Any comments on these double glazing suppliers?

owen85 · 25-01-2013 11:34pm

i narrowed my search down to asgard and regency windows. both seemed to have quality products but i went with regency as i thought they had a better window and Philip turned up to my house with corss sections of the windows and entire windows of the type i was thinking of going for. i got a bit off the price which in the end made it almost the same price as asgard.

ancuisle · 28-01-2013 5:08am

I'm looking for an email address for John Bracken windows, If any one has one can you please PM it? Thanks!

paddy147 · 28-01-2013 2:32pm

Superior Windows in Dundalk are by far one of the best and cheapest around.

They will travel all around Leinster to do work.Their work is top notch aswell.

I speak from personal experience.

Dinger53 · 29-01-2013 2:52pm

John from Asgard came at 3.30pm on sat (like he said - very impressed I didn't have to waste my day waiting around) and was in and out pretty quickly. The quote comes in about €4k (a bit more than the other crowd) but we're going to go to the showroom this weekend and if we're happy with the quality of the windows we'll probably just go with him. I still haven't heard back from Gradys...I think we'll get one more quote and leave it at that.
Smartbody I'd definitely recommend checking him out and I'll let you know who we decide to go with!

hick · 29-01-2013 5:23pm

Just on Gradys... they are tough to get in contact with at first, don't know why, it's not a great first impression, but once they do get involved they offer a very good service and good pricing...well were happy with them at least

paddy147 · 29-01-2013 6:46pm

Dinger53 wrote: »

John from Asgard came at 3.30pm on sat (like he said - very impressed I didn't have to waste my day waiting around) and was in and out pretty quickly. The quote comes in about €4k (a bit more than the other crowd) but we're going to go to the showroom this weekend and if we're happy with the quality of the windows we'll probably just go with him. I still haven't heard back from Gradys...I think we'll get one more quote and leave it at that.
Smartbody I'd definitely recommend checking him out and I'll let you know who we decide to go with!

Exactly what are you getting for 4k euro??

smartbodydublin · 04-02-2013 9:19pm

I went with Asgard. Will see how install goes. Was at their showroom twice. Good set up. Their in business over two decades so I expect their guys and the products they stand by are good, or they'd be well represented on here like some other companies.. I checked them out myself based on boards.ie posts.

The Elite63 window system as advertised by them is used by several companies. If you google it you'll find it's a well established brand used in the uk as well. I may go for a door from them in future. They carry, as do many installers, an Irish made composite door, Palllidio, that looks very well specified and built.
I'm sure there is a good few sound companies out there. Would advice the usual, which is look at company and then price. Asgard price was good for what I wanted. They have a good pricing guide on their web site. Get quotes, get idea what product your getting, and some advice/feedback on installers work in the past.

martinn123 · 04-02-2013 9:33pm

smartbodydublin wrote: »

I went with Asgard. Will see how install goes. Was at their showroom twice. Good set up. Their in business over two decades so I expect their guys and the products they stand by are good, or they'd be well represented on here like some other companies.. I checked them out myself based on boards.ie posts.

The Elite63 window system as advertised by them is used by several companies. If you google it you'll find it's a well established brand used in the uk as well. I may go for a door from them in future. They carry, as do many installers, an Irish made composite door, Palllidio, that looks very well specified and built.
I'm sure there is a good few sound companies out there. Would advice the usual, which is look at company and then price. Asgard price was good for what I wanted. They have a good pricing guide on their web site. Get quotes, get idea what product your getting, and some advice/feedback on installers work in the past.

Good advice, hope it all goes well, just one question do they fabricate their own windows or buy them in.
If they buy them in, the windows will only be as good as their supplier, and they will install.

Best of luck

smartbodydublin · 05-02-2013 1:37pm

Hello Martinni123.
I've no idea regarding where windows built. Could be Ireland or Uk. When I asked, was told Asgard don't make own windows now as simply not viable model for them anymore. That was a very straight answer.

