Munster Joinery maintenance

paulb

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

MunsterJoinery

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Wyldwood

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.

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

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

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

martinn123

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mad Benny wrote: »

Can you tell us who that was?

You have a PM:)

massy086

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

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

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

TC onboard

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

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

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.

TC onboard

martinn123 wrote: »

Was your last username MunsterJoinery???

No but fairs fair...if i got a rubbish job done then i'd be quick to get on here and slate MJ, but seeing as I got excellent windows at such a reasonable price and can't fault their work then just feel credit needs to be given where its due and let people know I'm glad I went with MJ.

robrieguez

With regards to the people complaining about external glazing. There is security tape that bonds the double glazed unit to the inside of the frame which means the tape needs to be cut from the inside to take out the glass. It is the same as a car windscreen and I don't see too many people just lifting them out. If the tape is cut that means the burglar is already in your house by way of a brick through a window which i'm pretty sure internal glazing doesn't cope too well with either!

I'd agree though with people about MJ in the boom though, they churned out pvc windows like there was no tomorrow as they were the only ones who could do it the short time frames that developers needed.

I know first hand that their quality is far superior now and have their new Futureproof windows in my house. The u-value on the triple glazed window(not just glass) is 0.77. Which is certified to passive standards and is the only window in the country to achieve this

All I know is that I'll be toasty this winter : )

bogchick

I replied to this thread while back. We tried to change our m.j. windows with our builders but we had already agreed to them in contract so no going back.
Windows have arrived and they are truly terrible!
All are marked /scuffed. B
eeding round frame all stick out. Not sealed properly. Some arrived smashed with silicone slapped on. Were so disappointed and would never in million years recommended them. Someone from m.j. coming out to meet our builder today and we want them out. So basically dont make same mistake as us

suttlem

Munster joinery have a pathetic guarantee in my opinion , my hinges failed after 2 years and are NOT covered by guarantee.plastic parts in the hinges broke on many windows.
Munster joinery said i did not use them enough !. massive fee to fix them.
go somewhere else

massy086

suttlem wrote: »

Munster joinery have a pathetic guarantee in my opinion , my hinges failed after 2 years and are NOT covered by guarantee.plastic parts in the hinges broke on many windows.
Munster joinery said i did not use them enough !. massive fee to fix them.
go somewhere else

massive fee to fix them can i ask what sort of money they are looking for

BrenCooney

Got two Future Proof windows installed in spring. Was reinsulating the roof and had to put in two new dormers. While the windows were not too bad the installers were neanderthal. ripped bed cover throwing tools on it, used scaffolding planks to "tap" the windows into place. I asked a few questions and all i got were grunts.

so mad i would never recommend them to anyone.
have managed to convince a few people who are doing new builds to go down different avenues.

all for the lack of a bit of quality control and a bit of manners!

have wanted to say that months ago but the language would have resulted in me being banned.

TopTec

On the Mayo forum we had a similar discussion. I wrote this about some windows I bought from MJ in October.

They were ok, not brilliant but OK. The finish on the seals are not 100%, there is little bits of some sort of sealer protruding between glass and frame, and some of the black seals are not perfectly seated.

Not enough to cause a complaint but slightly irritating - a casual finish in the factory is the cause.

I wanted to fit them myself but was told that they would not guarentee them if I did so I agreed to pay for the fitters to do them. Bad decision. The fitting was shoddy, unfinished and 3 of the windows leaked inside. Only one window was mechanically fixed, the others glued with foam and sealant.

I had agreed for them not to do any finish on the inside as I still have building work to do. But when they left, none of the outside was cleaned or any of the protective wrapping removed.

I have rectified the problems myself. I would not have those fitters back again. I have asked for some UPVc solvent to clean them myself but I have had no response from the second fitter who came out.

Would I buy from them again? I probably would but I would be far more picky over minor issues, not make the final payment until all was completed and I certainly woudn't have those fitters back again.

TT

inovo

I am in no way affiliated with any window company but i recently bought a house in which i needed 6 locks 6 handles and 6 hinges replaced along with a panel of double glazing which broke from previous owners. All in €350. Sky Windows in little island cork

misk

Just been dealing with Munster Joinery on the phone.. And found the Tone and attitude of the lady who took my call.. well all i can say is not on the side of the customer.. She could not help me with what i was after and when i asked for a manager there was none around to take my call... They are ment to be coming out to see my door which had a gaping hole letting in the cold at a charge but.. the way they deal with people shows that they will hardly be helpful at any stage even if you make a complaint.. the customer is always right... especially when he is actually in the right... Their problems should not be our problems...

