Slightly OT - Double Glazing

AirCooledHeaven

I know this is a bit OT but I value the opinion of those who post here.

I'm planning to have my front door, patio door, and two upstairs
windows replaced in UPVC. I'm going to get a quote from two local
independent companies and I was thinking of getting a quote from one
of the nationals as well. Should I bother? If not why? And if so who
should I try, Anglian, Everest, Zenith, Safestyle?

I'm not an expert in this field and when I speak to DIY mates they all
said 'you need to get a good profile' but can't really explain what is a 'good' or 'bad' profile... So
what is it with 'profiles', snake oil or something to research?

Thanks

crazyguy

The major Companys will be approx double the price of a small local independent firm, and profile is the gauge of the frame,

Try a few local firms if you can get any recomendations or get to see previous work all the better and you can even offer them cash and get a better deal !,

Ximian

Nothing to add on the topic but it might be worth posting in the DIY section, there are some members that work in industries (building etc..) and can probably provide details on your questions: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=39

spannerzone

Personally I'd never use Safestyle simply because of their awful advertising... the hairy man shouting about 'buy one-get one free, I SAID BUY ONE GET ONE FREE'

Urghhhhhh argghhhhh

:doh:

erdd2

I replaced all windows and door earlier this year, much older and wiser than the last time as a newlywed.

I again opted for 1 quote from 3 areas...national, fairly new mid size, local tradesman. The national have not changed sales pitch / technique /
pressure /inflated price/ability to reduce original quote by half/take no for an answer until you resort to threatening to calling police...still it can be entertaining if you have the time to spare , local was apprehensive over a few aspects and mid offered fair price, contract and commitment

The national/top of the range is great if you have income to meet the expenditure. Think of buying a car...can you afford the top of the range...if not would you financially cripple yourself to have this....if no, why would you do this for windows/doors. Many will argue quality etc...but I do believe that a lot of the costs for nationals/top of range commissions/ads/etc are not worth the final product no matter how wealthy one is

tweeter

Trading Standards helped me decide when I told them the name of the installer. HTH

steve1980

Try SEH BAC. They were the cheapest by far for me.

sashman

AirCooledHeaven wrote: »

I'm planning to have my front door, patio door, and two upstairs
windows replaced in UPVC. I'm going to get a quote from two local
independent companies and I was thinking of getting a quote from one
of the nationals as well. Should I bother? If not why? And if so who
should I try, Anglian, Everest, Zenith, Safestyle?

I'm not an expert in this field and when I speak to DIY mates they all
said 'you need to get a good profile' but can't really explain what is a 'good' or 'bad' profile...
Thanks

Be careful, PVC doors drop. I use PVC and think the product is fine however, PVC doors have packers wedged between the glass and the door leaf(hidden so you cannot see them) to toe and heal the door, like a 5 bar gate. Slamming or heavy closing makes these shake loose so the door leaf drops and you have difficult opening shutting etc

All materials used for door drop it's just PVC ones IMO do so more

Just make sure their warranty includes visits to rectify

As for profile they are extrusions. Yes good and bad ones, but the more chambers the better the insulation, the thicker or heavier it is the stronger it will be. This site explains more http://www.doubleglazingcompanies.com/knowledge/company-types/?1