I then looked into what I was getting and was happy with it. The manufactured is called Spectus and gives a standard 10 year product warranty. The full specification on windows I chose can be seen on on their site, just google spectus and follow tabs on site. I checked what I was getting by doing a few searches. I believe I'm dealing with a good installer and a well established supplier of a good product. Both are very likely to stay in business as I'm seeing no legacy of posts etc suggesting otherwise. Good practice and care tends to be spread by word of mouth and forums. There's plenty more good people around, just do some checking as best you can and don't be in rush. I started looking at installers nearly a year ago. Grady was on list but getting hold of them didn't happen at the time, but have only read and heard good things. Asgard was 15min drive to showroom so that was handy and was strongly biased toward after meeting and discussing my wants. Nothing was pushed, I was simply shown what they had.

Google them, Spectus Elite63 window, then google Spectus the manufacturer. They've very informative web site with all info clear to read. I'm happy with that more then an inhouse maker as Spectus has been around over 20 years and is big established supplier. So very likely to be around to honor a manufacturing defect if any crop up. Beyond that, I've positive expectation of install quality from this installer based on boards.ie posts and chatting to them.

martinn123 · 05-02-2013 1:54pm

smartbodydublin wrote: »

Hello Martinni123.
I've no idea regarding where windows built. Could be Ireland or Uk. When I asked, was told Asgard don't make own windows now as simply not viable model for them anymore. That was a very straight answer.

I then looked into what I was getting and was happy with it. The manufactured is called Spectus and gives a standard 10 year product warranty. The windows I'm getting are certified to current required standards and are A rated.

Google them, Spectus Elite63 window, then google Spectus the manufacturer. They've very informative web site with all info clear to read. I'm happy with that more then an inhouse maker as Spectus has been around over 20 years and is big established supplier. So very likely to be around to honor a manufacturing defect if any crop up. Beyond that, I've positive expectation of install quality from this installer based on boards.ie posts and chatting to them.

Just to clarify a few points.
Spectus is a manufacturer of Extruded PVC, i.e the raw material for the window. it comes in 6M lengths.
Elite 63 is one of their products and it is widely used.
The guarantee you get will be from Asgard, no one else.

The reason I asked the question, is so you are aware, the window will be made in a factory, from Spectus material, but not their, hinges, handels, or glass unit, just the PVC.

Nothing wrong with any of this, just want you to fully understand the process.

smartbodydublin · 05-02-2013 2:06pm

Hello Martinni123,

So the original product maker doesn't guarantee the product your saying, only the installer. It does say on the Spectus site that all their systems come with 10 year cover. I must look into that and try understand what they mean as that would be misleading I'm sure. Thanks for pointing that out. Will ask Asgard about this point.

martinn123 · 05-02-2013 2:20pm

smartbodydublin wrote: »

Hello Martinni123,

So the original product maker doesn't guarantee the product your saying, only the installer. It does say on the Spectus site that all their systems come with 10 year cover. I must look into that and try understand what they mean as that would be misleading I'm sure. Thanks for pointing that out. Will ask Asgard about this point.

Correct, a window has many components, hinges, glass, handels etc, and the PVC has been cut to size, welded, to become a window for your home. All this takes place in factory somewhere.
Spectus offer a guarantee, to Window makers who buy their product, but you will have no contract with Spectus, or the Co who make the Hinges, or the Glass , but with Asgard

ancuisle · 05-02-2013 3:56pm

I'm also in the process of replacing my windows. I have received a quote from Grady's and K&K Windows.(Haven't started to compare product specs yet). I've requested a number of other quotes which are taking a while to come in...

Has anyone had any work done by K&K Windows(Gorey) recently?

smartbodydublin · 05-02-2013 3:59pm

Martinni123,

Thanks for full heads up. It was me assuming something to be quotable fact based on language and context used on Spectus site, which seemed to say what I then related without me first fully checking. They are as you explained giving guarantee to installer, not end recipient. I live and learn. Thanks again.

