Windows

ninjaBob

Hi All

I have recently gotten quotes back from Senator, Munster Joinery and various local suppliers.

All the local suppliers come in at around €9000 - €9500 for double glazed (u-value range from 1.4 - 1.6 for the entire window).

While Munster Joinery come in at €6500 for double glazed (u-value of 1.6), but surprisingly they have a triple glazed option which come in at €8500 (u-value of 1.2).

Senator on the other hand come in at 12,000 for double glazing (u-value of 1.4).

This is for 33 windows + 3 French Doors + 1 Back Door (Front door not quoted.). All windows are tilt and turn.

My question relates to peoples experiences with their windows and what I should be looking out for. I understand that I should be careful to ensure the U-Value quoted is for the entire unit and not just the glass, and that the U-Value is not the be all and end all (heat transference plays it's part as well).

So has anyone gotten any additonal information or tips that I should know of that would help me make my choice.

Cheers

Leadership

Some observations

Any South facing windows should not be tripple glazed to take advantage of solar gain. You may save a few pennies depending on your site orientation.

Are the windows PVC? For the price I imagine they are but the prices apear very good.

Check the windows can be fully tilted for cleaning. I dont think munster joinery windows do this not sure of the others.

Check the windows can lock partially open so they do not blow open/close in the wind, again I think muster joinery windows dont do this.

Same as the above for the French doors (even more important than windows), check that these can be secured open.

ninjaBob

Yeah, these quotes are all PVC based.

Thanks for the tips, I'll make sure to find out.

ninjaBob

I have another quick question, does the look of the PVC windows really drag down the look of a house? I've had a look at the alluminium and allu-clad windows and too be honest I felt the alluminium (painted) made it look like a shop / an industrial estate.

With the alu-clad I just didn't like the sounds of treating wood every 3 years and wasn't 100% sure on the look of them.

Any comments in regards to the style of PVC vs Allu-clad / wood?

Personally I'm not partial one way or another, it's a cost factor for me, but at the same time I don't want to ruin the look of the house by making the wrong choice on materials.

Leadership

ninjaBob wrote: »

With the alu-clad I just didn't like the sounds of treating wood every 3 years and wasn't 100% sure on the look of them.

Alu clad windows do not need maintaining, certainly the ones I priced up for my build Marvin, Nordan, Munster Joinery etc.

We went for alu clad as the interior look of wood is far nicer. Nothing wrong with PVC apart from plastic looks and they are made from oil.

mr_edge_to_you

We want black on the outside and the aluclad allows you put whatever colour you want outside and have the benefit of a real timber interior. I think it looks the business! The exterior is fairly maintenance free too - suits me!

Lightning McQue

Mr edge

Can you let us know who you went with for the windows

Lightning

Currahee01

ninjaBob wrote: »

I have another quick question, does the look of the PVC windows really drag down the look of a house? I've had a look at the alluminium and allu-clad windows and too be honest I felt the alluminium (painted) made it look like a shop / an industrial estate.

With the alu-clad I just didn't like the sounds of treating wood every 3 years and wasn't 100% sure on the look of them.

Any comments in regards to the style of PVC vs Allu-clad / wood?

Personally I'm not partial one way or another, it's a cost factor for me, but at the same time I don't want to ruin the look of the house by making the wrong choice on materials.

I'm a big fan of AluClad windows and will be ordering them next week for my own build (Dark grey 7021 outside with Larch finish inside). I've seen countless number of samples and products over the last few years and my opinion would be that the 'Austrian' style seems to be better than the 'Danish' style, this is a generalisation though! The other thing I've noticed is how many are actually aluminium windows with a bit of timber stuck on as opposed to timber clad with aluminium.

I prefer not to spec PVC but I've seen some 'timber effect' windows that didnt look too bad.

At the end of the day it's down to personal choice and as long as you're achieving a decent u value you should be fine.

Best of luck!

Lightning McQue

Can you pm the name of the co that you went with and the other cos that you approached and prices

Thanks

Lightning

Currahee01

PM sent

ninjaBob

Could you let me know the company your ordered from as well.

Cheers

Mallini

Hi Currahee,

Can you pm on that list also ...... Thanking you.

Currahee01

ninjaBob wrote: »

Could you let me know the company your ordered from as well.

Cheers

Mallini wrote: »

Hi Currahee,

Can you pm on that list also ...... Thanking you.

