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Frequently Asked Questions

What is uPVC?
uPVC is a non-conductive framing material with excellent insulation properties. This insulation makes for better sound-proofing and vastly improves energy efficiency.
Why should Teva uPVC frames be used instead of aluminium or timber?
The main advantage of using uPVC windows and doors is their energy efficiency and durability. uPVC is non-conductive, which gives it insulation properties that can’t be matched by aluminium or timber. Beyond this:

  • Teva uPVC will not rot or corrode, making it ideal for all areas.
  • It is virtually maintenance free, requires no painting or treatment.
How does the cost of uPVC compare with traditional options like aluminium and timber?
The upfront cost of installing uPVC windows may be higher than other options on the market, but the savings on energy and maintenance costs counter this initial expense fairly quickly. Our windows and doors will not need to be treated or painted every few years, as most other systems do. Teva has the most cost effective double glazed windows available in the South African market.

To achieve the same level of insulation, Teva uPVC often costs less upfront when compared to other materials. The key is in the combination of framing material and glass type. Click here to read more.

Can I get all of the same styles with Teva uPVC as I can with aluminium or timber?

Yes. There are very few limitations when using uPVC window profiles. uPVC windows are available in standard and custom sizes. We also have our own innovative designs, which are constantly being updated. The usual styles: casement, side hung, tilt and turn, fixed and sliders are all available using uPVC window profiles. Click here to view our range of windows.

Do all uPVC brands offer equal products?

No, they don’t. There are a handful of important points where brands differ:

Quality:
Teva uses the highest quality profiles from Rehau, our German supply partner. Other companies may use different suppliers who have not been as thoroughly tested in South Africa.

Focus:
We specialize in uPVC windows and doors – and that’s it. We do not make or do anything else, which is why we are so good at it. Other companies may sell you any type of frame to secure your business. We believe in our product; Teva believes that uPVC is the ideal material for all of our clients, in any situation.

Good standing:
Teva has been in the business for more than a decade. We have an incomparable track record of diverse, successfully completed projects. We have never left a project unfinished, and we pride ourselves on finishing projects on-time and without any hidden costs.

Guarantee:
All of our products are guaranteed against product failure for a period of 10 years from the date of installation. We further guarantee our products against manufacturing defects for a period of 15 months, also from the date of installation. Our guarantee is backed by our German supply partner Rehau, who are renowned for their high quality. Other companies, who use different suppliers, are not able to offer this same guarantee.

You can read more about Teva Windows and Doors by clicking here.

Can I replace my existing windows and doors with Teva uPVC systems?

Yes. Teva uPVC windows and doors are ideal for refurbishments and new-build projects alike.

Click here to get in touch.

Are doors also part of Teva's product range?

Yes.

We offer double (French), sliding, folding and stable doors. Click here to view our range.

What sizes and shapes are available?
We treat every project as unique, based on the customer’s goals. Teva is always happy to advise on the best solutions for your requirements, from larger-than-usual dimensions to circular and triangular windows.

Click here to get in touch.

What colour options are available?
All of our products come standard in white. Different colours can be achieved by either foiling the profile or even painting the profile to achieve the desired effect, however this will affect cost and lead times. White frames are neutral, versatile and in our experience – always accent the rest of the building beautifully. Check out our project gallery if you’re feeling unsure.
Does Teva operate outside of Gauteng and the Western Cape?
Yes.

Our branches are setup in Cape Town and Johannesburg, but we have supplied to every province in South Africa.

We have also provided windows and doors for projects in Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Nigeria, Ghana and Mauritius.

What types of glass can be used?
Teva uPVC frames are compatible with most types of glass. That said, our years of experience have taught us a lot, which is why we are confident recommending:

  • use of double glazing for maximum insulation, energy efficiency and sound-proofing benefits
  • use of laminated safety glass for improved security

The energy efficiency of a window or door unit is affected by the type of glass used, as well as the framing material. Teva uPVC windows can be bigger than those framed with other materials, without compromising on energy efficiency. Click here to find out more.

Which glazing options does Teva offer?