I've stuck with single pane old wood sashes for over 20 years. Painting and repairing was easy for me, but last few winters have made heat retention in house a battle. Done fairly rounded insulation in house along with plenty of plaster used to seal up many gaps in old ceiling dry lining in attic. Board members were a help with suggestions/advice regarding roof venting.
Condensation became big issue so I put in powerful extractor in kitchen which helped. Am hoping new windows will reduce condensing on windows more as still big issue with water not able to escape through roof easily anymore. It helped kill window frames before I got motivated to put in extractor...ahem. They were on the to do list for long time though.

celticopia · 05-02-2013 4:30pm

I haven't seen any mention of DL Windows. I am a bit nervous, I have agreed to go on sight with their services. They are doing 7 windows and a front door, triple glazed for 3900. Anyone have any experience with this crowd before it's too late? I can't see any reviews on the interweb for them, or any mention at all? IF I hear nothing I will come back with how my experience goes. So far they are the most reasonable quote we got out of weatherglaze/allied windows, fairco, and dooley.

mameadhbh · 14-02-2013 4:56pm

Hi sorry I know most of this has probably been asked already but we have a big job to do. We are looking to install new windows in an old farmhouse. Currently the is very old timber framed (double-glazed i think) windows but the gas is well gone from the windows and some of the windows only have one pane of glass. I was just wondering what exactly I should be looking for in the new windows. I'm mainly interested in heat/insulation as at the moment it feels like we just have plastic instead of glass. The problem is I need a very relaible company as we can't afford to do all the windows in one go, there are 26 windows, 16 of which are 8 foot long, alond with new front and back door. We are prob looking to do this in 2-4 sets but I dont want the hassle of getting one kind of window, and if I go to get more done in a few months, the companys gone. I don't know if these companies travel far but we are in north dublin so I suppose dublin/meath/louth area. Also can you just order windows without getting the company to install them, have a friend who is very experienced buiklder who say he would be able to install them at a very reasonable price but is this making it more complicated for ourselves, say if they break a window or something, I presume the company would be responsible for replacement, and my fiend would not??? Any advice/ideas and suggestions of reliable companies greatly appreciated

martinn123 · 14-02-2013 5:18pm

mameadhbh wrote: »

Hi sorry I know most of this has probably been asked already but we have a big job to do. We are looking to install new windows in an old farmhouse. Currently the is very old timber framed (double-glazed i think) windows but the gas is well gone from the windows and some of the windows only have one pane of glass. I was just wondering what exactly I should be looking for in the new windows. I'm mainly interested in heat/insulation as at the moment it feels like we just have plastic instead of glass. The problem is I need a very relaible company as we can't afford to do all the windows in one go, there are 26 windows, 16 of which are 8 foot long, alond with new front and back door. We are prob looking to do this in 2-4 sets but I dont want the hassle of getting one kind of window, and if I go to get more done in a few months, the companys gone. I don't know if these companies travel far but we are in north dublin so I suppose dublin/meath/louth area. Also can you just order windows without getting the company to install them, have a friend who is very experienced buiklder who say he would be able to install them at a very reasonable price but is this making it more complicated for ourselves, say if they break a window or something, I presume the company would be responsible for replacement, and my fiend would not??? Any advice/ideas and suggestions of reliable companies greatly appreciated

Ring DL Windows, they are in Garristown, they have a rep who can call out and take you through the options.

As they make the windows no trouble is ordering as supply only, but you will have to give them precise measurements, openings etc, and your friend the builder can fit them.

They will not be responsible for a replacement if they are broken, unless they are delivered broken, and any warranty issues will result in the usual, ''it's the fitters problem'' type of argument, but they have been around a long time.

ger66 · 08-03-2013 8:09am

Don`t consider Fairco Windows, you are buying yourself nothing but trouble. They are by no means cheap, and their window fittings/locks are shoddy. Have had nothing but trouble with doors "dropping" and their customer service is non existent. :mad:

Hootanany · 08-03-2013 8:18am

ger66 wrote: »

Don`t consider Fairco Windows, you are buying yourself nothing but trouble. They are by no means cheap, and their window fittings/locks are shoddy. Have had nothing but trouble with doors "dropping" and their customer service is non existent. :mad:

True A shower worst Company ever.Crap windows as well.

bru10 · 24-03-2013 12:00pm

Artane windows wouldnt stand by the warranty on the windows in my parents house. Everything went well until draughts start coming in all the windows, they were still under warranty so the old pair contaced them and were basically given multiple dates where someone was meant to show up but it never happened. One of the windows was damaged during an attempted break in so we contacted them again hoping they would agree to honour the warranty along with extra paid work. They agreed to this. They then came out and only fitted the window we were paying for and left the warranty work undone.

