New windows - recommendations

gar

Hi,

We are looking at getting new windows and changing a sliding to French doors. We have gotten quotes from Munster joinery, doyles, senator, emerald windows & geoghegan windows. Any thoughts on any of them?
We were looking at the uPVC PassiV Future Proof Window from Munster but after reading on boards about them I'm not too confident.
Most of the above suppliers don't have much info on windows and frame ratings and u values on web sites.
Thoughts greatly appreciated.

Gar

TopTec

I would of thought the thread on Munster would be enough to frighten you away from them! :eek::eek:

TT

gar

TopTec wrote: »

I would of thought the thread on Munster would be enough to frighten you away from them! :eek::eek:

TT

oh but it is. just with these new windows is it worth the chance?
also peoples experiences with the other suppliers.

gar

martinn123

gar wrote: »

Hi,

We are looking at getting new windows and changing a sliding to French doors. We have gotten quotes from Munster joinery, doyles, senator, emerald windows & geoghegan windows. Any thoughts on any of them?
We were looking at the uPVC PassiV Future Proof Window from Munster but after reading on boards about them I'm not too confident.
Most of the above suppliers don't have much info on windows and frame ratings and u values on web sites.
Thoughts greatly appreciated.

Gar

Hi Gar,
there are two scenario's in window supplies.
A. Co's who have a factory and make their own
B. Co's who have no factory and buy windows from a fabricator.

So Munster, and Senator fall into the first category.
The others fall into the second.

The biggest fabricators are Camden, [ Northern Irl,] Weatherglaze, Frames Direct, and a few others.
Senator sell thru franchise outfits who all buy from their factory in Wexford.
So find out who makes the windows, and go to their Web-Site for the Certs and technical stuff you are looking for.

You may find that some of the quotes you have are for the same windows,
So do a bit more research, who makes the windows, who supplies the glass.

Marcin_diy

Gar - I sent you PM.

jimmytom

currently sourcing window quotes myself. has anyone have any experience of sean doyle windows esp the installation which the aspect i am concentrating on.

chattycatty

I reckon Grady Joinery provide some of the best quality windows and doors, have to say very happy to date.

Spread

Why not try Monasterevin Window Systems. Close to you and the factory is local. Derek Gammel is the guy to see ............ have forgotten his phone.
I bought 18 windows and one door from them a couple of years ago and they are top class

WaltKowalski

Just wondering if you made any decisions regarding your windows?

I got a quote from Munster Joinery that is 3/4 of the price from Sean Doyle's in Roscommon.
But even at their prices, their reviews are putting me off.
I'm still waiting for a quote from Grady's in Mayo.

Anyone any Sean Doyle specific experience?

jimmytom

WaltKowalski wrote: »

Just wondering if you made any decisions regarding your windows?

I got a quote from Munster Joinery that is 3/4 of the price from Sean Doyle's in Roscommon.
But even at their prices, their reviews are putting me off.
I'm still waiting for a quote from Grady's in Mayo.

Anyone any Sean Doyle specific experience?

I'm currently up to hollowcore level so not near installation yet. I asked around about doyle windows and have got the usual bad stories i seem to have got for every supplier.

I've decided to go with ard ri windows from Galway

Marcin_diy

WaltKowalski wrote: »

Just wondering if you made any decisions regarding your windows?

I got a quote from Munster Joinery that is 3/4 of the price from Sean Doyle's in Roscommon.
But even at their prices, their reviews are putting me off.
I'm still waiting for a quote from Grady's in Mayo.

Anyone any Sean Doyle specific experience?

www.windowsdublin.ie

I have recommended them to the OP- Gar.
They gave me best quote ( i checked many other companies)
They order windows and door from a manufacturer in Poland - DRUTEX. Drutex is largest manufacturer of windows in Poland, some of Hilton hotels are fitted with Drutex windows for example.

I'm not connected in any way with this company - they were recommended to me, and I already recommended them to few colleagues, who were happy with price and quality.

gar

Hi,
I just got my new windows put in by doyles. Very happy with them and the work they did. If anyone wants some pics I can send them on. They were dearer than Munster but I know I can get them back out if there are any issues and they said to get in contact if something does come up.

Gar

chattycatty

WaltKowalski wrote: »

Just wondering if you made any decisions regarding your windows?

I got a quote from Munster Joinery that is 3/4 of the price from Sean Doyle's in Roscommon.
But even at their prices, their reviews are putting me off.
I'm still waiting for a quote from Grady's in Mayo.

Anyone any Sean Doyle specific experience?

Hi Are u based in Mayo or Maynooth as Gradys do have two offices,Factory is in Mayo. I got mine in Mayooth

paddy147

TSL Windows in Tallaght.

Got a nice tour of the manufacturing plant and saw how the windows are made from start to finish.

Serious setup indeed.

