Knock knock

Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell argues that it isn’t just homeowners who we need to convince that we are a modern industry.

This week, we report the news that Certass has teamed up with Which? Trusted Traders.

The key reason given by Certass for this partnership is the enduring negative perception of door-to-door sales – usually associated with double glazing.

Given all the advances made by companies in the fenestration industry to combat this outdated image, it is irritating that we still have to report on it.

“Door-to-door sales are an outdated and poor industry practice that perpetuates the negative perception of our industry with consumers,” Danelle Kaukau, head of member services at Certass, said.

However, that hackneyed view of the double-glazing industry could be harmful yet, especially as the government looks ahead to reducing the carbon footprint of the housing sector to help meet its net zero obligations.

The failed Green Homes Grant scheme should have given us an insight into the government’s perception of fenestration: it was quite clear that our industry shouldn’t be celebrated alongside more sexy sectors, such as air-source heat pumps and insulation. I’ve heard anecdotal evidence that suggests that those responsible for writing policies also consider double glazing to be way down the pecking order – so it’s not just consumers that we need to convince of our professionalism, but government too.

Fabricators and installers are making hay while the sun shines, so are unlikely to be actively looking to win new business. But the long-term health of windows may well come down to how important they are viewed as a retrofit sustainable solution, which could lead to new grants and other incentives.

Therefore, doing everything we can to lose that door-to-door salesman image is vital.