| Product Certification |
Whether the complete window system, rather than only individual components, has been tested. |
Look for test reports issued by an accredited laboratory against the target-market standard, such as AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 or applicable European standards. |
Current laboratory reports showing the exact profile, glass, hardware, dimensions, and configuration being quoted. |
Testing only a profile or glass unit does not prove the performance of the finished window. |
| Energy Performance |
Whole-window U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). |
Lower U-factor generally means better insulation. The appropriate SHGC depends on climate, orientation, and heating or cooling requirements. Values should be verified through NFRC-based calculations or equivalent recognized testing. |
NFRC certification or simulation data, including frame, spacer, glass, gas fill, and window size. |
Glass-only performance can significantly overstate the energy efficiency of the complete window. |
| Air Leakage |
Air infiltration through the closed and locked window assembly. |
For North American projects, compare results under AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. Lower air-leakage rates indicate better resistance to drafts. |
Test report stating the air-leakage rate, test pressure, window size, and product configuration. |
Poor air control can reduce comfort and increase heating or cooling loads. |
| Water Resistance |
Resistance to wind-driven rain at the required pressure. |
The specified water-resistance pressure should meet the project requirement and be reported for the same operating type and size as the quotation. |
Water-penetration test report with pressure, duration, specimen size, and failure observations. |
Water performance depends on drainage paths, seals, joints, installation, and window geometry. |
| Structural Performance |
Resistance of frames, sashes, reinforcement, and hardware to design wind loads. |
The design pressure should be calculated from the project location, building height, exposure, and window dimensions; oversized units require separate verification. |
Structural test report, engineering calculations, reinforcement details, and maximum tested sash dimensions. |
A passing result on a small sample may not apply to a larger or differently configured window. |
| uPVC Profile Quality |
Profile wall thickness, impact resistance, weatherability, color stability, and internal reinforcement. |
Request the profile technical datasheet and confirm that reinforcement is used where required by the system design and wind-load calculation. |
Extrusion drawings, material specifications, batch records, impact-test data, and photographs of cut sections. |
Profile geometry and reinforcement strongly affect rigidity, welding quality, and long-term operation. |
| Insulating Glass Unit |
Glass thickness, spacer type, sealant system, gas filling, and edge-seal quality. |
For higher insulation, verify Low-E coating, argon filling where specified, warm-edge or equivalent spacers, and a durable dual-seal system. |
Glass make-up, spacer specification, gas-fill inspection records, sealant details, and IGU warranty terms. |
Glass-unit failure can cause condensation between panes and loss of thermal performance. |
| Hardware and Operating Life |
Hardware load rating, corrosion resistance, locking points, and cycle testing. |
Hardware should be sized for the sash weight and tested for repeated operation; coastal or humid locations may require enhanced corrosion protection. |
Hardware datasheets, cycle-test results, corrosion-test information, and replacement-part availability. |
Low-quality hardware is a common cause of difficult operation, air leakage, and premature service calls. |
| Manufacturing Quality Control |
Controls for cutting, welding, corner cleaning, glazing, drainage, sealing, and final inspection. |
A documented quality-management system, such as ISO 9001 certification, is useful, but it should be supported by product-specific inspection records. |
Factory quality manual, incoming-material records, in-process checklists, final inspection reports, and nonconformance procedures. |
Certification alone does not guarantee consistent production of the quoted window system. |
| Factory Capability |
Production capacity, equipment, process stability, and ability to handle customized designs. |
The factory should demonstrate stable output for the required monthly volume and have dedicated equipment for uPVC extrusion, welding, glazing, and inspection. |
Factory audit, production-line photographs or video, equipment list, capacity statement, and recent production records. |
Capacity must be verified against peak-season demand, not only normal production conditions. |
| Sample Verification |
Whether the production sample matches the approved quotation and drawings. |
Approve a signed sample showing dimensions, profile, glass build-up, hardware, color, screens, drainage, and packaging before mass production. |
Approved sample, technical drawing, bill of materials, color sample, and pre-production inspection report. |
Written approval reduces disputes caused by substitutions or undocumented design changes. |
| Packaging and Shipping |
Protection against glass breakage, frame deformation, moisture, and movement during transport. |
Packaging should include corner protection, separators, moisture-resistant materials, secure stacking, and container-loading controls. |
Packaging specification, loading photographs, carton or crate markings, and damage-claim procedure. |
Good manufacturing can be undermined by inadequate export packaging and poor container loading. |
| Installation Compatibility |
Compatibility with local wall construction, flashing, sill details, fasteners, and installation methods. |
The supplier should provide installation drawings and details for the target construction system, including drainage and perimeter sealing. |
Installation manual, shop drawings, sill and jamb details, fastener guidance, and approved sealant specifications. |
Window performance depends on installation as well as factory production. |
| Warranty and After-Sales Service |
Coverage for profiles, glass, hardware, seal failure, finish, and workmanship. |
The warranty should state coverage periods, exclusions, claim procedures, replacement responsibilities, and response times in writing. |
Signed warranty, spare-parts policy, service contact, replacement lead times, and escalation process. |
A clear warranty helps distinguish a dependable supplier from a low-price manufacturer with limited support. |
| Commercial Reliability |
Quotation accuracy, payment terms, lead time, change control, and export documentation. |
The quotation should identify product specifications, Incoterms, tooling charges, packaging, testing, delivery schedule, and acceptable tolerances. |
Detailed pro forma invoice, contract, production schedule, inspection plan, and references from comparable export projects. |
Transparent commercial documents reduce hidden costs and delivery disputes. |