WaltKowalski

Thanks for the replies.
I'm in the West, so have been in touch with Gradys in Charlestown.
I hear good and bad about all companies.
So hard to decide!

WaltKowalski

paddy147 wrote: »

TSL Windows in Tallaght.

Got a nice tour of the manufacturing plant and saw how the windows are made from start to finish.

Serious setup indeed.

Looks good but I'll be getting something more local.

Audioslaven

You should check out Dalgan Windows as well dalgan windows

tommycahir

Also have a look at http://www.ecoglaze.ie/ if you are looking for a very good window in terms of aesthetics and insulation values.

My wife's cousins had them installed and are delighted with them.

deargas

The handle on one of our 4 year old munster joinery upvc windows fell off last week. Great to hear that they guarantee them for 2 years and have charged me a tenner to get a new one. Fantastic.

2 years for a guarantee? Ridiculous

emer_b

I got 2 large bay windows from Munster, was a rushed decision and very unhappy with them, creaky and flimsy.
Recently got the two main doors of the house replaced with Grady joinery. Doors are both very good quality and look great. However a few minor problems with the doors (which are now fixed) took 5 months to sort out. I told them I was not happy at all with their follow-up service, took a lot of chasing up.
We bought a lot of windows from Megrame (Lithuanian) through an Irish agent, and they are amazing. Fantastic quality, look beautiful, everyone comments on them when they come into the house. Unfortunately the agent went out of business so I can't recommend anyone in particular other than the brand itself.
Still have a few windows left to replace in old part of the house which I couldn't afford to do at the time, going to be looking for a 4th supplier!!

Galway_guy_33

I got a local builder to build my house he in turn employed S*** ***** of Roscommon to fit the windows..... to say it was heartbreak is an under statement.


After a few months every window and all three sets of french doors were leaking badly so much so with 12 months two wooden floors had to be replaced. After months of fighting (Solicitors etc) they replaced all of them one at a time (Which really drove me nuts).


Turns out the installer (one of their own men) drilled right into every frame in the wrong place so rather than water seeping out the weep holes like any normal window it was coming right back in to the house.

Even on the second fitting of one unit one of his fitters drilled right through the frame again requiring them to go back and make another unit.

One of the Sons of the owner turned around to me one day onsite and said and i quote "our windows are draft proof and not water proof" need i say anymore...... i think not.

MOBwaterford

paddy147 wrote: »

TSL Windows in Tallaght.

Got a nice tour of the manufacturing plant and saw how the windows are made from start to finish.

Serious setup indeed.

TSL replaced front windows and hall door this week. Having had a disastrous experience with a previous company I put a lot of research in this time. TSL came way ahead of any of the rest- you don't deal with salesmen, you talk to the people with knowledge of their product-no hard sell! They came when they said they would, did the job in one day and even replaced blinds and alarm. I can't believe the difference - triple glaze means no traffic noise and no heating on as draughts no longer a problem! First class job-nice to have a good experience and to deal with an honest company.

bartbanis

we are a young couple and €1500 is alot of money, with sean doyle being the cheapest as we have already ruled of munster. Gradys and carabine have fairly similiar quotes. my gut is telling me gradys but €1500 would go along way else where in the house. any help on this would be great we are the last three months trying to decide and as replacement work we are looking for best value for money.

chattycatty

bartbanis wrote: »

we are a young couple and €1500 is alot of money, with sean doyle being the cheapest as we have already ruled of munster. Gradys and carabine have fairly similiar quotes. my gut is telling me gradys but €1500 would go along way else where in the house. any help on this would be great we are the last three months trying to decide and as replacement work we are looking for best value for money.

Hi,

Well I am happy with Grady joinery windows and they were not the cheapest on the market but the quality of the windows is what swayed me in the end

bartbanis

i think you're right, it will have to be gradys. I hear no complaints about them whereas Sean Doyle, its starting to scare me now how many bad things im reading on boards about them. thanks again

fmc2011

Stay away from Grady windows. I got mine from them 3 years ago. Had a lot of trouble with them. All the borders in the windows were loose and rattled badly when I closed window and when back door was closed the borders in window beside it rattled badly. I had 2 bay windows measured wrong by their sales rep. When they came to fit them they moved my window sills to suit the windows leaving 2to 3 inch gaps on mitre of joints. When I rang rep the day they were fitted to say it was not acceptable he told me he would have a look. He never did and wouldn't answer my calls. It took 9 months to get it sorted. They told me they would have to charge me to remove and refit bay windows so the block layer could reset the sills and the rep should have told me thats the way window borders should be. In the end I told them remove the windows i wasnt paying the rest of the money and my solicitor would be requesting my money back for breach of contract.