Done and done!

gears

Hi Currahee01, sorry to add to the list but could you PM that to me aswell. Thanks

AdamAntsy

Heh - just to add to the bother - can you PM me details for the company? Much appreciated!

MrLNB

Hi, with the aluclad windonws i have seen, from the outside i could see timber exposed in joints etc. .

this has so far put me off. for me, no timber can or should be exposed to the weather.

I was even at the Galway show lately for self builds, and when i took a right look at the windows from the outside i could track rain/moisture to the timbers.

Maybe i need to look at other systems. Please let me know.

I know all windows need a bit of maintainence, but exposing wood our weather is trouble.

LNB

Currahee01

MrLNB wrote: »

Hi, with the aluclad windonws i have seen, from the outside i could see timber exposed in joints etc. .

this has so far put me off. for me, no timber can or should be exposed to the weather.

I was even at the Galway show lately for self builds, and when i took a right look at the windows from the outside i could track rain/moisture to the timbers.

Maybe i need to look at other systems. Please let me know.

I know all windows need a bit of maintainence, but exposing wood our weather is trouble.

LNB

I'm not sure that I agree with you're post, if you're refering to timber windows not being suitable for the Irish climate? We've used them for 100s of years, and if treated correctly can last as long as the house they're fitted into. I havent seen any AluClad windows where the detailing would worry me in relation to water ingress. Most systems will come with a gaurantee and there should be no need to worry if fitted correctly.

Leadership

^^^^^ Agreed^^^^^

I never seen any exposed wood in two years of looking for windows. It was a scare tactic of one of the Irish suppliers of alu clad windows slandering the quality of the Nordic imports but the construction was the same.

MrLNB

Leadership wrote: »

^^^^^ Agreed^^^^^

I never seen any exposed wood in two years of looking for windows. It was a scare tactic of one of the Irish suppliers of alu clad windows slandering the quality of the Nordic imports but the construction was the same.

Pictures 01 & 1 show timber exposed,

2 to 4 are windows which i would love to see in my house. if you know of companys which do windows 2 to 4 in ireland, please let me know. .

the pictures 01 & 1 are been sold as alu-clad windows by 2 very very well known companys in ireland, one starting with R and the other D. i have both brouchers here beside me but cant find the same photos on the net. I hope you get my concerns, both of these companys were at the self build show. .
maybe its just me, but i see a huge difference in the first 2 types against the last 3

no no for me. . both of these. .

01.jpg

1.jpg

these have a far better seal. . .

2.jpg

3.jpg

4.jpg.

Please PM me if you know of reputible suppliers of better types

mr_edge_to_you

We called into the showrooms this morning of one of suppliers we were quoted by. Learnt a lot, as is always the case. We went through which opening types were suitable for each of the different windows. Looked at a folding door option for the kitchen to the patio, allowing us to open up the house on a nice summers day. It'd be worthwhile to go to a showroom so you can see the various options that you have. When you do your research here you hit a point where you have to start seeing the finished product to help you make your decision.

MrLNB

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

We called into the showrooms this morning of one of suppliers we were quoted by. Learnt a lot, as is always the case. We went through which opening types were suitable for each of the different windows. Looked at a folding door option for the kitchen to the patio, allowing us to open up the house on a nice summers day. It'd be worthwhile to go to a showroom so you can see the various options that you have. When you do your research here you hit a point where you have to start seeing the finished product to help you make your decision.

yes, i would also recommed a visit.
A lot of these window companys send out nice glossy brouchers, with pictures of what my wife would call houses with windows, its the windows we want to see and to be able to see the make up of the window,

Mr Edge, can i ask what you went for end the end. I am planning a visit to a few show rooms over the next week or so, and to get a feel for prices,

are you going with

Alu-clad
PVC
or just timber?

Mr lnb

fuchia

Could you PM me also.

Thanks

soldsold

And me too pleeeeese?

Thanks!!!

Steve

mr_edge_to_you

MrLNB wrote: »

yes, i would also recommed a visit.
A lot of these window companys send out nice glossy brouchers, with pictures of what my wife would call houses with windows, its the windows we want to see and to be able to see the make up of the window,

Mr Edge, can i ask what you went for end the end. I am planning a visit to a few show rooms over the next week or so, and to get a feel for prices,

are you going with

Alu-clad
PVC
or just timber?

