The difference between 'good' and 'average' windows

[mxplut]

Hello,

I am looking for uPVC windows and I know that I could make a list of suppliers as long as my arm from just my local area. Apart from comparing thermal performance, what else should I be looking at to differentiate the higher quality windows from the lower ones. When I visit the showrooms I am sure that every one of them will tell me that their windows are really secure, really well made, really high quality etc. All very woolly terms and not very objective. So when I go poking and testing the showroom models, what do I look for?

 

thank you for your advice and opinions

Ben

[ToughButterCup]

39 minutes ago, mxplut said:

...

when I go poking and testing the showroom models, what do I look for?

...

Just look. And listen.

[SteamyTea]

Ask @craig

 

I quite fancy marketing double glazing and replacement windows.

I have some bricks, can easily glue some business cards to them. 

[craig]

uPVC not really my field tbh but the likes of AluPlast are good profiles but like most profiles, only as good as the manufacturer that makes the window.

Edit: look for how the windows opens/closes, welds of the corners, how many gaskets (2 good, 3 better). Uf value (frame), if they try upsell you to triple for better performance on a sh!te frame.

 

A Uf in region of 1 to 1.2 would be good enough but the lower the better.

Edited April 18, 2023 by craig

[Iceverge]

Passivhaus Component Database is as good as anywhere to start.  List of windows (passivehouse.com) It's not exhaustive but least you can compare like for like. As Craig says this is only the frame. The assembly and ironware are just as important. 

 

Look for good air sealing, Ours have 3 separate and continuous seals. I've seen many where they just don't bother the continuous seal at a hinge for instance. 

 

 

A vendor should have an idea about the frame Uf value and glazing G value on offer. There were a few I visited who hadn't even heard of it and just kept spitting the center pane Ug at me and "A rated mate" .