Spectus or Duraflex window frames?

Possom

Would anyone have any comments on whether Spectus or Duraflex frames are better for residential double glazing?

http://www.spectussystems.co.uk/products/elite63.html
http://www.spectussystems.co.uk/products/elite70.html


http://www.duraflex.co.uk/products/integrated-systems/casement.php

Thanks.

DHFrames

You want to do your homework on the company who will be fabricating/fitting the windows. Spectus, Duraflex, rehau, Kommerling, veka etc are all profiles, yet it's the standard of how those windows are fabricated/fitted that counts. No point having a decent profile if its fitted/fabricated poorly
Personally I'd go for spectus

Possom

DHFrames wrote: »

You want to do your homework on the company who will be fabricating/fitting the windows. Spectus, Duraflex, rehau, Kommerling, veka etc are all profiles, yet it's the standard of how those windows are fabricated/fitted that counts. No point having a decent profile if its fitted/fabricated poorly

Yes, that's a very good point. Any suggestions on how to do this?

Do you think it's good to ensure all the uPVC used is virgin uPVC? Is this better than a recycled uPVC core with only an outer layer of virgin uPVC?

Furts

Possom wrote: »

Do you think it's good to ensure all the uPVC used is virgin uPVC? Is this better than a recycled uPVC core with only an outer layer of virgin uPVC?

I doubt anyone knows about virgin and recycled upvc. A top scientist may have the answer but to me this is part of the smoke and mirrors of the double glazing industry. Even if an answer can be found and technically substantiated, one then does not know what percentage of recycled material may be mixed into the product, nor if this ratio remains constant. Consequently I pay no attenrtion to the concept, and instead look at all the other factors.

Basically, if your new windows are of a standard applicable to the new home building industry (and many are not) then you cannot go far wrong.Then they must meet the Building Regulations, and then they must be properly fitted.

Avoid the national brands - Anglian, Everest, Safestyle etc, and be wary of regional companies who copy them by using commission hungry sales people.

Harsh as it seems, upvc windows are an overhyped product that are not wonderful quality. But they are cheap and readily available. Hence they are popular.

Possom

Having spoken working in the glazing business who does seem very knowledgeable, apparently all uPVC frames have to have a minimum percentage of recycled uPVC. I think he said 30%, though manufacturers (at least certain manufacturers) will place this inside the frame, whereas the outer layer is virgin uPVC.

This, therefore avoids the fading problem associated with recycled uPVC.

RichardD1970

Possom wrote: »

Having spoken working in the glazing business who does seem very knowledgeable, apparently all uPVC frames have to have a minimum percentage of recycled uPVC. I think he said 30%, though manufacturers (at least certain manufacturers) will place this inside the frame, whereas the outer layer is virgin uPVC.

This, therefore avoids the fading problem associated with recycled uPVC.

Not necessarily true.

I worked for one of the top uPVC extruders for 7 years and the percentage of "regrind" would vary depending on the company being supplied, the type of profile and colour.

Sills could be 100% regrind whereas mainframe profile for the upper end of the market would be 100% virgin powder, and any combination between, even varying between the same profile depending on the actual powder blend and any number of variables with the process.

Possom

According to what I had heard there is an EU directive which requires uPVC products to have a minimum amount of recycled uPVC. 30% if I recall. Though, personally, I do not know.

RichardD1970

Hmm, don't know, that might be something introduced since I left 2.5 years ago.

The only thing I could find from the environmental page of the company relating to recycling was

The company is committed to

Encouraging the re-use of material wherever feasible, when it does not compromise our product or service.