General Terms and Conditions
1. These guarantees are given in addition to your rights under common law and statute.
2. We guarantee to repair or, where it is in our opinion reasonable to do so, replace free of charge any Everest product which develops a fault due to defective materials or workmanship provided written notice is given within the guarantee period as stated.
3. Everest’s policy is one of continuous improvement of its products. Replacement products may therefore have a different specification from the original.
4. The guarantees are effective once payment of the full purchase price has been made.
Terms and Conditions: General Product and Installation
5. The duration of the General Product and Installation Guarantee is 10 years.
6. The General Product and Installation Guarantee includes the following:
6.1. Handles, hinges and locking mechanisms;
6.2. Glazing (sealed units) defects as defined by the Glass and Glazing Federation’s standards;
6.3. Building work is undertaken by Everest as part of our contract with you and for which you have paid Everest;
6.4. Conservatory roof including discolouration of uPVC;
6.5. Essentials uPVC door (excluding Smartlock if fitted, see clauses 17 & 18).
7. The General Product and Installation Guarantee specifically excludes the following:
7.1. Where a product (or part of a product) benefits from a separate specific guarantee period, this specific guarantee period will take precedence over the General Product and Installation Guarantee;
7.2. Ancillary goods supplied and fitted by Everest but which are not manufactured by Everest, such as mechanical or electrical ventilators and lights;
7.3. Damage or faults resulting from subsidence due to soil shrinkage, underground workings and damage caused by the failure of foundations or structures where these have not been constructed by Everest.
7.4. Minor defects to plasterwork or brickwork due to settlement;
7.5. Damage or faults resulting from normal wear and tear (which includes discolouration or frost damage to brickwork);
7.6. Damage or faults resulting from accident, misuse or neglect;
7.7. Variations in colour or texture of natural products such as stone. This is a natural characteristic of such products and not a defect;
7.8. Damage or faults resulting from landslide, subsidence, flooding, drought or Acts of God;
7.9. Damage caused by roots and/or moss;
7.10. Damage to uPVC which is scorched as a consequence of heat being reflected by the reflective surfaces of blinds, mirrors or other items;
7.11. Damage caused by using incorrect cleaning products, such as bleach and solvents or using high pressure or steam cleaners;
7.12. Small imperfections in the uPVC are not visible when viewed from one metre away.
7.13. Failure to comply with Everest’s Care and Maintenance Guidelines in this booklet will invalidate this guarantee.
Product Specific Terms and Conditions: Windows and Doors
8. In relation to windows and doors (not roof glass) the guarantee specifically includes 20 years of cover against fog and condensation forming between the panes of the sealed unit.
9. In relation to windows and doors the guarantee specifically excludes the following:
9.1. Minor imperfections in the glass within visual standards laid down by the Glass and Glazing Federation (see page 4);
9.2. Shading differences in glass as a result of the production processes employed in glass manufacture;
9.3. Prevention of mould growth on Georgian bars.
9.4. No guarantee is given concerning the prevention of condensation on the outside faces of the sealed unit
9.5. The guarantee does not extend to faults associated with water ingress resulting from broken or cracked glass or other faults due to accident, misuse, tampering or neglect
9.6. All exclusions relating to the General Product and Installation Guarantee also apply to this guarantee, except where specifically stated.
10. Any scratches on the glass must be reported within 1 month of the date of installation or 1 month of any replacement unit. Sealed units will not be replaced if scratches are reported outside these times
11. Everest will not accept liability for any breakages on sealed units reported after 1 month from the date of installation
12. The 20 years cover described in clause 8 of this guarantee does not apply to Essentials uPVC doors which are instead covered under the General Product and Installation Guarantee that gives
10 years cover (see clause 6.5) excluding the optional Smartlock (see clause 17 & 18).
Product Specific Terms and Conditions: uPVC
13. In relation to uPVC, the guarantee specifically includes 20 years of cover against discolouration of the standard white uPVC.
14. In relation to uPVC, the guarantee specifically includes 10 years cover for non-white finishes including foiled woodgrain finishes and white woodgrain.