Mr lnb

We're definitely going with the AluClad. As I said above, maintenance free on the outside, with the colour we want (black) and then a real timber finish inside. It'll make the house feel/look warmer I imagine!

I don't have a problem with plain PVC windows but my fiancee just doesn't like them. I must add that I don't like when people use wood effect PVC. PVC is fantastic in its own way, does its job really well, excellent value for money, but people shouldn't be trying to make it look like something it isn't!


Still finaling the supplier but we've narrowed it down to four companies with similiar quotes. Our builder has advised to wait until the last minute before we commit. He'll help us get the best price - he says!!

Edoc Macein

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

We're definitely going with the AluClad. As I said above, maintenance free on the outside, with the colour we want (black) and then a real timber finish inside. It'll make the house feel/look warmer I imagine!

I don't have a problem with plain PVC windows but my fiancee just doesn't like them. I must add that I don't like when people use wood effect PVC. PVC is fantastic in its own way, does its job really well, excellent value for money, but people shouldn't be trying to make it look like something it isn't!


Still finaling the supplier but we've narrowed it down to four companies with similiar quotes. Our builder has advised to wait until the last minute before we commit. He'll help us get the best price - he says!!

we are thinking the same thing. But in relation to the people using timber affect pvc, id say its because white is late 90s look now, and it doesnt weather as good as brown pvc, or timber affect as its called.
black pvc has its own problems i hear. but the aluclad has a smart and sleek look about it. its modern i guess at the end of the day.

cheers..
edoc. .

cailin rua

HI ,
Am new to the boards...my query is in relation to APPALLING treatment from a window company. I have no quibble with their product...windows seem fine. But delivery dates...wrong measurements, wrong glass, the list is endless. The rep even went so far as to call us liars, when he tried to cover up his mistake. The job is still not finished...we placed the order in May, house extension. Is there anything we can do ....I won't name the company until the job is finished, as I will wait to see if they will compensate us...we have sent builders away numerous times...
We extended before and used Munster Joinery, and they were on the date and the time, their windows are fine, we didn't use them this time only because they didn't have the door or arched window we wanted. WE opted for another large well known company. I wuld hate for anyone else to go through the stress that we are having at the moment!!!

Poor Uncle Tom

Document everything in writing to them, through your solicitor if necessary, and give them 7 days to respond in writing with replys to all of your quearies and with final dates and their aims for recompense. See where it goes from there, my guess is it will go the legal route.

cailin rua

Poor Uncle Tom,
Thanks for that...will do. At this stage I just want all the works finished up...am on my third mop in as many months!!
Have a gaping hole for a front door too, the dog is loving it though!!:)

mr_edge_to_you

Hey guys, we're hoping to place our order for our AluTimber windows on Thursday with an importer from Denmark (i've gotten that issue off my chest now!!). In arriving at this choice we just rang around the various well known suppliers and manufacturers in Ireland and a few smaller local importers, in all we got about 15 quotes ranging from 44k to 23k. As about 5 we're under 25k we went looking at the showrooms for each of the sub 25k windows. It is vital you do this exercise as no two windows are the same! Take the time to check them out, this how you learn what a good window is. When we saw the window that we hope to go with we saw straight away why it was slightly more expensive!it also gives you ideas. The sales guys will give you good advice in relation to things like opening types. I think people here get too bogged down on the various prices each of us got quoted from various companies. There are so many variables in all of our quotes. For example some companies can only do side hung it certain sizes, some companies don't have night latches on side hung, sunrooms, odd shapes etc. SOME COMPANIES WERE QUOTING FOR ALU/TIMBER COMPOSITE AS OPPOSED TO ALUCLAD. We saw one window in particular which was a very impressive product. We decided that the best way forward was to work on getting the best price we can on this window as it seems to be the rolls royce of all the windows we've seen. They have night latches on side hung openings, they make French style windows, it's a composite frame (looks much sleeker and tighter than the Alu Clad), excellent ventilation on the frame if necessary, excellent options on front door. They do a 30% gloss finish on the exterior which we both liked, takes the mad shine of the frame. Because we both feel that this window is so much better and we're in a position to pay for it we'll just bargain for the best possible price. Cheers, Edge.

mr_edge_to_you

Thank god that's over. Windows sorted. Got the windows we wanted at price we're happy with!! We feel like we're getting good value for our hard earned money.

Lightning McQue

Edge

can you pm the name of the co.

Thanks.

