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

[Piers]

@BigBuilder I'm interested in this too and have also been looking at windows24.com if only as a useful tool for comparing prices of window quotes in the UK. Also talking to other suppliers in EU for quotes at the moment.

 

Have you made any progress since your last post?

[Trw144]

On 27/05/2024 at 09:57, BigBuilder said:

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

 

Not sure there will be tax to pay (except for some import admin fees), though there will be VAT to pay as it enters the country, which you should then be able to reclaim. Not quite how it will work for an individual though (I import as a company) - I'm assuming you will just get an invoice for the VAT elelement which you can then reclaim.

[Alan Ambrose]

>>> Not quite how it will work for an individual though

 

Exactly the same. You can figure the duties in advance if you look up the right product code. There will be a smallish import processing charge by the shippers and shipping charges, of course.

Edited August 8 by Alan Ambrose

[mickeych]

You might want to have a look at the Rationel range https://rationel.co.uk/windows/. Very competitive and with good U values for the aluclad version (not sure whether these are the frames or glass,) Checking the price we have for our most recent quote we are almost exactly the same as the comparable product from Windows24.com and from the local supplier with a decent warranty and backup.

We have had a number of quotes for both local and international providers and they do fit into ranges IMO

[Tosh]

If you're set on buying from abroad then some of the Polish manufacturers may be worth a look, debesto, fenbro, etc. Debesto certainly have a wider range of brands.

Edited August 13 by Tosh
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