Kristopherus · 24-03-2013 10:52pm

bru10 wrote: »

Artane windows wouldnt stand by the warranty on the windows in my parents house. Everything went well until draughts start coming in all the windows, they were still under warranty so the old pair contaced them and were basically given multiple dates where someone was meant to show up but it never happened. One of the windows was damaged during an attempted break in so we contacted them again hoping they would agree to honour the warranty along with extra paid work. They agreed to this. They then came out and only fitted the window we were paying for and left the warranty work undone.

Complain to the NCA about them.

paddy147 · 24-03-2013 11:03pm

bru10 wrote: »

Artane windows wouldnt stand by the warranty on the windows in my parents house. Everything went well until draughts start coming in all the windows, they were still under warranty so the old pair contaced them and were basically given multiple dates where someone was meant to show up but it never happened. One of the windows was damaged during an attempted break in so we contacted them again hoping they would agree to honour the warranty along with extra paid work. They agreed to this. They then came out and only fitted the window we were paying for and left the warranty work undone.

Hang on a minute....I thought that Artane Windows went bust last year or in late 2011??

bru10 · 26-03-2013 1:50am

They are currently fitting windows across the road from where im renting. Look in business to me with the trailer complete with advertising parked outside the job!

Hootanany · 26-03-2013 1:58am

Poor people

bru10 · 26-03-2013 2:40am

It was seeing them across the road while walking down to the parents house that led to me posting. It was their van and their advertising trailer parked on my road.

martinn123 · 26-03-2013 11:57am

paddy147 wrote: »

Hang on a minute....I thought that Artane Windows went bust last year or in late 2011??

Yep, Cartrose Ltd, T/A Artane Windows, Liquidator Appointed 1st June,2012

http://archive-ie.com/page/10726/2012-05-16/http://www.insolvencyjournal.ie/home_more_details/12-05-14/Cartrose_Limited_T_A_Artane_Windows.aspx

paddy147 · 26-03-2013 2:03pm

martinn123 wrote: »

Yep, Cartrose Ltd, T/A Artane Windows, Liquidator Appointed 1st June,2012

http://archive-ie.com/page/10726/2012-05-16/http://www.insolvencyjournal.ie/home_more_details/12-05-14/Cartrose_Limited_T_A_Artane_Windows.aspx

So how do they still operate then?

How does the system work??

martinn123 · 26-03-2013 2:20pm

paddy147 wrote: »

So how do they still operate then?

How does the system work??

Simple, you form a Ltd Co, say ABC Ltd, that Co then registers a '' Business Name'' with CRO. Now you have ABC Ltd T/A Artane Windows.

If you get into difficulty, you liquidate the Ltd Co, and the Creditors, Warranties etc, all go away.

So you form a new Ltd Co, say XYZ Ltd, and do it again with CRO, now you get XYZ Ltd T/A Artane Windows, and off you go.

If you do a search on www.cro.ie for this name, you will see it has been registered 5 times between, 1985 and 2013, giving the impression it's been in business a long time.

http://www.cro.ie/search/CompanySearch.aspx

Keep the Web-site, phone No. and advertising material, buy the van's off the liquidator, no one will notice.

paddy147 · 26-03-2013 2:24pm

martinn123 wrote: »

Simple, you form a Ltd Co, say ABC Ltd, that Co then registers a '' Business Name'' with CRO. Now you have ABC Ltd T/A Artane Windows.

If you get into difficulty, you liquidate the Ltd Co, and the Creditors, Warranties etc, all go away.

So you form a new Ltd Co, say XYZ Ltd, and do it again with CRO, now you get XYZ Ltd T/A Artane Windows, and off you go.

If you do a search on www.cro.ie for this name, you will see it has been registered 5 times between, 1985 and 2013, giving the impression it's been in business a long time.

http://www.cro.ie/search/CompanySearch.aspx

Keep the Web-site, phone No. and advertising material, buy the van's off the liquidator, no one will notice.

