UPVC windows - Rayhau or Profile 22 - Any advice?

michele-p

Hi all, we are getting quoted for double glazed windows for our house. At present we have single glazed leaded windows (originals from 1930's!) which are very leaky and cold.
We've had quotes from a number of companies, discounted the stupidly cheap quote, as didn't feel happy with their fitters, and didn't quite believe their quote!
2 other well reviews companies have quoted, one says to use Rauhau Edge, the other says to use Profile 22. There's £500 difference between the 2. I've been looking online to try and work out which might be the "better" choice, but can only see articles from 10 years or so ago. Does anyone have any up to date know how, on which either of these brands?
Thanks

MX5huggy

While I’m all for energy improvements, my heart bleeds at the thought of replacing 1930’s leaded window with plastic. Have you considered secondary glazing or a more sympathetic option.

EssexExile

MX5huggy said:

While I’m all for energy improvements, my heart bleeds at the thought of replacing 1930’s leaded window with plastic. Have you considered secondary glazing or a more sympathetic option.

They're probably Crittall and well past their best. You can get modern double glazed versions but they can't be mentioned on a money saving site!

michele-p

Hi MX5Huggy, the windows definitely are past their best, and are quite bowed in places. The plan is to maybe sell them to a reclamation yard if they come out ok, but they are the main thing about the house that we feel actually spoil the look, as well as being very drafty! We've spent the past 18 months painstakingly refurbishing the whole house, and have kept many of the features that show the beauty of it, like the herringbone parquet on the ground floor, and changing the doors to the correct style for the era. But the windows do need to be changed! We're also getting quotes for flush fitting windows, and have chosen a style which is very inkeeping with the era too, though I think these may be a step to far budget wise.

Still looking into the differences between the 2 companies, but leaning towards Profile 22 Optima at the moment. I really would hate to replace them with double glazed leaded windows. We also need double glazing as the road noise is much more noticable than we thought it might be when we bought it. So far we have used window film, and have caulked closed the worst offending gaps in the frames, which has helped a lot. 

FreeBear

michele-p said: the windows definitely are past their best, and are quite bowed in places.

Bowed at the top ?

If so, you will probably need steels (lintel) fitted to the outer leaf of brickwork (assuming cavity walls). Not too difficult to do whilst the old windows are out and as long as the brickwork doesn't need jacking up. I'd suggest earmarking £500 or so for each window that needs a lintel.

I had a window done some 18 months ago. Had a retainer of £300 put aside for the lintel, but when the bill came through, it was only £100.

michele-p

FreeBear said:

michele-p said: the windows definitely are past their best, and are quite bowed in places.

Bowed at the top ?

If so, you will probably need steels (lintel) fitted to the outer leaf of brickwork (assuming cavity walls). Not too difficult to do whilst the old windows are out and as long as the brickwork doesn't need jacking up. I'd suggest earmarking £500 or so for each window that needs a lintel.

I had a window done some 18 months ago. Had a retainer of £300 put aside for the lintel, but when the bill came through, it was only £100.

Hi, sorry I meant the glass area is bowed, the leaded glass is made up of separate kite shaped pieces, with the lead holding them together, it's these panes which have bowed rather than the wooden frames.

mug2007

The flush upvc Profile 22 casement seems to be a really cheap version and comes flush on outside and standard profile upvc on the inside. R7 Residence 7 seems much better choice to me, flush inside and outside.  Wouldn’t choose profile 22 myself.

michele-p

mug2007 said:

The flush upvc Profile 22 casement seems to be a really cheap version and comes flush on outside and standard profile upvc on the inside. R7 Residence 7 seems much better choice to me, flush inside and outside.  Wouldn’t choose profile 22 myself.

Thanks for this info, what about the standard profile 22 casements? Flush windows may be a budget step too far for us.

theonlywayisup

We went with Rehau when replacing our windows, having previously used others (non branded locally made and branded).  Rehau IMHO are much better quality - not just the plastic (which hasn't faded) but with hinges and locking mechanism.   I am not familiar with Profile 22. 

greenface2

Both good profiles and have been around long enough to stand the test . hinges and locking mechs change with each individual company who fabricate them but all the hardware have to pass the BS required . I would lean to rehau on a personal note because they are easier to glaze  , Your installation is the biggest key to which is going to be the best in a few years time . How the chosen company take the old frames out . Less mess . Try and keep your leads in one piece if you want anything for them . Look at leadlight encapsulations but that's your money saving gone and you want to keep them . (even in one window ) Keeps the history . I started fitting rehau in my first job 35 years ago . Optima sightlines are slightly slimmer from memory . £500 shouldn't be the deal breaker . go with who you feel happy with making sure you get what you want NOT what they say you want . safety and strength is key . ( fire escapes . toughened glass. multipoint locks . bay jacks ) and how its installed . (insulation. minimum disruption. triple sealed frames if poss. ) try and stay local small business on recommendations they give you a better service and hopefully do a job they can drive past and be happy with . 

mug2007

michele-p said:

mug2007 said:

The flush upvc Profile 22 casement seems to be a really cheap version and comes flush on outside and standard profile upvc on the inside. R7 Residence 7 seems much better choice to me, flush inside and outside.  Wouldn’t choose profile 22 myself.

Thanks for this info, what about the standard profile 22 casements? Flush windows may be a budget step too far for us.

I would imagine the profile 22 standard is fine, it’s just their flush casement isn’t flush on both sides.  My neighbour paid the same for their standard upvc windows as we did for flush ones.  I think more and more people are buying flush now, so the price for flush is becoming increasingly competitive and the standard upvc is going to look dated soon.  We also have a 1930s house.  Make sure you choose a good window company with good reviews, ask neighbours etc.  Lot of £££s and will be there for many years so take your time.