Lightning

AdamAntsy

Can you PM me also - about to exactly that this weekend, spend time in a showroom going over all the options. We had some interesting quotes from various companies, and a phone call from one basically saying that with all the variables its likely you can get something to match your budget by adding/subtracting from it, the base quote you get may be very different from the best price/feature that you may want.

Rusty Cogs 08

And me please ..... cheers

I'm

mr_edge_to_you - could I trouble you for a PM with the name aswell please ?

Many thanks !

scuzz

Mr Edge,
Can I trouble you to PM :)the details also
Many thanks
Scuzz

Suffering Jbox

Mr Edge
Can you pm me too.

many thanks

SJ

muffler

Ok then. This thread could go on and on with requests for the name of a single window company. God knows there are hundreds of them out there with the majority of them being reputable.

As this has now been moved to the prices/costs forum would mr_edge_to_you please post up the name of the company for everyone to see. (providing you have no connection with the company)

Cheers.

mr_edge_to_you

muffler wrote: »

Ok then. This thread could go on and on with requests for the name of a single window company. God knows there are hundreds of them out there with the majority of them being reputable.

As this has now been moved to the prices/costs forum would mr_edge_to_you please post up the name of the company for everyone to see. (providing you have no connection with the company)

Cheers.

I have no connection with either of the companies other than happy customer of one and someone who was impressed with another.

Now that this thread has been moved, the company we opted for was Carlson. They can be contaced on (01)4625777. The product they have is an alu-timber composite frame as opposed to alu-clad. It looks to be a superior product than the alu-clad and more expensive. We were able to negotiate a price which we felt was a good deal when compared to the other contender (Nordan). I REITERATE, IT WAS NOT THE CHEAPEST BUT FELT LIKE EXCELLENT VALUE FOR OUR MONEY. I'm not mentioning prices here as that is irrelevant - we have our own house design so it's of no use to anyone else. Carlson also had a far greater choice when it came to "window system" front and back doors.

I would also advise people to visit Nordan in the Dublin Door Store in Bluebell Industrial Estate. They have a fantastic showroom and you can go in and wander at your leisure. They have a great range of AluClad windows on display. Their price was approx €2000 cheaper than Carlson but we felt the Carlson product was better and it was easy to see where the extra money was going. Nordan can be contaced on (01)4268190. Their showrooms are open Monday to Saturday unlike most other suppliers and no appointment is necessary. It is a great product but it is AluClad as opposed to Alu-Timber Composite which we thought was a better product.

Carlson did appear to be more to negotiation than Nordan. I think the whole window decision is about seeing the windows you want and going after the best price you can get for it. No two window suppliers supply the same product so it's very difficult to compare like with like.

Best of luck with your decision.

Regards,
Edge.

Please feel free to PM with any other queries, I'll be glad to pass on any information I can. Just PM me directly, please don't post the request in the thread. The mods might get upset! Muffler!!!

muffler

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Please feel free to PM with any other queries, I'll be glad to pass on any information I can. Just PM me directly, please don't post the request in the thread. The mods might get upset! Muffler!!!

Nah. So long as the posts are in relation to the pricing etc it will be fine.

But if anyone is considering debate about the thermal properties or the type of glass that should be used or the company performance on the stock exchange etc etc then they would need to start a thread in the main construction & planning forum but without naming the company.

Sounds a bit confusing but to simplify this forum is for all pricing issues and companies/firms may be named. For everything else choose another forum.

JuniorB

Here are the quotes that we have gotten for Alu Clad (around 90 sq mtrs of glass) with a fair few openings. Not all quoted for roof lights (approx 2k worth) - if installation was not quoted we added 5k.

Velfac estimatingdirect@velfac.ie 50,000
Dansk info@dansk.ie 45,000
Produkt info@produkt.ie 68000 + VAT
Eco Glazeinfo@ecoglaze.ie 74200
Roco info@scandanavian-windows.ie 44832
Munster Joinery sales@munsterjoinery.ie 51075
Marvin 42000 - 12000 for doors
Grady Joinery sales@gradyjoinery.ie 51075
Nordic Windows sales@nordicsolutions.ie 48900
True Windows 52700
Optiwin info@optiwin.ie 44844
Rationel 41000
Nordan botoole@nordan.ie 44474

Ruled 3 out on price.
Gave up on 2 due to lack of interest on their part in giving precise quote / returning phone calls etc... suprise suprise they both have something in common mentioned by Mr Edge on a different thread !:cool:
Ruled one out because it was too far away and website wasn't great.
The rest we went to see and have it narrowed down to 3 at the moment.

