Importing windows from Poland, Germany etc

Bretty

Hello all,

I am about to replace all the windows at the back of the house.

I want UPVC, sash. Light oak on the outside, white on the inside. Double glazed.

My question is has anyone gone straight to the manufactures and ordered directly.

If you have direct experience could you email me the details of the company.

I will get them installed myself. Having a bit of double getting quality v price here in Ireland so I need some recommendations.

Rabbo

If you source them abroad and install yourself, who are you going to go to to resolve any issues that arise? I find that in domestic jobs, windows are by far the items that have most potential to give trouble.

There's some fantastic foreign-made windows on the Irish market but I've also seen major problems with some Scandinavian windows that weren't designed for driving rain or were installed improperly for our climate(incorrect or non use of dpcs mainly). You don't want to be relying on advice from a foreign manufacturer on how to install windows in Ireland because they typically do not have a clue. We have a pretty extreme climate, especially on the west coast, when it comes to rain and wind. I certainly wouldn't be comfortable buying windows directly from abroad, buy from an Irish manufacturer or buy from a reputable Irish agent/installer of a foreign manufacturer

fatty pang

Rabbo wrote: »

...or were installed improperly for our climate(incorrect or non use of dpcs mainly).

Surely such detailing is the responsibility of the architect ?

893bet

fatty pang wrote: »

Surely such detailing is the responsibility of the architect ?

The person in question is replacing the windows on the rear of their house?

Does every job require an architect? What if it was a single window?

fatty pang

893bet wrote: »

Does every job require an architect? What if it was a single window?

My comment was in relation to the assumption that installation of DPC is down to the window fitters. Except in specific circumstances it should already be in place whether a new build or replacement, and if it’s not there it can be very difficult for a window fitter to fit it effectively.

I often see situations where architects will try and leave the interface details to the window supplier. Bear in mind that anybody can fit a window in this country, unlike England where unless it installed by a registered (and competent) installer then Building Control will need to inspect it.

JonathonS

I would have thought that few if any continental manufacturers would offer sash windows?

Plastic windows are relatively cheap, you are unlikely to see much of a saving, especially if you are not doing a complete house.