Weatherseal Windows Review [Dissolved]: Top 3 Alternatives

Good

• After an own-initiative investigation (case CE9706-12, opened 1 Oct 2012, closed 31 Jan 2014), Weatherseal gave the OFT assurances. It promised to improve agent training, explain credit terms clearly, give accurate cancellation-rights information and make a follow-up call to every customer who placed an order (gov.uk).
• A pre-pack sale when the group entered administration in Aug 2017 kept 265 staff in their jobs and let operations continue under the new Kairos Group (insidermedia.com).

Not so good

• Weatherseal Home Improvements Limited (06516484) went into administration on 31 Aug 2017, was renamed WSHI Realisations Limited and was dissolved on 28 Nov 2019 (find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk, find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk).
• The Entu group, which included Weatherseal, owed creditors more than £12m. KPMG did not expect any distribution to unsecured creditors (insidermedia.com).
• KPMG's proposals cited 'a lack of professional fitters and product quality issues', which often delayed deliveries and installations for customers (insidermedia.com).
• The OFT raised concerns that some sales agents pressured people in their homes, that credit terms were not always clearly explained, and that complaints handling fell short (gov.uk).
• A former director gave notice to reuse the 'Weatherseal' names after the administration (Gazette notice 2859488). The brand's next operator, Clearwin Limited (10932339), went into administration on 28 Oct 2019 and was dissolved on 2 Feb 2022 (thegazette.co.uk, find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk).
• Weatherseal Holdings Limited (04800670) was dissolved on 11 Dec 2018 (find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk).
• The Trustpilot profile is closed to new reviews because 'the company’s website has closed'. It has 472 reviews, none in the last 12 months (uk.trustpilot.com).
• The old weatherseal.co.uk domain now hosts unrelated adult content, so it is not a source of guarantee or contact information (weatherseal.co.uk)

CR Smith: Service-Oriented

TrustPilot rating: 4.8 (4,043 reviews)

Customers highlight CR Smith’s excellent service, from “non-pushy” salespeople to knowledgeable surveyors to professional fitters.

Established in 1917 in Scotland, the company has become one of the UK’s most well-known home improvement brands. The firm employs over 350 professionals and is based in Dunfermline, Scotland.

CR Smith’s financing options include 4-year loans at 0% interest rate and 3.9% APR loans with zero payments for 12 months. They also have a ‘Flexible Fit’ discount and other seasonal offers.

The company provides a standard 10-year guarantee that’s transferable in case you sell your house.

Below is a summary of its product features.

Material	Style	Energy Rating	Warranty
UPVC window, Timber sill	Casement	A	10 years
UPVC window, Timber sill	Sliding sash	A	10 years
UPVC window, Timber sill	Tilt and turn	A	10 years
UPVC window, Timber sill	Reversible	A	10 years

Its accreditations include:

• British Standards Kitemarks
• CE Kitemarks
• ISO 9001:2008
• PAS 24
• Secured by Design
• British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC)

First Home Improvements: Security-First

TrustPilot rating: 4.5 (4,437 reviews)

Customer reviews highlight the politeness and professionalism of its sales and installation teams and the quality of the windows.

Established in 1971, this company has a strong sustainability mission and employs 300 professionals. They offer a 12-year warranty and interest-free financing options across all their windows.

One of the company’s strongest points is its BLADE Lock feature, patented by Yale University. First Home reports that it had tested these locks for 30,000 cycles under extreme temperatures (equivalent to a 42-year lifespan).

Below is a summary of its products.

Material	Style	Energy Rating	Warranty
UPVC	Casement	A+	12 years
UPVC	Sash windows	A+	12 years
UPVC	Tilt and turn	A+	12 years
UPVC	Bow	A+	12 years
UPVC	Bay	A+	12 years

Its accreditations include:

• Gold Trusted Service Award
• Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme (FENSA)
• Made in Britain
• Glass Glazing Federation (GGF)
• British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC)

Everest: Tried and Tested

TrustPilot rating: 4.4 (12,890 reviews)

Customers loved the excellent communication system, where they were informed of every process, including timely responses to queries.

