Munster Joinery maintenance

paulb · 25-05-2011 1:36pm #1

Hi,

My house was built using Munster Joinery windows and doors. 6 years on and I have an increasing list of maintenance tasks that need attending to .... given the standard of the original work and the hassle getting the immediate problems resolved at build time I'm not keen to go giving MJ repeat business to fix/maintain now.

I'm hoping for some help from the forum ...

I have one cracked double-glazed panel, i.e. sliotar/son - outside leaf. It is a frosted pane as it is on a bathroom window. Is it possible to get a replacement from an alternative supplier, if I provide the dimensions (how do you measure the thickness - is there a standard)? It's coloured uPVC window. Is it easy to fit myself, do I need any specialist stuff like seals/sealant etc?

I have a number of dodgy external door multi-point locking mechanisms, in one case I think the hinge door got over-extended. The bottom locking point doesn't engage and there's a fierce draft.

I also have a number of windows where the seals are no longer tight - not the seals themselves just how tightly the window mechanism closes. My question for these last two points are - are there any independent tradesmen who can address these, someone who can do a general maintenance inspection and adjust or replace parts as necessary. I would prefer to deal with some quality workeman who knows his stuff and will stand over his work.

I'd appreciate any pointers/advice - likely costs etc. If you want to PM details of recommended tradesmen the area I'm in is the mid-west.

Thanks very much

Avns1s · 25-05-2011 1:46pm

Any good independent window installer should be able to sort these issues. The "unit" can be made up to fit and be installed for you. The seal issue is probably just to reset the cams on the locks. You could do it yourself with an allen key but if you are getting someone to fit the unit, it's probably best to let them kick on with the adjustment too. They will have it doen in minutes.

<SNIP>

I had an experience recently and it was cheaper to get a local installer to supply and fit a hinge than it was to get it posted from whatever shower supply the parts on Munster Joinerys behalf.

For anyone building a house or extension or replacing windows, you can form your own opinions from the above but suffice to say that cheap at the outset does not always work out cheapest and best overall!

Moanin · 25-05-2011 2:35pm

I had them out last year to tighten / replace all the seals / hinges on all doors and windows (4 bed detached). I was very happy with the job. I think it cost around €160.

25-05-2011 7:59pm

Biggest problem I have had with the house is the MJ doors and the windows, MJ are brutal and they wanted me to pay to repair defects the same fella caused when he was out the last time, I would agree with you OP, if I could open the front door properly I wouldn't let them threw it again.

MunsterJoinery · 26-05-2011 4:52pm

Paulb

Customer feedback is essential in helping us to improve upon customer experiences with our company.
We would ask you to mail us directly to enable us to deal with your issues in further detail.

Management
Munster Joinery

clusk007 · 01-06-2011 6:53pm

I moved into a new house six months ago and Munster joinery did all the windows and doors. I could not have been happier with them to be honest. The price was excellent, far cheaper than the competition, and they even arrived a day early to install. went for the prestige Windows with triple glazing and could not fault them at all. Just my two cents!

martinn123 · 03-06-2011 12:31pm

MunsterJoinery wrote: »

Paulb

Customer feedback is essential in helping us to improve upon customer experiences with our company.
We would ask you to mail us directly to enable us to deal with your issues in further detail.

Management
Munster Joinery

I wonder if this is genuine....Paulb can you share any feedback

MunsterJoinery · 08-06-2011 9:26am

We are disappointed we were not contacted and given the opportunity to resolve the above issues for you.

At Munster Joinery we strive to assist all our customers if any issues should arise.

We welcome anyone above with any queries to PM us directly.

Management
Munster Joinery

08-06-2011 11:45am

MunsterJoinery wrote: »

We are disappointed we were not contacted and given the opportunity to resolve the above issues for you.

At Munster Joinery we strive to assist all our customers if any issues should arise.

We welcome anyone above with any queries to PM us directly.

Management
Munster Joinery

PM sent, can't wait to see what you do with it:D

mr lee · 08-06-2011 1:42pm

you could fly a kite with the draughts under my munster joinery front and back doors,there's 2 gaps at the bottom corner of each door where you can actually see daylight coming in,as for the rubber seals on the windows,one word,sh1te. very poor standards.

meemeep · 08-06-2011 1:54pm

I've had two companies out to look at fixing a window - the whole frame seems warped and smaller windows have gaps. It was already in the house when we moved in so I had no idea who had put it in. Both company reps took one look and said "Munster Joinery" - I hadn't even heard of them to be honest:eek: So either there is an industry "plan" to rubbish them to potential customers or there really were problems - this work is about 10 years old now, so not suggesting there still are problems - but interested to stumble on this thread! Will be contacting MJ for a quote to repair. No doubt they'll attribute the work to someone else:pac:

