windows for new build

mercury1

Hi all. In the process of a new build at the moment and want to get quotes for windows. Trouble is I don't really know what questions I should be asking suppliers regarding windows. Also, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on window suppliers in west if Ireland/Westmeath area.
Thanks in advance

Cork_Rebel

Hi Guys

Not sure if goes against board rules but anyone got good or bad experiences from suppliers, any better deals from going north of de border..

The house is going to be getting a fair knock of the elements as its near the sea so does that put pvc windows ahead of timber?

Also what kinda time frame would you expect for ordering... 1-3 months

Thanks
A

muffler

Sorry, Moving another one on you.

Builderfromhell

I would be astrong advocate of timber windows over uPVC for a number of reasons;
1. Better insulating qualities.
2. Last longer than uPVC.
3. Less maintenance than uPVC contrary to popular belief.
4. Visually more pleasing.
Can be painted or stained evry 5 yeras to bring them back to looking new. UPVC fade over time.
5. uPVC gets brittle over time and are more prone to breakages.
6. uPVC windows can sag over time if opes are large.

Have researched this matter thoroughly in the past.

PVC windows can be supplied and fitted in a week at best. Timber windows can take 6 to 10 weeks. best quality tend to be imported from Nordic countries, Canada or Eastern Europe.

muffler

Just a reminder for people to PM links or recommendations.

Juantorena

mercury1,

Probably a couple of questions you need to ask yourself first!

1. What 'look' are you trying to achieve - slimline contemporary/modern or something more traditional?

2. Materials - do you have any principled reasons to favour - or otherwise certain materials? uPVC would not have the best eco-credentials, timber may require more maintenance..

3. Are you trying to achieve certain energy efficiencies? Required/minimum whole unit (not just the glass!) u-values should be determined.

4. Any unusual shapes/sizes needed?

5. Safety/security requirements?

So from the above, any suppliers you approach should be able to provide the style of window you want, in the materials you want, at the minimum u-values you need, with the safety/security features you may desire. Also with a decent warranty and a decent supply/install price.

Check out their lead times too.

Mr Clonfadda

Just got my windows from a crowd in Co Offaly. Lovely windows all wood surrounds and triple glazed. You need to find out the U value of window (Heat loss Properties)as a whole and not just glazing element. The lower then U value the better. I can PM you name of firm if you want. Good honest service. He gets his windows from factories in Germany and Poland so you need to allow for upto 3 months lead time.

Quazzie

Can you PM me the details for them Nigel Sage as I am in Offaly and would be very interested in someone local.

West 1

Hi, I work for a company who manufactures timber windows in Norway and the lead time to the UK is only 5-6 weeks. Excellent quality.

I cant understand why people think plastic is a viable option.

kitser

no matter which you choose, remember that you get what you paid for. if you get a too good to be true price, you gotta wonder at what expense. good quality pvc will not discolour. quality windows will not sag. cheap ones may sag as some don't have any steel re inforcements. wood is great, but must be maintained well.

always oil your hinges, locks every couple of months. white pvc frames can be cleaned with jif and they'll look like new.

i would suggest getting triple glazed units in really exposed areas.

agood pvc manufacturer will give a ten year warranty on his frames and his glass units.

aboyjacksie

West 1 wrote: »

Hi, I work for a company who manufactures timber windows in Norway and the lead time to the UK is only 5-6 weeks. Excellent quality.

I cant understand why people think plastic is a viable option.

hi just wondering have you contact details/website for timber windows in norway?

Kerly

Nigel Sage wrote: »

Just got my windows from a crowd in Co Offaly. Lovely windows all wood surrounds and triple glazed. You need to find out the U value of window (Heat loss Properties)as a whole and not just glazing element. The lower then U value the better. I can PM you name of firm if you want. Good honest service. He gets his windows from factories in Germany and Poland so you need to allow for upto 3 months lead time.

Hi Nigel, I saw your post on timber frame supplier from offaly being good. Would love to get their details, am looking for someone good, cheers

justflow1983

mercury1 wrote: »

Hi all. In the process of a new build at the moment and want to get quotes for windows. Trouble is I don't really know what questions I should be asking suppliers regarding windows. Also, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on window suppliers in west if Ireland/Westmeath area.
Thanks in advance

The important things to ask about windows:

1) U-value, this is the measure of energy efficiency. They can range from mediocre to almost as high performing as a poorly insulating wall. For instance I've worked on a project with triple glazed timber windows having a value of 0.5 (0.9-1.2 is more normal)

2) Material they are made of. Timber is better for energy and ecological perspective, uPVC is usually cheaper. Aluminium lasts the longest but usually performs the worst thermally.

3) Lead time, since you need to time when they'll arrive.

4) Finish: On timber frame & aluminium, the paint, enamel, cladding, or varnish (clear on timber) will have different amounts of time before they need maintenance. Ask the supplier how long they guarantee it.

5) Installation: Who will put it in? Many of the better manufacturers require that you use a certified installer or they won't honor the warranty.

Mr Clonfadda

HI Kerly

PM Sent

morning delight

Nigel Sage wrote: »

HI Kerly

PM Sent

Hi Nigel

Can you PM the details too?

Cheers;)

Mr Clonfadda

sent as requested

aboyjacksie

Nigel Sage wrote: »

sent as requested

Hi Nigel i would be grateful if you could pm me the contact details for guy in Offaly re windows.

soldsold

Mods could ye move this thread to the prices forum so the offaly supplier can be named to save all the PM's?

Tks...

muffler

Your wish is my command

annie gilpin

Mr Clonfadda wrote: »

Just got my windows from a crowd in Co Offaly. Lovely windows all wood surrounds and triple glazed. You need to find out the U value of window (Heat loss Properties)as a whole and not just glazing element. The lower then U value the better. I can PM you name of firm if you want. Good honest service. He gets his windows from factories in Germany and Poland so you need to allow for upto 3 months lead time.

hi,im starting a new build in donegal,was wondering how your windows have performed for you and if you could pm me the name of the company,thanks alot annie

Munsterly

Have old steel windows in a house I am renovating, they were put in 1960s. I am wondering if it's possible to retain these instead of replacing with PVC. They are only single glazing, could they be adapted to double glazing? If I cannot repair them satisfactorily, is there a market for them elsewhere or what would their value be to a scrap merchant?

BryanF

Munsterly wrote: »

Have old steel windows in a house I am renovating, they were put in 1960s. I am wondering if it's possible to retain these instead of replacing with PVC. They are only single glazing, could they be adapted to double glazing? If I cannot repair them satisfactorily, is there a market for them elsewhere or what would their value be to a scrap merchant?

I've never heard of anyone fitting 2g/3g into old frames that you describe.

you know there are options other than uPVC