Established in 1965, the company has proven its professionalism and resiliency, with a UK-based manufacturing site and agents who have stayed with the company for 40 years.

Everest assigns local consultants in England, Scotland, and Wales to assist with queries and surveys. Customers report that they were always well-informed of each stage of their purchase journey, and the installers were tidy, reliable, and professional.

In addition, Everest’s windows are highly customizable. Their product selection includes:

• 30 opening styles
• 3 types of glazing
• 25 colour options
• 7 types of glass with multiple variations on decorative glass

The company offers a standard 10-year guarantee and a lifetime guarantee against discolouration, fog, and condensation. Everest’s financing scheme is also one of the most flexible out there, allowing for up to 180 months (15 years)!

Below is a summary of its product features.

Material	Style	Energy Rating	Warranty
UPVC	Casement	A++ and A+ options	10 years
UPVC	Sliding sash	A+	10 years
UPVC	Tilt and turn	A++ and A+ options	10 years
Timber	Casement	A+	10 years
Aluminium	Casement	A and B options	10 years

Its accreditations include:

• British Standards Institute (BSI)
• Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme (FENSA)
• Made in Britain
• Quiet Mark
• Glass Glazing Federation (GGF)
• Secured by Design
• British Fenestration Rating Council Limited
• The Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP)

Read more about our in-depth review of Everest on its dedicated page.

Other high-rated providers to consider

• Evander: 4.6 (3,662 reviews)
• SEH BAC: 4.6 (1,880 reviews)
• Windows plus Roofs: 4.6 (1,542 reviews)
• Clearview Home Improvements: 4.4 (1,326 reviews)

What are Good Prices?

Professional window installers can offer many accessories, payment schemes, and warranties, significantly affecting pricing. But what are the reasonable prices to watch out for?

Below is a summary based on the window type.

Type of Window	Average Cost
Bay (3 panels)	£1,190 – £2,700
Bow (4 panels)	£1,430 – £3,240
Casement	£160 – £1,240
Sash	£240 – £1,860
Tilt & Turn	£200 – £1,550

These prices will change dramatically depending on the installation, fittings, service, insurance, and other factors. In most cases, the following factors will affect your quote the most.

• Fittings – This can range from 4-8 styles.
• Glass – Stained, Georgian, sandblasted, decorative, obscure, resin, ecoA, and more.
• Frames –  Casement, Sash, Tilt & Turn, Bow, and Bay.
• Your Home – Your home will greatly affect the installation cost, which means that you cannot get an accurate quote without an inspection. Details like the condition of your walls, the height of your home, your existing windows, and even the existing frame in the windows will affect installation costs.

It’s always a good idea to decide which types of windows and doors you need and why before you schedule a sales appointment. This will allow you to get a better price and will allow you to avoid pressure sales tactics to upgrade to a more expensive window or model.

Getting a Good Deal from Window Installers

These are the best practices to remember to get the best out of your potential service provider. Remember, the upfront costs can be expensive, so you have to choose wisely.

Get Quotes – Request quotes from other companies in advance so that you know what your project is worth and so you can show the lowest offers to the Weatherseal salesperson.

Recommendations From Family/Friends – There’s no better review than from people you trust the most. Ask around your network, take a look at the finished installations, and ask for negotiation tips and payment schemes that worked best for them.

Plan Your Windows – It’s important to know what you want and why before you meet with a surveyor. Taking the time to conduct research to learn what your installation should be worth can also help you to get a good deal.

Be Careful – Don’t sign anything on the same day! Ask for time to review your contract, and make sure you review your offerings and what’s included (yes, even the fine print). In some cases, you may be asked to pay for mandatory insurance (it’s illegal to require insurance) and other fees, so you should take the time to look these up online.

Review the Work – Take the time to review all work completed by the fitters before signing off on it. If you’re unhappy with the installation, accredited companies should have a FENSA-backed guarantee. Plus, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you from faulty goods or services.

If you’re looking for the best deal from a top-rated company, use our free service to find and compare top rated installers in your area. We will search for quotes based on your specifications and forward you the top 3, so you can choose your favorite, or not, there’s no obligation.