15. In relation to clauses 13 and 14, ‘discolouration’ means a shift of greater than 4 when assessed to BSEN 20105=A02:1995 ‘Grey Scale for Assessing colour change’.
16. In relation to uPVC the guarantee specifically excludes the following:
16.1 Discolouration guarantee does not apply to white uPVC door panels;
16.2 Discolouration guarantee does not apply to conservatory roofs which are covered for 10 years under the General Product and Installation Guarantee (see clause 6.4)
16.3 The 20 years cover described in clause 13 of this guarantee does not apply to Essentials uPVC doors which are instead covered under the General Product and Installation Guarantee (see clause 6.5) that gives 10 years cover.
17. The guarantee includes 2 years of cover against faulty workmanship, materials and function.
18. The guarantee specifically excludes batteries.
Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Visual Standards
Everest uses high-quality float glass in its products, manufactured to British and International quality standards (toughened or laminated where required by Building Standards). These standards allow for a minimal number of minor visual imperfections as they recognise the manufacturing procedure will occasionally result in minor imperfections.
Everest abides by the visual standards laid down by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) which are accepted by our industry. These standards advise that imperfections in the glass that are not visible when viewed from the inside of a room when standing 2 metres away, in natural daylight and looking directly through the glass, or 3 metres away for toughened or laminated glass, are deemed acceptable. In addition, imperfections in the 50mm wide band around the edge of the glass are deemed acceptable as this area is not considered part of the standard viewing area.
Everest Care and Maintenance Guidelines
An Everest conservatory is designed to the highest standards, giving you a room that you can use all year round. Your conservatory will require simple care and maintenance to keep it at its best for many years to come. The information and tips provided in this document have been provided to enable you to enjoy your conservatory to the full. Under the conditions of the guarantees, Everest stipulates that the products be maintained to these minimum standards in order for the guarantees to remain valid.
Seasonal
The environment within your conservatory changes considerably as a result of the changing seasons; furthermore, there are temporary conditions that may occur when the conservatory is first installed such as condensation as the building dries out.
Condensation
Condensation is a result of water vapour coming into contact with a cold surface such as glass. A considerable amount of water is used in the construction of a conservatory (foundations, dwarf walls, concrete floors and plaster). This water will dry out of the construction over a period of time. The length of time this may take will vary considerably depending on the weather conditions (it will take much longer in cool, wet weather conditions, for example). This drying out process can be accelerated at any time of year by making sure the conservatory is well ventilated and warm.
Ventilation
Natural ventilation can help maintain a comfortable environment in your conservatory and will help to minimise condensation. Trickle vents, roof vents, windows and doors can all provide ventilation, but remember to think about security as well.
Heating
Heating a conservatory can also assist with controlling condensation; a conservatory that suffers from condensation may benefit from being kept slightly warmer. Heaters are most effective when mounted on dwarf walls beneath window units.
Fans
Fans will also assist in controlling the environment within a conservatory. Fans can provide a cooling effect in summer and, should a fan have a reverse facility, its operation can be reversed in winter to recirculate warm air trapped at ceiling level.
Fans must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. There must be a minimum clearance of 180mm between the fan blade tips and any obstructions. To avoid the risk of injury, the rotating fan blades must be no closer than 2300mm from the finished floor level inside the conservatory.
Blinds
Where necessary, blinds can be fitted to a conservatory roof and/or walls to help provide shade and privacy.
The following guidelines must be followed to avoid damage to your conservatory:
- The installation of blinds will be carried out at the risk of the person or company undertaking the job.
- Blinds must never be fitted covering a number of roof panes with one blind across the inside surface of the glazing bars - this would result in heat being trapped between the blinds and the glass and may result in damage and discolouration to roof members.
- The best blind design covers each roof pane individually allowing a minimum of 15mm ventilation gap around its perimeter to allow heat to escape.
Weather Seals
While cleaning, check these are in place and undamaged. If dislodged, slide them back into place. Should any weather seals be damaged, please contact Everest to arrange a service call.
