Getting thoroughly frustrated with attempting to get uPVC 3G quotes have decided to reconsider aluminium clad timber frames instead. Unfortunately many of the contenders only offer inward opening windows and I would like some windows to be more like standard casement (but well insulated).

Any suggestions or recommendations for outward opening ali-clad windows? All I can find so far is Rationel, any others?

Have you seen this company - saw them a few years ago at the show and made note of the name - at the time there range was very like internorm.

http://www.idealcombi.com/

Russell Timbertech. Look no further, for adequate quality and unbeatable price. Just received another lot from Russell (my first Al-faced ones) - good quality, size/spec as ordered, late as usual, handles missing as usual.

Posted By: GreenfishGBS don't have anything on their web site at the moment that opens outwards, is there someone I should talk to about it?

They had prototypes at the Ecobuild show in 2012. Worth giving them a call.

David

Tom, is there a trick to getting Russel Timbertech to respond? I phoned, asked for details about Ali clad, PH etc., asked to be sent details, and was assured that someone would phone me first. Of course I have heard nothing :(
Is it really worth the effort?

The performance of the Velfac ali clad was disappointing - 36mm and 1.2 was the best they could do with ali. The response was quick, and the quote was very informative giving u values for every unit, but again only 2G (~1.6) initially despite me clearly asking for 3G and 0.8. So I had to chase to get a 1.2 offering. They can get to 0.8, but not with ali, only their composite system does that.

GBS have no knowledge of opening out ali clad units now or ever. So for now it is just Rationel on the table, unless someone else knows better?

What's the problem with Velfac composite? Is there a reason you didn't get them to quote for those?

Simon - nothing wrong with Velfac Halo. I was a bit miffed that explicitly asking for 3G resulted in a (detailed) 2G quote, but I did pursue the price for 3G. Triple glazed 1.2 units were 10% more, and top of the range composite offering 0.8 was 35% more. Dickster was right, and at £500 per sq m, and 43% more than the 0.8 offering from Rationel, it is too rich for me.

Calvin - Idealcombi windows seem to only open inwards, so I have not asked for prices.

My desire for outward opening casement windows (in places) really does reduce the options it seems.

My first quotes are coming in and while I thought I'd been quite clear that insulation value was a priority they're still coming back with poorly performing door options and 2G not 3G.

When you hang around on here and target your reading I think it's easy to forget that most of the industry is a long way behind.

Posted By: GreenfishGBS don't have anything on their web site at the moment that opens outwards, is there someone I should talk to about it?

Green Building Store have just launched an outward opening Passivhaus certified timber window:

http://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk/page--ecocontract-ultra-low-energy-windows-.html

No aluminiun clad option as far as I can see.

David

I visited Russel Timbertech last year looked at there windows left a list of sizes and heard nothing, I phoned a few weeks later and they said they would phone back but never did, I have delayed my project until next year so I am still looking. I like the look of the Velfac ones but I have yet to try them, I would be concerned ordering from Russel Timbertech but at least they are fairly local.

Stuart

It is funny that on most of the builds featuring on TV the windows are nearly always late.

Jonti

Munster, if you can get them to quote?

djh , yes not a good design , cheers for the note.
hows russell timbertech looking

I'm almost ready to order my windows, I got prices from GBS and Russel Timbertech. Erring towards Russel Timbertech but would be intertested to hear of any recent experiences of their products.