FAQ
Why should I use Econo Window?Econo Window is owner managed and has specialised in windows and doors for the past 33 years. We own the premises we operate out of (strangely, there is only four companies in Cape Town that can claim this), and we employ over 40 people, all of whom have years of experience.
Econowindow is the company of choice with big Developers, Architects, Property Owners and Administrators, Corporate companies, Builders, Body Corporates and homeowners.
Why does one see such a big difference in quotes from one company to the next?
Our industry, like most industries, faces fierce competition. In a depressed market, companies tend to lower prices to keep busy. The opposite occurs when work is plentiful.
In addition to this, there are companies who source metal from outside suppliers such as China. Some of these suppliers buy metal that looks like the local product but have thinner wall thicknesses that means less aluminium and hence a lower price. It goes without saying that these products cannot have the same structural strength as the local product.
As an established fabricator we are also faced with “backyard” operators who obviously undercut us easily. When these jobs go wrong, as they often do, people expect us to be there to do remedial work.
This inevitably becomes expensive for the purchaser, who ends up paying twice.
Are you aluminium products compliant with AAAMSA requirements?
Econowindow manufactures and installs all products within the strict guidelines of the building practices as laid down by all the ruling authorities, in our industry one of whom is AAAMSA.
What can I expect when you replace windows or doors in my house?
a). Will my plaster be damaged?
Damage to the plaster of your house depends on the condition of your plaster. Where your plaster is in a good condition (i.e. there is no cracks and no loose plaster) there is a good chance that you will not have any damage. However, should you have plaster that is in need of repair, the chances are that you will require remedial work once the new window has been fitted.
Any patching of plaster that is required in the installation process of the replacement unit will be covered for and included in our quotation. Any abnormal repairs to defective plaster will be pointed out to you and you will either be offered a quotation to effect repairs or referred to a specialist where the repair is beyond our capabilities.
b). Do you paint new plaster?
Generally we do not paint. The reason is two-fold. Firstly, painting can only happen two to four weeks after your installation has been done. This will mean an additional call-out that will only add to your price. Secondly, with the wide spectrum of colours used in buildings, it makes no sense for us to have colours mixed for every room only to use 10% of it.
c). Will my walls be damaged?
When we remove an existing window or a door, we “extract” it. This renders it useless but ensures that little or no damage is caused to the building.
d). Will my tiles be damaged?
When doing a window or door replacement we will take every possible care to protect whatever is to remain. However, should you have cracked tiles, or tiles that sound hollow to a tap (loose), most probably they will either break or become dislodged.
e). How long will the job take?
Generally an installation team will complete 8 average sized windows in a day.
f). What do I have to do on the day you install my new windows and/or doors?
We ask our customers to provide us with a clear working area by moving their furniture at least 1 metre away from where the work is to be done.
We also ask that you remove all curtaining, blinds, burglar alarms and burglar bars and arrange for these items to be re-fitted once the job is done.
g). Do you clean up once you have completed the installation?
Our installation teams are schooled to leave every site the way they found it. However, since every job requires that glass needs to be broken, we always ask customers to take care around the areas where we have worked.
g). Will you damage my prize roses/plants?
While our staff will not purposefully damage anything, please appreciate that your replacement window/s are rather heavy and are very heavy to lift into place. The best advice is to re-locate any plant that is dear to you.
h). Will my pets be comfortable during the period when the work is being done?
Since there will be a fair amount of noise it is recommended that all animals, and humans, that will suffer as a result of this, be removed from the immediate surroundings.
I) Are my possessions safe?
While we as a company are confident that our staff are trustworthy, we still recommend that you take due diligence when it comes to items of value.
i).Does Econo Window use sub-contractors?
Econo Window has four installation teams comprising of five staff members each. Each team has a Team Leader who is on site during the course of the installation.
Two of these teams are managed by Installation Managers who, after working for the company for many years, was offered an empowerment package, This package allowed them to create their own company where they were offered company vehicles on a “pay-off basis” and given the opportunity to install on behalf of the company for agreed rates.
Econo Window also uses the services of a builder who we recommend on jobs that are beyond our ability. Having worked will this builder for many years, he is one of the few people we will recommend.
Does Econo Window stock standard or custom made products?
