What to look for when choosing uPVC Windows?
Discussion
We're having new double glazed windows throughout the house and have asked 3 local window companies for quotes. The question is as per the title really, but are there any window manufacturer brands to look out for and are they worth the premium? or any to avoid? Has anyone heard or Liniar or Deceuninck?
I'm tempted to go with the cheapest quote as surely there can't be that much difference between products, but I'd rather not compromise quality too much?
I'm tempted to go with the cheapest quote as surely there can't be that much difference between products, but I'd rather not compromise quality too much?
The glass part appears to me to be critical, have had cheap DG units fail & go fugged up after a short period with no comeback. I'd be asking about the type of DG seal the glazing has, I'm sure someone will pipe up as I'm no expert.
IMHO spend the money on A rated glazing, the frames are all much the same I'm sure. I'd also avoid any company that does "the typical DG'ing sales pitch process"
IMHO spend the money on A rated glazing, the frames are all much the same I'm sure. I'd also avoid any company that does "the typical DG'ing sales pitch process"
I'M no expert but we used a local Company who have been doing it for 30yrs, they weren't cheap but I've seen some really cheap products in other peoples houses including several neighbours. Ours are A rated, slimmer profiles than many & a mate pointed out our doors have more locking points than his do.
Ours also came with an insurance backed 25yr guarantee. Many small co's buy windows from the cheapest manufacturer locally & just fit them, the Co we used make their own.
Ours also came with an insurance backed 25yr guarantee. Many small co's buy windows from the cheapest manufacturer locally & just fit them, the Co we used make their own.
If they're local you should be able to have a look at some existing installs they've done. Fit and finish depends on the installers as much as the product and it's not something you'll find out from the spec sheet.
I have a feeling the installation also affects whether the glazed units end up being warped (like too much packing introducing compression) as it definitely seems that 'cheap' installs end up with lots of distortion on the panes and other installs are nice and flat.
I have a feeling the installation also affects whether the glazed units end up being warped (like too much packing introducing compression) as it definitely seems that 'cheap' installs end up with lots of distortion on the panes and other installs are nice and flat.
Check the outside cill is one you like. My old wood cills were chunky and set into the walls at the ends. The plastic ones turned out to be very thin and simply chopped to the same length as the frame. I was very disappointed with this.
Get an insert for each pane to match the opening panes. Looks unbalanced otherwise.
You want the frames to fit the openings. You don't want them to be made to look as though they fit by covering up edges with bits of plastic trim.
Get an insert for each pane to match the opening panes. Looks unbalanced otherwise.
You want the frames to fit the openings. You don't want them to be made to look as though they fit by covering up edges with bits of plastic trim.
ILoveMondeo said:
northwest monkey said:
Make sure the chap that comes round rings his manager for a better deal.
Indeed, that's the way to get the best price, but you have to sign there and then, the offer is only good for 15 minutes.Seriously though, any of this s
t, send them packing.If you do this you would have very little options left of who to go with. We have had visits from a fair few from national to local companies and everyone had to ring the boss.
They did try and old 15 mins to decide crap, I showed them the door and surprise surprise the offer is still there months on.
All I wanted was a porch door with an arch. most wanted several grand! Got it down to nearly a grand by the third week of them calling.
herewego said:
Get an insert for each pane to match the opening panes. Looks unbalanced otherwise.
Whilst I agree about the balance look, this increases the width of the window frame considerably. Depending on the size of your windows, you could be left with a very odd ratio of plastic to glass - so consider it carefully.spats said:
ILoveMondeo said:
northwest monkey said:
Make sure the chap that comes round rings his manager for a better deal.
Indeed, that's the way to get the best price, but you have to sign there and then, the offer is only good for 15 minutes.Seriously though, any of this s
t, send them packing.They did try and old 15 mins to decide crap, I showed them the door and surprise surprise the offer is still there months on.
All I wanted was a porch door with an arch. most wanted several grand! Got it down to nearly a grand by the third week of them calling.
There's 3 or 4 fairly big outfits in Reading, where I was looking, and I even had a local builder who've I've used before who was happy to quote.
Had the first quote yesterday from a chap for 11 Windows, a composite door, and dormer cladding; £6900 which he was discounting by 60% already 
. spoke to his manager and reduced to £4200... held for a week. Second just been, quote will be sent in a few days. Surprised at the price variation of composite doors from 1200- 2400!
. spoke to his manager and reduced to £4200... held for a week. Second just been, quote will be sent in a few days. Surprised at the price variation of composite doors from 1200- 2400!Condi said:
Seems very cheap to me. Very cheap indeed if that is supply and fit.
Just had 5 normal, and 2 bay (which count as 5 each) UPVC, made and installed by a small, local company for £4700. I'm sure I could have got cheaper, but the bloke who take out to measure up was the director, said he'd have a quote the next day, then 2 hours after he left there was a full quote in my email inbox.
I have ordered 11 windows. 1 Bay window and 8 other sash windows.
In white wood grain effect UPVC, Deep bottom rail, and mechanically butt jointed.
just over £11K fitted.
We had about 5 quotes. The above were not the cheapest, but they seemed the best windows, and the company seemed ok. 20 years guarantee, FENSA etc etc
In white wood grain effect UPVC, Deep bottom rail, and mechanically butt jointed.
just over £11K fitted.
We had about 5 quotes. The above were not the cheapest, but they seemed the best windows, and the company seemed ok. 20 years guarantee, FENSA etc etc
Condi said:
TSCfree said:
Had the first quote yesterday from a chap for 11 Windows, a composite door, and dormer cladding; £6900 which he was discounting by 60% already . spoke to his manager and reduced to £4200...
Seems very cheap to me. Very cheap indeed if that is supply and fit. . spoke to his manager and reduced to £4200... Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff