Windows

Ewan

Anyone install the pvc vertical sliders...(sash type)....looking at them during the week...beautiful...but twice the price of standard windows....
Any pros and cons...?

Sorry for posting all the threads....starting build in a few weeks and have a million things going around my head.....

Echelle

Pvc has its uses: great for containers, bowls, tools, computer bits, toys, medical equipment etc. But, there is no such thing as a beautiful pvc window.

muffler

Echelle wrote:

But, there is no such thing as a beautiful pvc window.

Of course there is. You will be telling us next that there are no beautiful women in Hollywood

Only problem I find with the sliding sash window is the depth of the frame - basically twice the norm

kadman

Depth wise, about the same as a decent external door frame.

kadman

frankie2shoes

i agree with echelle, pvc windows just don't cut it. next door to my build someone has installed sliding sash pvc windows. they look ok from a distance but once you get up close they really look god-awful.if your going to install sash windows, do it properly. pvc just looks cheap, in my opinion

pjq

It's clearly a question of taste , but IMHO there is no beauty in upvc . On the other hand , where is the beauty in a summer afternoon when you are trying to varnish windows ?
For me the worst part of upvc is the clunky vertical and horizontal divides between opening and fixed panes , wood can achieve the same with much less chunky frames. Maybe the compromise is simple panes so that as little plastic as possible is on view.
Maybe someone can post a picture of a beautiful upvc window .
pjq

AJL

I put in upvc sliding sash windows from the dungannon window company and am very impressed with them. They look the part great quality and maintenance free. They seal very well and have a low U value with argon filled glass. The locks are also of great quality as well as the sliding action.
They will never be the same a wooden window but in my mind are not far off it. People have been up close and cant believe they are not wood. there is no comparison between these windows and the standard wood effect window some of which have nearly an orange colour off them.
I have over 17 windows and I aint going to be painting them every two years. It is a personal choice.
Not sure but also would want to check the U values of the wooden versus pvc I would guess the U values would be better with upvc as it does not move.
Also the cost is a big factor. I got 17 windows 3 french doors for 21 K. I know a friend of mine who got a quote for similar amount in wooden sash 46k!! Its extreme you probably could get cheaper. I will post pictures on here tomorrow.

frankie2shoes

i hope you can prove me wrong AJL, as it looks like my sliding sash windows are gonna cost me in excess of 40k. looking forward to seeing those pics. who made them for you?

Mellor

AJL wrote:

They will never be the same a wooden window but in my mind are not far off it. People have been up close and cant believe they are not wood. there is no comparison between these windows and the standard wood effect window some of which have nearly an orange colour off them.

I would find that slightly hard to believe. We had wood effect uPVC windows at home. And they were the best uPVC windows i've seen, wood effect is far better than standard plastic. and a good effect makes it even better.
But anyone who has work with wood or in construction is never going to be fooled,
I suppose that a layperson, such as relatives over for easter, might be fooled as they wouldn't know any better and would assume they were timber.

When the time comes for my own home, i think i'd try and gt the best compromise between looks and maintainance, such as a good quaility alu/timber composite

AJL

Hi Frankie,

I got the windows in dungannon windows in the North. 21 k for PVC windows and 3 french doors.

Hi Mellor, cost is a big part of it. Alu clad windows cost a bomb too.
This is an age old argument. At the end of the day its up to the individual pvc or wood. In my case life is too short to be spending 2 weeks every two years sanding and varnishing!!! I was not going to be able to afford 30-40 k for wood!!

Here are the pics of the windows.Still need to be cleaned down!!

pjq

I have to admit , they look good . Definitely not "clunky". Now that you don't have to varnish ,,, I noted your haggard needs attention!
pjq

Ewan

AJL,
is there much of a gap between the top of the cill and bottom of the frame, as this can be a problem with vertical sliders, not so much a problem, but looks wise...

SirNorman

AJL wrote:

Hi Frankie,

I got the windows in dungannon windows in the North. 21 k for PVC windows and 3 french doors.

Hi Mellor, cost is a big part of it. Alu clad windows cost a bomb too.
This is an age old argument. At the end of the day its up to the individual pvc or wood. In my case life is too short to be spending 2 weeks every two years sanding and varnishing!!! I was not going to be able to afford 30-40 k for wood!!

Here are the pics of the windows.Still need to be cleaned down!!

I understand that in trying to support your contention you are exaggerating the negative but firstly the use of "varnish" every two years is a nonsense. Todays timber windows are triple layered with a water based lacquer not resin based varnish like it used to be of old. . It does not need to get attention for five to six years and even then a light sanding and a coat with the original manufacturers lacquer sets you up for the next six + years. Have a look at the Remmers web site as a good example, There is a website of an Irish industry study about the top 100 coatings manufacturers in the world. Do not accept windows with Valspar !!

Ice_Box

So can I expect to pay the guts of 10 grand to get my 25 year old 3 bedroom simi-detached house double glazed with the cheapest possible option?

one back door
one front door
one rear patio door
4 large windows (sitting room,kitchen, two bedrooms)
1 medium window (box bedroom)
2 small windows (landing, bathroom)

Ewan

Ice box....
get plenty of quotes, their can be a huge difference between prices....and get recommendations......
the company im going with have quoted me €18,000 for 16 vertical sliders (10 no. 1700*900mm and 6 no. 1500*900)
1 big front door
1 standard back door and garage door
1 set of french doors
9 varying size of casement windows (from 900* 1200 to 1200*2000)
windows are white pvc and argon filled glass

the next nearest price came in at €22,000...
get plenty of quotes...