Recommended Window Manufacturer/Installer for Large format Sliding Doors

timjh0

Hi,

As the title suggests we're looking for a reliable manufacturer/installer for a large set of patio doors (approx 9 x 3m) that are draught free and efficient!

Having been seriously let down by Architectural Glass Installations Ltd./Smart Systems (summary below) I think we're probably looking at a completely new install - can't imagine the existing system will come out and still be usable

Thanks,

Tim.

BEWARE: If you want windows/doors fitted right first time look elsewhere…
Carl Champion (Director of Architectural Glass Installations Ltd.) commented: "There is possibly a dozen things I can do (and do on daily basis for other customers) to your doors to "beef up" certain areas" . It is disappointing, in the light of these comments, that AGI continue to insist on final payment before undertaking the installation to a satisfactory level. Despite numerous letters no planned date to complete the installation correctly, just comments like: "Send it to court please. Asap. We need that money".
Falsely claimed FENSA registration, falsely led us to believe units were A-Rated, frames condensating due to poor thermal performance & finally poor installation leading to: wind whistling through frames and rain entering. A DISASTER!

SailorSam

I use to work as a rep for Everest and at the time we had it drilled into us that we were selling the best windows on the market. And i believed it, but since being here on Mse i've read many posters that don't agree. Either way, they are expensive.
I think you need to say where you live. Perhaps them someone will reccommend a local company.

ryder72

What you are looking for size wise is towards the extreme end of possibilities so you not only need someone who can do what they say but I would highly recommend visiting installations and getting first hand references.

Try IDS, Fineline Aluminium and IQ glass. THey are not cheap but are known to deliver.

Furts

ryder72 wrote: »

What you are looking for size wise is towards the extreme end of possibilities so you not only need someone who can do what they say but I would highly recommend visiting installations and getting first hand references.

Try IDS, Fineline Aluminium and IQ glass. THey are not cheap but are known to deliver.

I had to re-read the post regarding the size and then assumed this was a typo. My concern would be the weight of the doors, the durability of the track and wheel mechanism, and the manufacturing tolerances. However a perfect job installed into many domestic openings could still lead to problems. Anything is available at a price, but I wonder if this is domestic design and installation on a domestic budget?

ryder72

I have seen a 14m * 3.9m installation from Fineline with triple glazed glass. It cost well in excess of 6 figures but it was beautifully executed.

chappers

ryder72 wrote: »

What you are looking for size wise is towards the extreme end of possibilities so you not only need someone who can do what they say but I would highly recommend visiting installations and getting first hand references.

Try IDS, Fineline Aluminium and IQ glass. THey are not cheap but are known to deliver.

I don't know about the others, but have experience of IQ, the SGDs they supply are made in Germany and of excellent quality, last year I was working on a multi dwelling project that involved nearly £1m worth of SGDs, they were about the only part of the project that ran on time. The site agent rang the German factory and asked when they were coming and the guy at the factory said what date did we tell you, when he repeated the date back, the guy in the factory said, that's when they will arrive then. Sure enough they did, the very next day the fitters turned up, mostly Russians and Lithiuanians, and did an amazing job of fitting, even solving a few problems with the structural openings themselves.
The largest fits on that job were 7.5m x 3m they were smooth as anything but yes they were quite heavy, by the time you were moving three panels together you did have to put your back into it

timjh0

Thank you for your replies and sorry for the delay in coming back.

Yes it's a domestic job, but requiring a larger than domestic solution! The solution used was smart systems/aliplast ultraglide which is spec'd beyond our requirements. So should have been OK had it been fitted properly. Furthermore the thermal specs are reasonable... But we didn't get what was asked for!

We're in Suffolk, but guess we are looking at a national company due to the nature of the Job.

Thanks again,

Tim.

Ps the space is split in to 2 fixed and 2 openers in the middle.

chappers

Any of the companies Furts mentioned should cover your area