What You Need To Know About Structural Supports

Here at Reading Trade Windows, we’ve got decades of experience under our collective belts. Our staff have been working in the home improvement industry for a long time and we’re committed to delivering the best service. We learned long ago that sometimes, keeping our customers informed is just as important as getting the work done. That’s why we want to share as much detail as we can and give a clear understanding of why certain changes take place.

Today, we want to draw your attention towards structural supports. There’s been some confusion about these online recently and if you look up the latest legislation, it’s easy to get disorientated. In an attempt to make things a bit simpler, here’s everything you need to know about structural supports.

Investing In Safety

Structural supports are a vital part of any home improvement project. They’re intended to keep the customers and their families safe, so we take them very seriously. We carry out diligent checks for all our projects and if it’s identified that structural supports are required, this has to be communicated very clearly to the customer. 

This is because structural supports can make a project more costly. For example, if you’re installing new windows, it can raise the price by about £250 to £500 per window. This has to be done to comply with UK Building Regulations and keeping the customer informed can avoid any unexpected expenses appearing on their bill. 

In the past, we’ve heard horror stories about companies using “load-bearing” uPVC windows. We want to make it absolutely clear; this is a myth. There is no such thing as a “load-bearing window” on the UK market. If you encounter a business that claims otherwise, they’re not being honest and are spreading dangerous falsehoods.

The Value Of Structural Supports

When a homeowner spends money on a project, they’ll want to know it’s being done correctly and no corners are being cut. Yes, it does result in a larger price tag, but the real value of structural supports is what they give the customer. 

For starters, they keep people safe. They prop up the building and ensure it can won’t collapse under its own weight and injure someone, or worse. Plus, they add value to a house. When the time comes to sell the house, surveyors will identify shoddy workmanship and poorly installed windows can lead to a sale falling through. Moving house is one of the most stressful experiences the average person goes through, so finding out that the building needs multiple repairs before it can be sold will only add to the pressure. Remedial works can be far more expensive than the initial cost of structural supports, so they’re worth it in the long run.

And perhaps most importantly, there’s the peace of mind. Our homes are a sanctuary from the outside world, and people deserve to feel secure in them. It can play havoc with your mental health to find cracks around a new window frame, and you’ll soon regret accepting that cheap quote from an unreliable contractor. 

In other words, if you’re thinking about working with another company that has never mentioned structural supports, stop for a moment and ask yourself why? Why would they not bring up a vitally important issue that’s required under UK building regulations? It’s not selling up or recommending an unnecessary upgrade, it’s a legally essential part of the process.

So, if you want to ensure you forge working relationships with safe and reliable companies, get in touch with Reading Trade Windows. It’ll save time, money and a lot of unnecessary hassle. We can even help you avoid legal problems further down the road. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to discuss your next project. 

Categories: News

Tags: building laws, building legislation, composite doors, front door, home improvement, install a new door, modern composite doors, structural support guidelines, structural supports