Gutters and Box Gutters
Guttering on a conservatory is always laid level in accordance with BS6367:1983 Code of Practice for Drainage of Roofs. You may therefore occasionally notice standing water in the guttering system. It is important that the gutters are checked regularly and kept clear of debris.
General Maintenance
Refer to the section on uPVC Windows and Doors for information on caring for your
Everest Conservatory.
WARNING: Do not climb onto your conservatory roof! If it is absolutely necessary to get onto the roof, this should only be done by a competent person using specialist equipment specifically designed for this function.
uPVC Windows and Doors
When exposed to wind, pollution, rain and other elements, windows and doors will become dirty. Dirt shouldn’t damage Everest products; however, you may wish to clean them based on the following guidelines to keep them looking their best.
In towns and cities, or near coasts, it could be every three months. In rural areas, twice a year should suffice.
General Cleaning
- For general cleaning, use a soft cloth and water with soap or washing-up liquid.
- To remove grease marks, use washing-up liquid with little or no water then rinse with clean water.
- Do not use glass cleaner on frames.
- Do not use kitchen/bathroom cleaners.
Tough Stains
- For long-neglected uPVC use a uPVC cream cleaner.
- For long-neglected aluminium use washing-up liquid with little or no water, scrub with a stiff fibre brush and then rinse with clean water.
Never use the following as they are likely to cause corrosion or damage to the Everest product
- Any other cleaning agent.
- Caustic or ammonia-based cleaning agents.
- Scouring powder or other abrasive cleaners.
- Steel wool or scouring pads.
Door Furniture and Letter Plates/Boxes
General Cleaning
- For general cleaning use a soft cloth and water with soap or washing-up liquid.
- For stainless brass letterboxes remove surface dirt by dusting with a soft cloth. Stubborn stains can be removed with the use of white spirit or a quality, non-abrasive car wax polish.
Never use the following as they are likely to cause corrosion or damage to the Everest product
- Any other cleaning agent;
- Any form of metal cleaner or aerosol products;
- Caustic or ammonia-based cleaning agents’
- Scouring powder or other abrasive cleaners;
- Steel wool or scouring pads.
Leaded Glass
The colour of lead strips on your sealed units will change over time. This is caused by the oxidation of the metallic lead strip. The change in colour happens naturally and the colour change can be a combination of bronze, blue and whitish-grey. The time it takes for this process varies from installation to installation and even from window to window, depending on the degree of exposure to the elements and whether your home is in a rural or urban environment. However, after a period of time, the lead will naturally become weathered and the oxidisation process will ensure that all the lead is of a uniform colour.
Everest Easy-Clean Glass
The internal panes of glass can be cleaned following the guidelines above for cleaning standard glazing. The external surface of the easy-clean glass should be cleaned according to the following guidelines:
Activation
The easy-clean properties of Everest easy-clean glass can take up to one month to activate. Activation depends on the level of sunlight and therefore can take longer in winter months.
General Cleaning
Normally the sun and rain are enough to clean the external panes of easy-clean glass. Between rainfalls, you can hose the glass down. In hard-water areas, reduce milky white mineral deposits by adding solvent-free detergent via a suitable applicator.
Tough Stains
- A soft cloth and soapy water; then rinse. If necessary, use a non-abrasive liquid glass cleaner.
- Take care not to trap dirt in the cloth.
- For wet paint or ink, use a soft, clean cloth and Methylated spirits right away; then rinse.
- For dry paint or ink, use the same but keep dabbing spirits on with clean areas of the cloth.
- Do not rub spirits into the paint or ink as it can remove the coating.
What to Avoid
- Do not use rubber squeegees, metal scrapers, razor blades, steel wool or any other hard object - they will damage the easy-clean surface;
- Do not use cream cleaners, functional (such as anti-mist) products or any other chemical products as they may either damage the easy-clean coating or leave a film over the top of it and stop it from working effectively;
- Do not let alkali from concrete leach onto glass.
Note: After manual cleaning, the easy-clean coating takes a week to reactivate.