Double Glazed PVCu Extrusion for Windows.

Jezscorpio

hi

I need replacement windows in my property and started the ball rolling by getting quotes from local double glazing companies/installers.

All the companies that gave me quotes mentioned that the extruded profile they used are the best on the market and therefore the quality of their windows are better than the rest. Not having a clue about PVCu windows I thought I'd ask the question to those that may have been down this road themselves or may have worked in the industry.

The names of some of the profile companies mentioned are Synseal (synerjy), Selecta Systems (Birmingham), Esograt, Aluplas, and Profile22.

Qu:Is there a lot of difference in quality between window profile systems or are they all a much of a muchness?and if yes, who are the best?

At the moment it's hard to do a comparison on price until I know if the quality of windows they are offering is comparable!

Many thanks :beer:

McAzrael

Selecta is quite an old profile. I wasn't impressed with Esograt when I saw it, but that was just a taste thing. I couldn't tell you about Aluplas or Profile 22. Synerjy is very good, but is a sculpted profile. I keep expecting them to go out of fashion but they refuse to do so. If you like it, go for it. (If you don't, Shield is the Synseal bevelled profile and again is very good)

All of this is a bit of a red herring. The recent tightening of the building regs regarding thermal efficiency, along with tough local authority specification requirements, has seen the back of the really bad profiles. You should be more concerned with what the companies do with the profile. Ask about the hardware. Ideally you want security hinges and shootbolt locks. Easy clean AND egress hinges are the bees-knees on bedroom windows. A concealed locking system is the best, but expensive. Ask if you are getting cranked handles - they cost pennies more than in-line ones and will tell you how much the company is compromising quality to cut their costs.

Glass - it must be low-e if your windows are to comply with building regs. But there is low-e and there is low-e. You will pay more for lower U-values (the industry measure of thermal efficiency) but it will pay in the long run. Soft coat, argon filled units are what you want; unless you are moving soon.

Windowboards - UPVC windowboards WILL get scratched and quickly look a mess. Demand MDF or hardwood. Wood is more resilient and when it does take a knock you just sand it and gloss it again. Likewise if you need any architraves or cloaking. None of these are necessarily standard items so make sure that they are specified in the quote.

I don't want to bombard you with brand names and jargon. I hope that this helps. Don't forget that since April 2002 replacement windows in dwellings come under the scope of building regulations. You will need to ensure compliance either by using an installer who is a member of a self-certification scheme (FENSA, Certass, BSI) or by notifying your local authority's building control department. KEEP THE CERTIFICATE - when you come to sell the house the buyer's solicitor will be looking for it.

ormus

IMHO pretty much of a muchness in the main.
a lot of the white standard ones use the same german manufacturer anyways.
ask for the u values/figures for their frames only (not the glass) and complete with the glass.
then you can compare like for like.

Poppycat

I sold my house and had to supply Fensa certicates. In order to transfer Fensa to the new owners (change of name) it costs a whooping £58

ormus

wow.
dont you just love all the trade orgs, there to protect the consumer!

w00dys

most profiles trace back to german suppliers - rehau or veka, i would look for veka who has a list of approved installers - guarantees that u can transfer aswell if you sell your house