Aluminium Windows and sliding doors

[BigBuilder]

Hi All, We are just about to start our build in the next few weeks and are in the process of getting various quotes, has anyone used or had a quote for new windows from a company called windows24.com?  We are looking for a number of sliding patio doors and open out slim profile frames in aluminium, just had a quote from IQ glass and nearly fell of my chair!    

[JohnMo]

When comparing quotes look at or if not given freely, ask for U_w values for the windows. Many will give you U_g.  U_w is the U value for the whole window including frame - to give a good indication of heat loss. U_g is just the glazing element - so is a bit camouflage for rubbish performance windows.

 

Aluminium frames, unless very expensive, tend to have very poor U_w. 

 

When we were getting quotes for double glazed

 

Best uPVC, was 1.4, worst 1.8, one company would not tells as they had never been asked for the U_w

Aluminium tended to be nearer the 2 mark.

Our wooden framed French doors are double glazed, with a Krypton fill gas they are 1.1.

[BigBuilder]

Hi John, thank you for your reply , although U-value is very important obviously, I was asking if anyone had used the company Windows24.com before, they appear to be a German company fabricating  (aluminium ) Schuco windows and doors in Germany , I know Schuco very well from my day job but  Windows24 prices seem to be very competitive even though I have contacts in the glazing and windows industry . They seem to be answering emails etc ok and have a good website but obviously the proof is in the pudding!

I assume there will be tax to pay in bringing them in from the EU.?? ……. Has anyone else used them or bought windows from the EU?

 

thanks in advance.

Lee