M cebee · 08-06-2011 4:40pm

yes as above

i think they were among the cheapest during the boom

some people would spend a bit more for better quality and service

db · 08-06-2011 11:26pm

I have windows from Munster Joinery in my house. We bought the house when it was a couple of years old so not the original MJ customer. We have needed some maintenance on the windows a couple of times and a couple of panes replaced due to being behind the football goals:).
On each occasion we had them out they were very easy to deal with and very helpful. One time when we were getting a pane replaced the guy adjusted a couple of other windows and another time when he was fixing a broken handle he left a few spares in case we need them in the future.
I am in no way connected with Munster Joinery but I have been pleased with their service when I have used them.

Wyldwood · 09-06-2011 10:39am

I have to agree with db my experiences with MJ have all been good & I've owned 2 sets of MJ windows. Their service guy in Cork is extremely helpful.
I think MJ are a bit like the Public Service, ready targets for all bashing!

09-06-2011 1:45pm

Wyldwood wrote: »

I have to agree with db my experiences with MJ have all been good & I've owned 2 sets of MJ windows. Their service guy in Cork is extremely helpful.
I think MJ are a bit like the Public Service, ready targets for all bashing!

I'm the ying to your yang, I have a back door that was wide open and couldn't be secured for two months:eek: then it was shaved so much you can see daylight, French doors that only a fat fella like me can close because I have to lean in to and jiggle the door, bedroom windows with different openings and a front door that's peeled and aged looking.
I'd rather have had your experience any day:) coming home everyday thinking I was going to be cleaned out wasn't the best experience, as for being ready targets it's only because they have not done their job properly for me that I am in a position to bitch and not because they are a household name, I would be a bit silly to do that.

10-06-2011 7:39pm

You can make your own minds up on Mr Monster joinery:)

Re; Customer Service
Thank you for your email, and we appreciate your feedback.

If you could forward us your personal contact details our Customer Service Manager would welcome the opportunity to contact you directly.

Many Thanks,

Management,
Munster Joinery

iggy · 15-06-2011 9:46pm

Can anyone recommend a window company in Dublin that can fix my windows.

The house is 12 years old and the windows were put in by MJ.

The noise from the outside is shocking. Its nearly the same as having the window wide open. Curtains shaking with the wind.

I looked at them and they are not closing properly and possibly warped.

I dont want to use Munster Joinery to fix them. i know the seals were and hinges were changed a few years ago but they did a ****e job.

Thanks in advance

martinn123 · 20-06-2011 2:56pm

gary71 wrote: »

You can make your own minds up on Mr Monster joinery:)

Re; Customer Service
Thank you for your email, and we appreciate your feedback.

If you could forward us your personal contact details our Customer Service Manager would welcome the opportunity to contact you directly.

Many Thanks,

Management,
Munster Joinery

Gary71, any feedback following this message, or has someone registered this username to have a laugh

20-06-2011 10:41pm

martinn123 wrote: »

Gary71, any feedback following this message, or has someone registered this username to have a laugh

I think someone's being a plonker:D

That message is a response to a long email I sent already, they know my name but I don't know their name or if it's Mr or Mrs management

Big Tone · 05-07-2011 10:18pm

Getting MJ to install new windows and doors in a house I'm doing up, I did think twice about getting them after all the mixed reviews I read but I note that most of these, especially the negatives, were written during the construction boom.

I'm told they've improved no end since the industry went belly up and now it's all about quallity and customer service and satisfation as opposed to the "build estates fast" boom mentality. The sales guy I dealt with certainly knows his stuff and called to the house to discuss what best suited.

They were also the best on price, which is what it's all about these days.

I will report back here when I get the windows and doors fitted.

Stove Fan · 05-07-2011 11:59pm

About a year ago I contacted Munster Joinery to get a quote for new windows and doors and after about a week the saleswoman came to measure and said She would phone me the next day for a price. I didn't hear anything and after 2 weeks phoned her and she quoted 6,500 euro on the phone. I also had a quote from another supplier and the service was excellent and the price was 3,300 for the same 5 wood grain pvc windows and double door and single door. I can't compare quality as the lady had no literature or a sample.

I have been very pleased with my windows and doors for the money.

martinn123 · 06-07-2011 11:40am

Called to a new home this week, not an estate, just a small development of 4 houses. Anyway all the windows , doors were by M.J.While they look well, in a cream colour all are externally beaded, i.e the glass is removed by popping out the beads which are on the outside.When I pointed this out to the home-owners they freaked, as anyone could be in the house in a minute.So while quotes from M.J may appear good value, be careful, the industry standard, now, should be for Internally beaded windows, for additional security.Make sure you are comparing like with like.