They changed all windows with more bad rattling borders and refitted sills with no charge. 2 of the windows fill with condensation where they broke the seal for the gas filled unit. They still are not the windows i wanted but they held job up so long I accepted them. My advice is stay away from them. They held my house up nearly a year in all.

runawaybishop

You'll hear good and bad stories about every provider, but Gradys have, overall, a very good name. My mum used to work in the business and she always rated gradys highly, even though they were a competitor.

bartbanis

Thanks fmc2011 this is the first complaint i've seen/heard about gradys. My own parents got work done by gradys approx. 7yrs ago and the work is still perfect. I am not defending them, I really need to hear the good and bad before I choose what company I use. That is scary though as this is an old house and if they cut corners there could be serious consequences.

The Kurgan

bartbanis :
Am in the same situation as yourself , we will be replacing our single glazed aluminium windows probably in September.. and
99% will be going with Grady Joinery ..

We had MJ in to quote us and they came in €800 cheaper however like yourselves €800 is quite a bit of a differnece these days , but I think "piece of mind" will hopfully be worth it if all goes well !!

Gradys as you know have a V.good rep let hope they live upto expectations and that their product does also.

fmc2011's post is the first I've seen where someone has had a bad experience so hopefully it's a once off..

Will keep you posted how we get on ...

bartbanis

It's a pity about Grady's poor door selection though!!

mameadhbh

Posted this on another board about windows,
Hi sorry I know most of this has probably been asked already but we have a big job to do. We are looking to install new windows in an old farmhouse. Currently the is very old timber framed (double-glazed i think) windows but the gas is well gone from the windows and some of the windows only have one pane of glass. I was just wondering what exactly I should be looking for in the new windows. I'm mainly interested in heat/insulation as at the moment it feels like we just have plastic instead of glass. The problem is I need a very relaible company as we can't afford to do all the windows in one go, there are 26 windows, 16 of which are 8 foot long, alond with new front and back door. We are prob looking to do this in 2-4 sets but I dont want the hassle of getting one kind of window, and if I go to get more done in a few months, the companys gone. I don't know if these companies travel far but we are in north dublin so I suppose dublin/meath/louth area. Also can you just order windows without getting the company to install them, have a friend who is very experienced buiklder who say he would be able to install them at a very reasonable price but is this making it more complicated for ourselves, say if they break a window or something, I presume the company would be responsible for replacement, and my fiend would not??? Any advice/ideas and suggestions of reliable companies greatly appreciated

Ex Bouncer

Hi,
I used ARD RI windows to put in my windows some years ago, and I have experienced nothing but problems ever since, and ARD Ri have never sent anyone out to fix the problem, they ignored me completely. I paid nearly 10k for the windows and the windows are warped and the brackets are rusting. I would advise NOT NEVER to use this guy ARD RI WINDOWS in Parkmore Galway, and good luck to you if you do use him.

TopTec

mameadhbh

I have a small cottage and have now finished replacing/installing new windows over the past 2 years. 6 windows in the old cottage which are now double glazed from MJ, they were the cheapest but have suffered through very poor fitting by installers appointed by MJ. I wanted to get them installed independently but MJ were adamant that they would not provide any guarantee. Laughable really when I look back on the circus that was the installers they used.

I also had a new sunroom with triple glazed through a builder who used MJ. These were fiitted by MJ fitters and whilst the fit was ok the quality checking of the windows was poor, needing 3 visits by after sales chap.

Finally, I have a large front porch which was fitted with teak double glazed double doors by MJ. The fit was average and the doors were damaged in transit. MJ offered me 100 euro compensation. I refused and after a lot of hassle I insisted they remove them and refund my money. This they did and split the frames of the doors on removal.

I then got a local company, Carrabine Joinery in Ballina to fit composite double glazed doors and I am happy with them.

I reckon if you approach a local company recommended on the boards with your plans they will bend over backwards to service your needs. It is ridiculous situation but it seems to be a lottery whether you get a good product or not on the day.

TT

Stitch74

HI THERE,HAS ANYBODY USED INTERNORM WINDOWS FROM J+N WINDOWS AND DOORS FERMANAGH.BUILDING TO PASSIVE STANDARD AND WONDERING HOW THEY COMPARE TO MJ AND O GRADYS ON QUALITY AND PRICE.

Centre Hit

Hi there, just wondering how you found your ard ri windows? We have recever a good quote and are thinking of ordering with them. Question for jimmy

Goldengirl

This post has been deleted.

OO7FITZY

Windows CLARE:

have two options and based on advise stayed away from MJ and Costellos


1. Double glazed - Window U-VALUE 1.4, BFRC Energy Index 5, Solar Factor 0.47

2. Triple glazed - Window U-VALUE 1.1, BFRC Energy Index 12, Solar Factor 0.40

Obviously the lower u-value the better but what does "BFRC Energy Index" mean and "Solar Factor"

price difference between double and triple is around +12% but as the side of the house where the windows will be facing is North I think I need triple glazed plus there is some road noise also

All the glass seems to be made by same company in Nenagh so looks only decision is the fitter - Are Senator any good or Mid West?

feedback welcome?