Recent content by HouseImprove

I’d agree, chamber count is mostly a sales point. Build quality and, more importantly, the fit make the biggest difference. Check the overall U-value, glass spec, reinforcement (especially on the bay) and that they do a proper final survey. Dummy sashes look nice, but fixed lights usually seal...

Yes, it looks like metal contamination, usually grinding sparks embedding in the uPVC, which then rust. The frame itself isn’t rusting. If the windows are fairly new, it’s worth raising it with the installer, as this often happens during building work.

That’s usually called a trigger latch. The small lever hits the keep and retracts the latch, so the door latches with very little pressure. Not all multipoint locks have them, but sometimes adjustment of the keeps or rollers can achieve a similar result without changing the whole lock.

From what I’ve seen, that’s pretty normal. Even on original timber sashes, horns on the top rail of the lower sash weren’t always used, so most modern uPVC designs stick with that. Quickslide follows the same approach, you get run-through horns on the meeting rails, but not on the lower sash...

It’s more likely cold glass and poor air circulation in a deep, north-facing recess, made worse by no trickle vents. This is usually ventilation and design related, not a faulty window.

A sharp chisel works best on old, hardened silicone, keep it flat to avoid marking the frame.

Solvent cleaner will remove the paint (test first). Light scratches can’t really be covered, but a uPVC restorer or plastic trim polish can make them less noticeable. Painting usually isn’t worth the hassle.