Windows - Rationel or Munster Joinery

I had my windows fitted yesterday by one of those companies. I got triple glazed passive certified alu clad. And had one 3.4m slider and a few more very large pieces of glass. I got a letter in the post a week previous to say when they'd be on site. Yesterday morning they arrived a 8am sharp. I met them on site and was there for the duration of the fitting. When they had questions I could answer them and everything went perfect apart from one bathroom window being 100mm too small due to a misread in the factory. The lads had travelled from Kerry that morning and they were a well oiled team of professionals. I was seriously impressed with their work and attention to detail. Many people have been critical of window fitters and I raised this with the team leader when they were done. His reply was that having the client on site makes their job 10 times easier as matters can be resolved as they go, otherwise they are left guessing.
I cannot fault their workmanship or etiquette. They took every scrap of waste and packaging away and left the site spot less. Very pleasant gang of lads. Great service overall from the company, especially the rep and fantastic quality windows and doors. As my wife swung our newly fitted back door closed she joked " sounds like a Golf". I will PM the company name. My advice is be on site, I booked the day off work when I got the letter.

@ Superdaddy

Any chance you can PM me the company details as finding a good window company seems to be a nightmare and a good experience as you had is what I would be hoping for.

Many thanks.

Jane98 wrote: »

I am right at the point of deciding on where to buy my windows for my new build and it has come down to Rationel and Munster Joinery so I am wondering if people have any advice for me as to who to use.

One of the reps is slating the other company and the other is more professional.

My build includes a few large sliders and am hoping to go Aluclad.

Apart from u-values what else can I use to compare them?

Please pm me any recommendations or advice.

The quality of the tracking and of seals on the sliders is key.

I have seen airtightness tests for large sliders, neither of the above companies, where the quality of both the seals and tracking was poor.

I have direct personal experience of both of your companies.

Would greatly appreciate a PM too regarding experience. Thanks.

I would agree Superdaddy, would love a PM of the company.

Can I have that PM too please? Much appreciated.

Superdaddy wrote: »

......The lads had travelled from Kerry that morning.....

Vote 4 Pedro wrote: »

Any chance you can PM me the company details as finding a good window company seems to be a nightmare and a good experience as you had is what I would be hoping for.

Hmmm....I'm thinking that as the lads travelled from Kerry they probably work for a large window company based in our southernmost province? :rolleyes:

Jane98 wrote: »

Apart from u-values what else can I use to compare them?

To use an analogy, the windows/doors that you have mentioned have about as much in common with each other as a diesel-engined van has with a petrol-engined saloon. Both the car and the van are similar in that they will move people and luggage from one place to another. As you will appreciate there are considerable differences between the two.

A few things to consider regardless of manufacturer;
Weather performance – water & airtightness and resistance to windload
Expected service life - basis of any claims/assertions
Strength and stability of framing material

Thermal performance
Warranty – what is excluded is often more important then what is included
Testing – what size unit has been tested and how did it perform. (Important one this)
Is the actual product you are buying subject to annual audit testing by an independent third-party scheme
How easy is it to get replacement parts
Maintenance requirements - longterm 'repairability'

Enhanced security features/certification
Functionality/ease of use of restrictors
How easy to clean upper floor windows
Timber quality if clear finishes are required
Trickle vents – concealed or protruding from the frame
If on the off-chance you are environmentally conscious you may also want to factor in the embodied energy content of the materials used

How is the house being ventilated?

Superdaddy wrote: »

I had my windows fitted yesterday by one of those companies. I got triple glazed passive certified alu clad. And had one 3.4m slider and a few more very large pieces of glass. I got a letter in the post a week previous to say when they'd be on site. Yesterday morning they arrived a 8am sharp. I met them on site and was there for the duration of the fitting. When they had questions I could answer them and everything went perfect apart from one bathroom window being 100mm too small due to a misread in the factory. The lads had travelled from Kerry that morning and they were a well oiled team of professionals. I was seriously impressed with their work and attention to detail. Many people have been critical of window fitters and I raised this with the team leader when they were done. His reply was that having the client on site makes their job 10 times easier as matters can be resolved as they go, otherwise they are left guessing.
I cannot fault their workmanship or etiquette. They took every scrap of waste and packaging away and left the site spot less. Very pleasant gang of lads. Great service overall from the company, especially the rep and fantastic quality windows and doors. As my wife swung our newly fitted back door closed she joked " sounds like a Golf". I will PM the company name. My advice is be on site, I booked the day off work when I got the letter.

Hi Superdaddy, I'm a little late onto this thread but were about to start a build and looking at windows. Could you pm me that company please? And the rep too I you can. Thanks.

Consider who the installer is also; All window companies offer installation services; Most self-builders will have them installed as it’s a one stop shop for all issues (or so you believe). Check the various companies that use installers in your area who do not actually work for the company. When something goes wrong, you'll feel the pain and stress as the blame game begins.

ruskin wrote: »

Can anyone PM me on what company is the better window? A relative of mine is wondering Munster Joinery or Rational for a new house

Is this not a bit subjective? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that!

What is his priority? Cost? finish? lead time?

I'm in the process of buying new windows for my house and I'm visiting the showrooms of both these guys, getting quotes and researching their install and after sales capabilities before making a decision. If you leave this up to the recommendation of a random internet user you are mad!

I've had [snip] alu-clad windows installed recently .
I haven't moved into the house yet but very happy with the windows/doors and service so far

PM me if you have further questions