I am currently in the process of selecting replacement PVC-u windows for my 1930s semi detached house.
I have obtained three quotations, each of which has come out at roughly the same price. Each company is a member of the GGF and seems reputable, as far as I can tell. The main/only difference between the quotation seems to be the window systems they are proposing. These are Rehau, Duraflex and Kommerling.
Does anyone have any views as to the relative merits of these window systems. I realise this is a somewhat specialised question, but any advice would be appreciated.
Having lived with them for a couple of years, I'm afraid I am no fan of the existing original Crittall windows.
Also, we are one of the last people in our street to fit plastic windows. I actually think the house will benifit from having its appearance brought into line with the rest of the street, especially if quality units are used.
When you say 'window systems' I assume you mean window manufacturers. If my assumption is correct I have recently gone through a similar exercise and inspected probably 8 to 10 products from different vendors. With the exception of one national chain (Zenith, Ugh!) all the other vendors were local companies and gave prices all within 10% of each other for the same specification. The Zenith quotation was a joke, a bad joke!
Each company showed me the product they offered in section and it was difficult to see any significant difference between them. Whatever differences were of detail and not of essence. The most significant difference was the Zenith windows (I would not use Zenith on matter of principal having been subjected to their disgraceful sales methods). The Zenith window relied upon a hidden chevron to provide the external seal whereas all others used a neoprene seal (no, the windows could not be removed by removing the neoprene seal). In my view the Zenith system was inferior.
In my opinion your decision is best made based upon recommendations of others who have used them. Your neighbours should be able to advise how satisfied they were with their supplier/installer. I understand, and believe, the differences between companies is in the service they provide both during installation and afterwards in the event of problems. In this connection I would prefer to use a company that has its installers on permanent pay roll rather than sub-contracting the installation. A well established local company is likely to provide superior service than either a National or a company remote from where you live.
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