A new process for handling storm and fire affected UPVC windows and doors has been tested and shown a cut in the costs of insurance repairs, say the product developers.
Floods and fires can cause damage, and properties may require window and door replacements where the fittings are affected and damaged beyond economical repair. Flood debris, mud, dirt, grime and soot on UPVC frames not only look unsightly but can affect their finish and moving parts, so that, until now, a total replacement has often been the only option, costing time and expense.
Evander, the specialist glazing services arm of the VPS Group, has developed a sanitisation service for UPVC windows, doors and conservatories that have sustained fire or water damage.
Graeme Mutch, from Evander’s Account Management Team, says: “This innovation came about from meetings between our Customer Service Managers and clients. Together, we were seeking solutions to limit indemnity spend in returning flood hit properties back to normal.”
After a pilot scheme, VPS and Evander have introduced the sanitisation service for UPVC frames and associated glazing for insurance customers. The process involves using specialist cleaning chemicals on each aperture and the deglazing and reglazing of units, replacement of beads and gaskets and ancillaries. A glazing risk assessment is also undertaken on each property, in line with British Standard BS6262. Where the glazing does not comply with this legal requirement, it is reglazed using specified safety glass.
Jenny O’Dowd, Sales Director for Evander Glazing and Locks, says: “New material, technologies and repair techniques that have been developed in recent years means that repairs to UPVC windows are not only possible but are often completely invisible and return the products to their pre-incident condition. Evander’s experience and expertise has led to us to be the preferred supplier for 75 per cent of the top 20 home insurance companies in the UK. This is another innovative solution that delivers numerous benefits to both the insurer and the customer, including substantial cost savings and a dramatic reduction in the time it takes to get people back into their own homes and to normal life.”