Mad Benny · 06-07-2011 11:46am

Stove Fan wrote: »

I also had a quote from another supplier and the service was excellent and the price was 3,300 for the same 5 wood grain pvc windows and double door and single door.

Can you tell us who that was?

Wyldwood · 06-07-2011 12:42pm

martinn123 wrote: »

Called to a new home this week, not an estate, just a small development of 4 houses. Anyway all the windows , doors were by M.J.While they look well, in a cream colour all are externally beaded, i.e the glass is removed by popping out the beads which are on the outside.When I pointed this out to the home-owners they freaked, as anyone could be in the house in a minute.So while quotes from M.J may appear good value, be careful, the industry standard, now, should be for Internally beaded windows, for additional security.Make sure you are comparing like with like.

not quite true. I have MJ windows and had to have a broken pane replaced recently, while the beading is on the outside there is a seal between the pane and frame that means the glass has to be replaced by having access from inside.

Stove Fan · 06-07-2011 11:24pm

Mad Benny wrote: »

Can you tell us who that was?

You have a PM:)

massy086 · 07-07-2011 3:52am

Wyldwood wrote: »

not quite true. I have MJ windows and had to have a broken pane replaced recently, while the beading is on the outside there is a seal between the pane and frame that means the glass has to be replaced by having access from inside.

i am a Dublin based glassier and i can confirm that mj frames are glazed from the outside (god know,s why) yes they are held in with double sided tape but the scum who broke in damaged 4 frames and broke 2 windows and managed to get out both dg units to gain access to the house ,all this could of been avoided if the windows had been glazed from the inside like everyone else,s frame,s.And just to add the house alarm did not sound as the windows did not have to be opened as they got in through the empty frame

martinn123 · 12-07-2011 12:30pm

Wyldwood wrote: »

not quite true. I have MJ windows and had to have a broken pane replaced recently, while the beading is on the outside there is a seal between the pane and frame that means the glass has to be replaced by having access from inside.

If the bead is on the outside, then the glass goes in from the outside.

viz

massy086 wrote:

i am a Dublin based glassier and i can confirm that mj frames are glazed from the outside (god know,s why) yes they are held in with double sided tape but the scum who broke in damaged 4 frames and broke 2 windows and managed to get out both dg units to gain access to the house ,all this could of been avoided if the windows had been glazed from the inside like everyone else,s frame,s.And just to add the house alarm did not sound as the windows did not have to be opened as they got in through the empty frame

Industry standard, internally beaded

massy086 · 12-07-2011 12:44pm

Industry standard, internally beaded .I fully agree i was in shock when i seen the way they had done it

TC onboard · 30-07-2011 4:52pm

I got MJ windows fitted nearly a year ago and as far as i'm concerned they are first class.
They were way cheaper than the other quotes i got (2000 cheaper!) but I went with MJ because I knew someone else who had them and were also pleased.
I have found the noise reduction excellent (some high pitched bird noise can still be heard but voices and car noise totally eliminated). They are 100% watertight and no draughts. The workmen were superb and left the place spotless.
I don't think I could have got better even if I paid more.
I would certainly reccommend Munster Joinery..they provided us with great windows and didn't fleece us like most companies these days.

bogchick · 31-07-2011 10:43am

Just reading the threads here very glad I did. Were supposed to be using mj on our new build all the windows and doors. Can anyone in the industry recommend another company who have the best quality triple glazed windows? The security issue in last few threads is big concern

Paul.C · 31-07-2011 5:24pm

Personally. I use rational windows and doors when using wood finish. The finish is 9/10 times perfect. That may just be me.

As for munster joinery, ye they are slightly cheaper than the competition but the finish is shocking.

Now before I go bad mouthing an Irish company here I would like to state that my views are formed only by what "I" have seen first hand.

The metal sliders are crap and the metal inside the double glazing is never square. Ive even seen the metal strip hanging down on a few.

Also this may be just me talking here as a carpenter and a lot of other people may not notice but the corner joints are never planed down. Its like they glue four pieces of wood together and stain. Those bits wouldnt bother most but they would bother me. Thats said the faults here are predominately aesthetic and the functionality is usually ok(accept the sliding tracks that are gonna break sooner than you think) so its up to yourself.

Anyway If your looking for a good company then I would go with rational. If your looking for a cheap company then go with Munster joinery.

At the end of the day. If you are spending a few quid on this then make sure you inspect them before fully paying them. These companies are so large and produce so much material that it is standard that a certain percentage of stuff is going to be badly constructed.

The buyer is the person who has final say in the quality that they accept.

Munster Joinery maintenance

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