So basicly you can be shut down today and more or less open back up again next day and still keep on doing the same thing??
Yikes.:eek::pac:

sandc1611 · 09-04-2013 2:33pm

Can anyone advise if they have ever dealt with a company calles Orion Windows. Looking to have new windows fitted front and back and am currently getting prices from Orion and Keane Windows

RachWatch · 09-04-2013 2:42pm

Hi sandc1611 - I recently used Orion. They provided two doors and one window. They were very good to deal with. Their prices were very competitive. They came when they said they would come. Did the job cleanly. We are very pleased with the end result. I dealt with Mark - and would have no hesitation in recommeding them!!

calum123 · 12-04-2013 9:18pm

I have used Rapid Windows and so have my sisters and we were thrilled with their work very keen prices and excellent work, would always recommend them. As far as I know they don't even advertise its all word of mouth.

Dinger53 · 07-06-2013 12:38pm

Smartbody how did you get on with Asgard in the end? They were my top choice but then my in-laws told me to contact John Bradley and get a quote. He was the cheapest (by a bit) but I was still a bit nervous as I couldn't find anything on boards about him. The inlaws and their friends used them for their windows and they looked great so we went with him and I'm delighted with the finished product!
He is totally a no-frills kind of guy -doesn't have a fancy showroom or anything but he struck me as very honest (he included shoot-bolt locking and some things that other companies were charging as extras as standard) and was really clean (just a bit of dust at the end).
I was delighted with him so would recommend to anyone else to give him a go- if anyone wants his details feel free to PM me! Good luck!!

smartbodydublin · 07-06-2013 1:21pm

Excellent windows. I'm from a trades family background so have some notion as to what the job involves.

There's an issue with one glazing unit which tilted slightly in it's frame. I've told Asgard of this and told them it probably wasn't an issue but I wanted them to look at it.

I've seen many pvc windows being installed in the past and sometimes they need a belt to wedge them in.

This particular window got several very stout impacts and then a few months later I noticed the glazing unit was off square. That didn't bother me but the fact it moved at all meant something had to give a little.

I'm knee deep in other issues and amn't slow in pursuing anything but it's not showing problems as yet but the seals between glass panes may have been stressed as well.

The first thing Asgard said when I rang was if any problem with the window they'd replace it.

I may get a door at some point if money allows but will see how windows go and if anyone from Asgard does a follow up check on my report.

All in all, the price was good, the job was good and the company has been around a long time.

Happy your own job turned out well.

goat2 · 10-06-2013 4:20pm

i had munster joinery install a couple winodws for me some months back, they did a great job, draught free, fast installers also tidieness let the place in good order, and will deal again with them,

Monokne · 05-07-2013 7:35pm

I got Fairco doors and windows in the downstairs of my house. Have had problems with locks on both doors, and now one door is dropping. Given the price I paid, I really would not recommend them.

Now a question - has anyone actually had this Spectus Elite 63 glass installed in their house for a long period of time? I've had two quotes to do the four upstairs windows in my house - one using Spectus Elite 63, the other from KK windows. I get the impression KK windows are good but they're coming in at €1700 while the other folk are just €1100. Normally I just go for the more expensive one but that didn't work out well with Fairco, plus money is tight so I am very tempted by the €1100 with the Spectus Elite 63. Any opinions?

GlasnevinPiper · 25-07-2013 6:07pm

I've recently got some quotes for windows. Does anyone have an opinion about Horizon Windows from Coolock or Has anyone used the Dublin installers of Sean Doyle & Sons Windows?

fastford · 25-07-2013 9:27pm

GlasnevinPiper wrote: »

I've recently got some quotes for windows. Does anyone have an opinion about Horizon Windows from Coolock or Has anyone used the Dublin installers of Sean Doyle & Sons Windows?

Yes, I certainly have experience of the second company you have mentioned. PM if you want to know more.

GlasnevinPiper · 26-07-2013 4:27pm

PM sent. I look forward to hearing from you. I presume there's a reason why you don't want to provide info in a public forum... you have me worried.

smartbodydublin · 28-07-2013 3:06pm

Hello Monokne, I have the Spectus Elite63 and am very happy with them. I noticed a big drop in external sound and the house holding heat a lot longer.

