips for choosing a frame manufacturer:
A. Frame Offers
The frame offer you receive is the only document that specifies the type and quality of the products you will purchase. For this reason, it must be detailed not only regarding the typology of the frames but also other important elements such as:
- The series and exact code of the profiles you are going to buy (each series has dozens of profiles) as well as their performance (e.g., water tightness)
- Whether the accessories, gaskets, mechanisms used are those recommended by the extrusion company (e.g., Europa)
- For roller shutters, blinds, and screens, the type must be stated (simple boxes, thermal break, shutter louvers) as well as any supplier if it is not the profile manufacturing company (e.g., Alumil)
- The type of energy-efficient glazing and its supplier
B. See actual projects
Most frame manufacturers have a list of projects (list of installed frames) that they have already completed and which may be near our home. Ask for a list of projects so that you can choose which project to visit yourself (and not be guided by the manufacturer to their best project). In this way, you will ascertain how much confidence the professional has in the projects they undertake, how long they have been in the field as a professional, and how well their frames withstand the test of time.
C. Certified manufacturers
Ask if the prospective manufacturer is a certified manufacturer of the company that supplies them with profiles (e.g., Europa, Alumil, Etem) and verify this by searching the companies’ websites (e.g., Europa, Alumil). Each aluminum profile manufacturing company (Europa, Alumil) certifies specific aluminum manufacturers (who are very few compared to the ‘labels’ that exist) for the production of its systems. Certified manufacturers are continuously informed about the company’s new products, as well as the correct production of frames, and are audited for this. See Fenestral’s certificates.
D. CE and Declaration of Performance for products
All frame manufacturers are obliged to state the performance of each product they produce in relation to thermal insulation, water tightness, etc. You should ask the manufacturer if they provide all the accompanying documents required by our legislation for CE marking (e.g., glazing certificates).
E. Visit the company’s manufacturing department
By visiting the workshop where the frames are manufactured, you will ascertain the manufacturer’s level, as well as many other details (e.g., application of sealant during window connection) that cannot be seen in a showroom. Choosing a frame manufacturer is a choice that will stay with you forever.
G. Possibility of technical inspection before final payment
To be sure about the products you are buying, ask the manufacturer to conduct a technical inspection of the frames before final payment, by the company that produces the profiles (e.g., Europa). In this way, you will ascertain whether the materials used for the production of the frames are authentic and approved and comply with all the specifications of the design company, and also whether the manufacturer trusts the frames they produce.
E. Guarantees – Awards
Ask about the warranty provided for the frames (mandatory) as well as any company awards or other certifications (ISO, Gold manufacturers, etc.).
F. Choose a recognized frame manufacturer
Many people have bought frames and after some time, they ‘look for’ the manufacturers for any repairs or changes. It is therefore good to ask how many years the business has been operating and get recommendations from its customers or the company it represents (e.g., Alumil).