Econo Window does not stock anything. We will manufacture what you need and, since we do not hold stock, a non-standard item will in fact cost you less than a standard item that is slightly bigger.
However, most times we are able to supply what is required within a day or two.
How do I maintain my aluminium windows and doors?
Aluminium windows and doors are best maintained with hot water, soap and a soft cloth. Do not: use abrasives (like Handy Andy or scourers), or anything sharp.
Also, do not use anything that will attract dust and grime, especially on the tracks of sliding and stacking doors as well as the hinges of windows or high pressure hoses to clean windows and doors. These products are designed to stop water coming at it from above, not below.
Do you leave openings in walls over night if not finished?
Never. All openings will be closed up on the same day of installation. If the weather turns, the installation team will stop fitting and come back another time.
How long before installation once accepted?
At the moment we are working on 8 to 10 working days, but this can vary with the amount of work we have on our books. Also, “silly season” (the months during October and December) are generally busier, so the lead time tends to go out to around 15 to 20 working days at that time of year.
Do you give guarantees that windows won’t leak?
Yes, Econowindow gives a two year guarantee against water penetration.
Will you give me adequate notice before arriving to do the work?
Always – normally one to two days before installation is planned.
How long is this quote valid for?
Quotes are valid for 30 days, unless otherwise stated.
Is the glass you fit compliant with SAGGA requirements?
Econowindow manufactures and specifies glass within the strict guidelines of the building practices as laid down by all the ruling authorities in our industry., one of whom is SAGGA.
Will you make bigger or smaller openings in my walls?
Yes we do. We can make existing openings bigger (break down/break side) or smaller (brick up) or create an opening where there isn’t one to fit a new window/door into.
Will you remove rubble if you break out new openings in my walls?
Yes we do.
Do you fit lintels if needed?
Yes we do. If the lintel is under 3 metres, the lintel and the window/door can be installed on the same day. Openings wider than 3 metres may generally require propping for 2 to 3 weeks.
The lintel pricing is included in your wetwork (break down) quote.
Do I need to get municipal approval or do you?
Municipal approval and/or plans, is the responsibility of the client.
Do we do repairs?
Econowindow specialises in replacement windows/doors or new windows/doors, so as such, we don’t do any repairs to work that we have not manufactured or installed.
What colours do you get?
The standard range of colours (finishes) are:
White, Bronze or Charcoal powder coated or Natural anodised
A full range of other colours is available, but is subject to a premium from the finishers (as they are not often used).
What are your guarantees?
1 year on workmanship
1 year on hardware (locks, handles)
2 years on water penetration
15 years on the finish
Are your quotes free?
All our quotes are free with no obligation
Do you send someone out to quote?
Yes, one of our trained consultants will make an appointment to come out and see you.
Can you do burglar bars?
Yes, we have the full range of Xpanda custom made security guards and trellis doors. (XPanda DIY products are available in most leading stores)
We also do aluminium bars fitted either horizontally or vertically to the window sash/es
What deposit is required?
A 50% deposit is required on acceptance of the contract
Is tinted glass available?
Yes, a full range of tinted glass is available in either float or laminated safety glass.
What is the difference between epoxy powder coated and anodised?
Powder coating is done with dry powder, coating the metal evenly with your chosen finish, whereas anodising is done as a multi process of etching and “staining” the metal. The longer the metal stays in the etching liquid, the darker the anodised colour.
Powder coating has a “solid paint looking” finish, whereas anodised is a distinctly “metallic” look.
Can I pay by card?
Unfortunately we don’t have credit card facilities. We do accept EFT’s (electronic funds transfers)
Will the windows rust?
No – every component of your aluminium window is non-corrosive and will not rust, rivets included.
Can I foil any glass?
No, only single layer glass, like float glass or armourplate (the side window of your car is armourplate) can be foiled. Laminated safety glass should never be foiled, as it will generally crack after foiling.
If I take the windows supply only do I still get my full guarantees?
You will still get the 15 year guarantee on the finish, but not the 2 year waterproofing guarantee.
How do I clean the inner part of my horizontal sliding window (flat on 10th floor)?
In this case the window will be manufactured to suit this purpose, so that one slider will be able to slide past the other in order to do the cleaning.
Will the plaster look the same as my old plaster when you're finished?
Generally not – new plaster never looks exactly like the old plaster. So although it will be very close, they will not be an exact match.