Hello all,

Recommendations please for double/triple glazed windows and doors, inc sliding type. Don't have a big budget. Looking for either hardwood or alu clad. Have had quote from Rationel and would like to know of anyone's experience with their product.

Thanks

+1 on Internorm but they are pricy. Worth paying for quality fabric in the places where you don't want to be replacing anytime soon in my opinion, but I realise it's not always that easy.

If you're on a budget look at Progression windows from Green Building Store. I've seen mixed reviews but generally positive.

Russell Timbertech or Munster Joinery.

I have Russelltimbertech atm. My experience of their customer service has been appalling. Their product (2g) seems good, but the hardware isn't suitable for anywhere near the sea.
We are building a new house & have gone for Gaulhofer, 3G with external blinds on the s facing windows. They were a 5 figure sum less than Internorm, without blinds. I have seen some on a site & they looked great, but I will only be in a position to have a real opinion about them when we have lived with them, which will be some time....

Anyone here used Rationel?

I specifically mentioned we were near the coast when asking for a quote. The shoot bolts have corroded to the point that they don't work,apparently the hardware doesn't have the correct rating. I have been trying to get it resolved since last August.
When I was trying to sort it out on a temporary basis I discovered that non-stainless screws had been used in the oak frames, unsurprisingly they are rusted in.

I've just had Munster install my windows and doors

Overall not too bad.

I went for their Aluclad passivehouse certified.

I went through 5 quotes with munster before survey to ensure all the details are correct give yourself plenty of time.

56m2 of windows and doors (inc 2 sandblasted front doors, 2 back doors, 2 french doors and 1 bifold door) £366 per m2 triple glased, pasive house certified, 0.7 Uw.

Good points:
Price was good first time without haggling (actually it was going to be supply only but they were scared I didn't have the builders for the job and they threw in the mechanical fixing (not foaming) for the original price (about 10 man-days worth).

They appear to be tough windows - the installers were able to thump the mullions with a bit of timber protector and it didn't affect the aluminium at all.

Door cills are 20mm thick (except bifold) and can sit at screed level and still be part M compliant).

From survey to install was 3 and a half weeks.

3 draft proof layers in the opening windows for good airtightness.

The window cills are integral with the frame (not clip on) and very solid.

large side hung windows supported - Triple glazed 1200 high by 900 wide.

Nothing will rot.

Not so good points:

The number of finishes available is limited.

The frames are chunky - aluminium outside - UPVC & foam structural core, wood clad inside. 120mm thick front to back and quite wide. (suggest minimise mullions and go for minimum number of large openings) - best for price as well.

Door sills come in one width only.

They will only supply to 'builders' under contact law not consumers under consumer law. However other than the contract being in my builders name I was able to deal with them directly.

V gd info on Munster incl impressive £/m2 for PH - thanks.

Posted By: gravelldIs this for a new build? MJ and RT don't do refurbs.

Rationel are generally on the value end of alu-clad.

Also Nordan, Norrsken, Ideal Combi.

New build yes!

Posted By: goodevans£300/m2 for windows

For PH grade, is incredible.

Thanks all, plenty for me to compare here. Cheers!

Overall window size is how a QS wd think of it

Monty, you may be correct, only time will tell - unfortunately I have had to work to a value for money system. I know and understand that I may have problems down the line - and I will report them here if/when they happen.

The MJ windows have two small weep holes in the frame between the inner and outer seals at the bottom of the frame where there are opening sashes - so provided these are kept clear of muck, seepage through the outer seal should be able to drain - of course it would be better for the outer seals to stay watertight under all conditions. (and some manufactures solve this by having no outer seal and free movement of air and water to the inner seal)

I also have my suspicions that the hinges on these MJ sashes may be at their design limit for the 3G windows so may need replacing more often than I would like.

I would not call these windows elegant - fortunately I overruled my architect who wanted to standardise on 600mm spacing for mullions otherwise I would have had all mullion and no window.

I didn't wish or need to exceed the limits of the frame/sashes as a 1200 high by 900 wide side hung window is large enough for my needs many of my windows are 1800 wide half opening half fixed - and, although not very easy to clean from the inside it is doable.

I had put some trust in the fact that the windows I had selected are PH certified but I think you are saying that in your opinion PH certification is not rigorous enough for airtightess/watertightness (or MJ windows are not PH certified).

Could you share some recommendations for window systems / manufacturers you do rate and why - too late for me unfortunately but others will find the information useful.

I could have made other choices, spent more on the windows, less on the finish or less living space, but in the end it's all a compromise. I'm not building to PH standard - but I suspect I'll be towards the upper end of of greenness for new built houses of today. Providing these windows don't fall apart - or leak air / water I think they still deserve a place for green buildings.

If memory serves me right I think Russell had restrictions in the sizes of opening widows and that did restrict what I wanted - but I have no records about the conversation - I could be doing them a disservice.