Teva uPVC products accommodate a glazing panel up to 32mm, so virtually any combination of single or double glazing can be used without any design change. The most common glazing thickness used in South Africa is between 20 and 28mm.

What is 'double glazing' and why should I choose it?
‘Double glazing’ refers to a process in which a window is formed using two panes of glass with a space between them. The space between the glass panes is usually several millimeters thick. Air is trapped in this space to form a layer of insulation. A drying agent is added before the unit is sealed, to ensure that no moisture is present inside the finished product.

Why double glazing is better…

Insulation is vital for maintaining temperature within a space, without using any additional energy. Around 60% of heat loss in a building occurs through windows that lack sufficient insulation, such as standard, single pane windows. Thermally broken double glazed windows substantially reduce heat loss and cut down on electricity costs.

Double glazing is also an environmentally friendly material, which helps to reduce carbon emissions and combat energy loss when used to replace single pane windows. As well as saving on heating/cooling bills, double glazing is very good at cutting down on noise pollution and internal condensation.

Click here to take a closer look.

What handles do Teva's products come with?
All of our handles are available in either white or silver.

Our windows are available with the following handles:

  • Cockspur handle – simple handle with one locking point
  • Espagnolet handle – recommended handle; includes multiple internal locking points

Our sliding and folding doors are available with the following handles:

  • T-Handles – recommended for balconies and other areas where external access is not required; includes multiple internal locking points
  • D-Handles – recommended for main entrances; includes multiple internal locking points

Our Tilt and Turn windows and other doors are available with custom handles that operate the internal locking mechanisms.

The climate in South Africa can be quite harsh... How does this affect Teva uPVC frames?
Teva uPVC products are resistant to ultra violet rays and have been carefully developed to withstand harsh climatic conditions. The uPVC profiles we manufacture have been extensively tested in South Africa for over 30 years.
Can Teva's windows and doors reduce traffic noise and other noises?

Yes

In combination with the correct double glazed unit, we can achieve Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings of 44. STC is a widely used measure of a material’s sound-proofing effectiveness.

Teva uPVC windows and doors are better at sound-proofing than their aluminium or timber counterparts, for the same reason that they are more energy efficient; it’s all thanks to uPVC’s excellent insulation properties. Click here to browse some of our past projects where sound-proofing was a major focus point.

We have installed our products in many buildings (both domestic and commercial) specifically in order to alleviate noise pollutants such as road noise, aircraft noise and neighbouring noises in communal residential settings.

Are Teva uPVC frames as strong as frames made from other materials?
Yes – if not more so!

Teva’s window and door frames have internal galvanised steel reinforcement. On top of this, they all have fusion-welded corners; no mechanical fixing is used. This makes the chance of breakage very low in comparison to those frames that are built using mechanical corner style fixings. Click here to take a closer look.

Does uPVC become discoloured?
It shouldn’t. As long as the profiles used to fabricate a uPVC window are UV stabilized, the original white color will not fade. Our suppliers installed window profiles in South Africa more than 30 years ago that are still in perfect condition; no discolouration, no brittle finish.
How do I care for my Teva uPVC windows and doors?
Unlike most other options in the market, Teva products don’t require any costly maintenance once installed. To get the most out of your uPVC windows and doors, we have just two recommendations:

  • Wipe them down from time to time to prevent dirt from building up
  • Oil the hinges around once a year for continuously smooth operation
Can double glazed glass break? How do I replace a broken pane if this happens?
Yes, double glazed glass can break.

If a double glazed glass pane breaks, the whole glazing unit has to be replaced. Any glazing company can assist you with this.

What back-up is there if anything happens to my Teva windows?
All of our frames – windows and doors – carry a 10 year guarantee. This guarantee protects customers in the event of product failure – and not in instances of misuse or general wear and tear. Our hardware is further guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a period of 15 months from the date of installation.

Our friendly service staff are available to offer their advice and assistance if you have any concerns. Click here to get in touch.

What is Teva's policy on responsible waste management?
We work together with our German supplier Rehau who employ a very strict re-grinding process. All waste PVC is collected from our fabricators and re-ground. The regrind is used to manufacture a number of other products. This way, we recycle around 8 tonnes of material each month.