By going to showrooms etc we figured out the following was what we were looking for:
Full window U value of 1.4 min
Relatively slim line frames

Decent unbulky looking sliding doors

Easy to use child locks

No visible external hinges

None or very minimal finger jointing in the wood

None or very minimal knots in the wood

Feel free to PM if you want any info...:)

Naux

JuniorB wrote: »

Here are the quotes that we have gotten for Alu Clad (around 50 sq mtrs of glass) with a fair few openings. Not all quoted for roof lights (approx 2k worth) - if installation was not quoted we added 5k.

Velfac estimatingdirect@velfac.ie 50,000
Dansk info@dansk.ie 45,000
Produkt info@produkt.ie 68000 + VAT
Eco Glazeinfo@ecoglaze.ie 74200
Roco info@scandanavian-windows.ie 44832
Munster Joinery sales@munsterjoinery.ie 51075
Marvin 42000 - 12000 for doors
Grady Joinery sales@gradyjoinery.ie 51075
Nordic Windows sales@nordicsolutions.ie 48900
True Windows 52700
Optiwin info@optiwin.ie 44844
Rationel 41000
Nordan botoole@nordan.ie 44474

Ruled 3 out on price.
Gave up on 2 due to lack of interest on their part in giving precise quote / returning phone calls etc... suprise suprise they both have something in common mentioned by Mr Edge on a different thread !:cool:
Ruled one out because it was too far away and website wasn't great.
The rest we went to see and have it narrowed down to 3 at the moment.

By going to showrooms etc we figured out the following was what we were looking for:
Full window U value of 1.4 min
Relatively slim line frames

Decent unbulky looking sliding doors

Easy to use child locks

No visible external hinges

None or very minimal finger jointing in the wood

None or very minimal knots in the wood

Feel free to PM if you want any info...:)

Yikes..........that seems pricey for just 50sqm of glass.

I have 83 sqm of glass in mine..........haven't got quotes back yet ..........passes out...........:eek::eek:

JuniorB

Sorry Nauxs... tis 90 sq mtrs. All these numbers are confusing me !!:P
Lots of openings but no circular windows or the like.

mr_edge_to_you

This is the great problem with people comparing window prices. All of the windows I looked at each price was a different type of aluclad product. I will keep reiterating, decide on the window you want after viewing them all and if you go back to the rep with a blank cheque he will not let you walkaway, may not be the cheapest but could be better a product.

selfbuildlost

used munster joinery before and will be using them again shortly - had no problems and it did what it said on the tin

chatterbox007

Hi
I'm looking to replace windows in my 3 bed semi. Has anyone any advise on this and who to go with?

mr_edge_to_you

Chatterbox, you have to first decide what type of window you want. Pvc, timber, aluclad etc. There is so much choice out there. That is before you get into u values and double or triple glazed. Make an appointment to visit the showroom of some of the bigger suppliers and see what takes your fancy.

chatterbox007

Thanks Mr Edge, I should have mensioned I want pvc brown double glaze - not too expensive. I understand the difference in u values but i'm just wondering if anyone has replaced windows and could offer some advice or recommendations. Also do they normally include plastering etc with the fit.

buzzbuzzbuzz

I'd be interested too in chatterbox's question. I am looking to change the windows and doors in a semi d. A few of our windows are already done, so looking at six windows and the frond door. Anyone any idea on the price. upvc. Thanks

Timnice

<this is not a name and shame thread>

Your post was a gripe, nothing to do with sharing or discussing prices or costs.

Read the Charter before posting again.

You are new here so consider this your only warning.

clint_eastman

Hi all,
I've a bit of a broad question but really i'm just looking for an "off the top of your head" answer (based on experience if possible!).

What are the percentage increases in cost in terms of the different types of windows available? For example....

timber being 10%(?) more expensive than alu-clad and so on...pvc etc.

assuming all u-values, sizes, d/g are the same.

Thanks.

moan 77

hi currahee o1 and any other boarder,

sorry but i am a late to join boards and only came across your post now

i am currently standing on the brink of buying windows for my new house, i really like alu-clad black outside and real timber on inside, i am looking for a good supplier could you pass on details on who you used and how you got on please and sorry once again i know i am late.