LH2011

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

as another customer, having munster joinery doors and windows, i am not happy with the quality, and also with the seal on the doors and windows, i phoned them up a few times, had a guy out once, to look at the issues, but still issues re occurred, also the barrels in the locks are very weak,


where can you purchase the stronger lock barrel for a munster joinery door? ie the ones that are toughened,? are munster joinery still on boards?

thanks

brendan_donegal

misk wrote: »

Just been dealing with Munster Joinery on the phone.. And found the Tone and attitude of the lady who took my call.. well all i can say is not on the side of the customer.. She could not help me with what i was after and when i asked for a manager there was none around to take my call... They are ment to be coming out to see my door which had a gaping hole letting in the cold at a charge but.. the way they deal with people shows that they will hardly be helpful at any stage even if you make a complaint.. the customer is always right... especially when he is actually in the right... Their problems should not be our problems...

Yes Yes Yes Yes, they are *&^&^%^&^%%$$%%^^^& rubbish, I got my windows installed 10 weeks ago, had panes in the wrong way, none of the dooors locked properly, they had stickers on the inside of the panes, they dragged our good front door along the mud and put 3 dents in it, that was just installation

As for customer care, One guy came out after 3/4 weeks waiting on a tin of
paint was the excuse as they are supposed to be out within 10 days (paint was not used when he got there????) he told my wife you need to give the handles a "good shove" when trying to lock the doors, "thats the norm with these units" You have to strain the handles to lock the doors now, so next thing is probably the handles will go on them. Said he would be back soon to complete all the other small jobs, 10 weeks after install and still waiting...!!!

non existent and yes I got the same response as above when i asked for a manager for the service department, guess what I wasn't happy with that so I called the main reception and asked for the complaints department, yes you guessed it, complaints department/service department are the one department, how rubbish is that, surely they should have an independent complaints department, thats like the animals looking after the animals in a Zoo....

Do not buy from these guys, take my advise, I should have listened to all the stuff up on the internet about these guys, I gave them the benefit of the doubt and I got stung.

tippman79

I'm thinking of getting the new future proof triple glazed MJ windows installed. Anyone out there with anything good to say about these or are they really that bad. In terms of u-value I believe they're the best window available.
I had another local installer in this morning who seemed more interested in bad mouthing MJ than trying to actually sell his windows.

TopTec

I had these fitted in a new sunroom I had built about 6 months ago. I hasten to add that they were fitted as part of the contract with the builder, not direct with MJ, although MJ fitters did the work.

They are excellent to be honest..... now I have all the faults ironed out. I have 7 large panels, and a single door. One of the panels had a human hair stuck between the glass and another had a spider complete with web inside. I kid you not - the builders were as surprised as me.

A small transom window handle had to be adjusted as did the door mechanism to give it a smooth action. As I had it done through the builder he handled all the after sales issues with MJ.

The panels perform very well, they are very quiet, keep the room warm. The door is heavy but smoothly opens. My only problem is that one of the trickle vents whistles in the wind. More a problem with the direction of the wind than the quality of the windows.

Best of all the windows were only a few hundred euros more expensive than standard double glazed ones.

I can post pics if they are of any assistance.

Now dont get me on the subject of their teak exterior door panels.... they were a disaster!

TT

lollymob

I just got a quote for their passive windows for my new build! I emailed them the plans, explained that house will be airtight and that we would be doing airtight tests. I asked for quote for several different types of windows. Sales rep got back to me and explained that he would only quote me for passive windows as their sliding sash would not be airtight enough for our house! On paper windows seem to be excellent, however is there any point in forking out for these windows if the installation is going to be crap?? Haven't got any other quotes yet so I've nothing to compare it to! House has lots of large and corner windows. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Lollymob

tippman79

Thanks for the reply - would you mind posting the pictures when you have time.

tippman79

Just got a very reasonable quote from a local supplier for triple glazed windoews from star elm in Limerick. Overall u-value of 0.8 - the quote came in a few hundred Euro cheaper than MJ for their future proof windows. Appreciate any feedback anyone has on star elm windows.

TopTec

Hope these will do for now.

TT

dave45dave

Stove Fan wrote: »

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.

You think your bad , I'm waiting two years for Marie Paula (kildare rep) to get back to me with a price. How any company could employ such a person is beyond me.

martinn123

dave45dave wrote: »

Stove Fan wrote: »

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.

You think your bad , I'm waiting two years for Marie Paula (kildare rep) to get back to me with a price. How any company could employ such a person is beyond me.

I'd say the average shelf-life of a sales Rep with MJ, is about 12 months, as they regularly advertise for new sales staff.

So maybe your Rep, is long gone

dave45dave

martinn123 wrote: »

dave45dave wrote: »

I'd say the average shelf-life of a sales Rep with MJ, is about 12 months, as they regularly advertise for new sales staff.

So maybe your Rep, is long gone

With a bit off luck