ᐅ Window quotes as different as day and night

Created on: 5 Feb 2019 11:04
K
kaho674
We have just received two quotes for windows. The building is an industrial facility undergoing renovation. There are 20 units, triple-glazed, approximately 1.60m x 1.20m (5.25 ft x 3.94 ft) including installation, white, with the same safety ratings.

Quote 1: about 35,000 Euros.
Quote 2: about 9,000 Euros.

That can’t be right? Is there some mistake? Did the second company make an error? Think again!
Quote 2 is from a German company offering windows sourced from Poland. Quote 1 is for windows made in Germany.
Dr Hix6 Feb 2019 19:13
What is "ABO"? Are we talking about the "flexible tape with ABO" or an "ABO strip"? And does the plastering strip have anything to do with waterproofing, or did the window installer just use a standard plaster strip?

But aside from that: see my list—they pretty much messed up everything that could be messed up.
H
haydee
6 Feb 2019 19:15
Wow, a lot went wrong during the installation.
Z
Zaba12
6 Feb 2019 20:43
Dr Hix schrieb:
What does "ABO" mean? Is it the "flexible tape with ABO" or are we talking about an "ABO strip"? And does the plaster strip relate to the sealing, or did the window installer just use a standard base plaster strip?

Otherwise, see my list—they’ve pretty much messed up everything possible.

Here, take a look...


White door frame with yellow protective tape, unfinished brick wall on the right and straw mats on the left.

White uPVC window frame next to a red brick wall; yellow sealing tape visible.
Dr Hix6 Feb 2019 21:07
This is the first time I’m seeing it in this form, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. At first glance, however, the tape does not appear to be responsible for airtightness. How was the area below the door sealed? The tape is not visible there, and any kind of connection to the measure used in that area (the pink tape?!) is also not recognizable (dirt)?

A plaster sealing profile should include some kind of recessed compressible tape (installed between the window and the visible part of the profile). If present, at least the visible gap at the butt joint in the first picture should be sealed in some way. I would especially check the corners.

In general, with this system, I would pay close attention to carefully plastering the reveal, as any crack there would inevitably cause a leak.
Z
Zaba12
6 Feb 2019 21:25
Dr Hix schrieb:
I’m seeing this for the first time in this form, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. At first glance, the tape doesn’t appear to be intended for airtightness. How was the area below the door sealed? The tape isn’t visible there, and there’s no clear connection to the measure used in that area (the pink tape?!) either (dirt)?

A plaster sealing strip should have some kind of recessed compressible sealing tape (positioned between the window and the visible part of the strip). If it’s present, at least the visible gap at the butt joint in the first picture should be sealed somehow. I would especially check the corners carefully.

Generally, with this system, I would strongly advise making sure the reveal is plastered carefully, since any cracks there would almost certainly cause leaks.

There is a continuous tape all around, and everything is well bonded. The corners are also sealed better, as you can see. I didn’t want to mention it before, but I checked every window with a candle to detect any air leaks.

No irregularities were found. I already know the quality of the plasterer’s work. I live in a multi-family house plastered by him. The exterior plaster is really well done, but inside it’s somewhat average. It seems like his motivation has decreased a bit.
Dr Hix6 Feb 2019 22:03
As cute as I find the candle test (I can relate to it from the bottom of my heart!), it was ultimately pointless. When it comes to airtightness, the issue isn’t whether wind might blow through here (the outer compressible sealing tape should already prevent that), but rather that warm indoor air must not penetrate the structure at this point.