FAQ
Questions about aluminium windows, doors and glass
Quotes and process, glass and energy, and looking after aluminium by the sea.
Quotes & process
Do you charge for a quote?
No. Quotes are free. We do not charge call-out fees for quotations.
Do you work on homes or businesses?
EcoTuff makes and fits aluminium and glass for homes and for commercial buildings — from a single window to a shopfront.
Do you make the products or only install them?
Both. The frames are manufactured to the measurements taken on site, then delivered and installed.
What happens after I ask for a quote?
The openings are looked at and measured, the frames are drawn up and quoted, then manufactured, delivered and fitted. The How We Work page walks through each step.
Who supervises the work?
EcoTuff is owner operated: owner supervision at all times.
Can I send photos of the openings?
Yes. Photos on WhatsApp, with rough sizes and the number of openings, make a first conversation much easier.
Can you replace old steel or wooden windows?
Yes — it is called remove-and-fit. The existing openings are measured, new frames are made, the old frames come out by cutting their fixings, the new frames are fitted and fixed, and the plaster around them is patched. Painting is not part of the job, and tiles butted up against old frames can be damaged when the frames come out.
Glass & energy
What is a U-value?
A U-value is the rate at which heat passes through one square metre of a material for every degree of temperature difference between the two sides. It is measured in W/m²K, and lower is better.
Is double glazing worth it?
It makes a real difference to heat loss. A typical clear single-glazed aluminium window has a U-value of about 5.6 W/m²K; clear double-glazed aluminium is about 2.8 W/m²K. Low-e glass cuts heat loss further. Heat escapes through air leakage, conduction, convection and radiation.
Which rules cover windows in new builds?
SANS 10400-XA deals with energy usage in buildings, and covers the windows and doors (fenestration) of new builds and extensions. It is worth raising at the quote stage if you are building or extending.
Where is safety glass needed?
SANS 10400-N covers glazing, including safety glass in human-impact zones — doors, low panes, showers and balustrades are the usual places.
Coastal care
How do I look after aluminium near the sea?
Rinse frames regularly with fresh water, mild soap and a soft cloth, and keep sliding tracks and drainage slots clear of sand. Stainless fixings are the usual choice on the coast.
Which finish suits the coast?
Powder-coated and anodised finishes are the usual coastal choices. Ask at the quote stage which suits your site and how exposed it is.
Free quote
Still have a question?
Ask on WhatsApp — photos of the openings help.