Replacement windows - what to look for and look out for.

quatro

Currently having quotes for replacement windows I am going for woodgrain exterior/white interior windows. Both companies are reputable but one deal with a british company and are cheaper, the other deals with a german maunfacturer and is about £400 dearer but accepts credit card payment.

The 'german' one says no problem doing 2 at a time but wants 10% deposit - the other says there is a £60 per window [!] premium for each seperate installation [I would like to do it in 2 stages ie. 3 windows at a time] and doesnt want a deposit.

Both give 10 years guarantee on frames, glass and handles.
The 'german' company has a polite salesman, the 'british' one is a bit abrupt and patronising - that could sway me!
A bit confused here......advice welcome. Ta

Pink.

Hi quatro,

If you tell us the names of the companies, maybe someone here will have had experience of them.

Pink

quatro

Both are local companies [i'm in North Somerset] so won't be known by many. The cheaper windows are manufactured by 'Duraflex' but I'm sure the steel reinforcement is thinner that that in the 'german' profile. German manufacturer unknown.......

Joto_2

The 'german' company has a polite salesman, the 'british' one is a bit abrupt and patronising - that could sway me!
A bit confused here......advice welcome. Ta[/QUOTE]

Hi I haven't got any advise I'm afraid. But I always say follow your instincts. If the british guy is abrupt and patronising now when he should be selling himself as well as the windows,imagine what he will be like if you have a complaint.

996ducati

quatro wrote:

Both are local companies [i'm in North Somerset] so won't be known by many. The cheaper windows are manufactured by 'Duraflex' but I'm sure the steel reinforcement is thinner that that in the 'german' profile. German manufacturer unknown.......

Ask what the reinforcement is made of, Steel or Aluminium.

What & where do they reinforce? Is it fully welded? Do they actually manufacture the frames themselves or buy them in pre made off a 3rd party?

Are they Secure by Design accredited? Or BS7950 approved?

What is the warranty on the sealed units?

How long have they been trading? Are they well known locally?

To be honest there isn't too much between all the profiles on the market now. Duraflex is an entry level product. The German brand could be Kommerling or Rehau?

Do a search for BS7950 or Secure by Design, this should advise you to enhanced security standards on uPVC windows.

Yes I do work in an allied industry!!! :-)