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.

Jim

On 2 Dec 2005 15:17:29 -0800, "jim2000"
wrote:

I am currently in the process of selecting replacement PVC-u windows
for my 1930s semi detached house.

A 1930s house would be much better with original windows, or at least
identical replacements.

--
Frank Erskine

Frank Erskine wrote:

A 1930s house would be much better with original windows, or at least
identical replacements.

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.

On 2 Dec 2005 15:17:29 -0800, "jim2000"
wrote:

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.

Jim


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.

Hope this helps.