It was a jump from old single pane wooden frames to double glazing but based on being in other homes with double glazing the Elite 63 is keeps out more noise if that helps at all. The price is good and the windows are only new but no bother with them and they seem very robust in build.

Monokne wrote: »

I got Fairco doors and windows in the downstairs of my house. Have had problems with locks on both doors, and now one door is dropping. Given the price I paid, I really would not recommend them.

Now a question - has anyone actually had this Spectus Elite 63 glass installed in their house for a long period of time? I've had two quotes to do the four upstairs windows in my house - one using Spectus Elite 63, the other from KK windows. I get the impression KK windows are good but they're coming in at €1700 while the other folk are just €1100. Normally I just go for the more expensive one but that didn't work out well with Fairco, plus money is tight so I am very tempted by the €1100 with the Spectus Elite 63. Any opinions?

martinn123 · 28-07-2013 3:20pm

smartbodydublin wrote: »

Hello Monokne, I have the Spectus Elite63 and am very happy with them. I noticed a big drop in external sound and the house holding heat a lot longer.

It was a jump from old single pane wooden frames to double glazing but based on being in other homes with double glazing the Elite 63 is keeps out more noise if that helps at all. The price is good and the windows are only new but no bother with them and they seem very robust in build.

Lads just for clarification, Spectus, mAnufacture PVc profile, and Elite63 is one of their products ( 63mm from back to front). So that's just the material the window frames are made from.
You then add, hinges,handles,glass etc, none of which are Spectus, and you have a window.
So who made the window, is more important than the raw material they used

Monokne · 29-07-2013 11:11am

Hi all

Thanks for both of your responses. I'm conscious that by all accounts the window itself is good but as you say Martin, it's really a crapshoot as to whether or not the supplier and fitter is up to scratch. Unless you go with a more well known company like fairco or senator, but we'd a bad experience with them last time out so I think I may just go with the cheap as chips chap and hope for the best!!!

martinn123 · 29-07-2013 11:13am

Monokne wrote: »

Hi all

Thanks for both of your responses. I'm conscious that by all accounts the window itself is good but as you say Martin, it's really a crapshoot as to whether or not the supplier and fitter is up to scratch. Unless you go with a more well known company like fairco or senator, but we'd a bad experience with them last time out so I think I may just go with the cheap as chips chap and hope for the best!!!

Maybe you could give details of the ''cheap as chips'' chap, and see if there is some feedback on this thread

Monokne · 29-07-2013 11:15am

The cheap as chips chaps (try and say that 5 times fast) are a company called CG Windows and that is about as much as I know!

uphillonly · 30-07-2013 3:57pm

I'm looking for solid wood double glazed window suppliers. I had a search through the thread but all the recent recommendations (Asgard, Regency etc.) for PVC.

We will have a mix of sash and non-sash. We don't mind using different suppliers for each type.

I've seen the Marvin quality warnings, which is a shame as their opening & slide mechanism was impressive and the windows looked nicely finished.

tobsey · 01-08-2013 5:17pm

Anybody any experience with Turkington Windows from Portadown? Got a quote through their agents in Dublin but wondering if anyone knows anything about them.

Kate the painter · 10-08-2013 9:12am

tinkernead wrote: »

I know this post is a few years late. But dont go near Fairco not a company i would recommend at all . Defo consider looking at someone else

I have used this company this week for windows their quality looks excellent had you a problem after installing windows

Kate the painter · 10-08-2013 9:26am

Just got windows fitted this week I hope I made the right decision previous windows in 35 years and had no problems with them just wanted to upgrade to energy glass and change style will keep you updated

hogiewan · 20-08-2013 2:36pm

Dunno if they were mentioned but my old man gave me a number for www.cityglass.ie, I got them in for the new house and im delighted with the job they did! Worth a look anyway!

scange · 08-04-2014 11:03am

if you are concerned about after sales then do not go with regency. they are great sales people, talk the talk... but as soon as you have an issue you will be fobbed off for months. had problems with windows and doors. still waiting for a satisfactory resolution after 3 months of constant chasing.

Any comments on these double glazing suppliers?

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