UPVC windows : Fimen vs Fenesta?

[prakshiv]

Many thanks rkrishna, info shared will help myself and may others about latest price trend going on ...

[gshelter]

Have you guys heard of Deccan UPVC Windows? Lot of people are commenting good on them. They are quoting Rs 450 sft for sliding and Rs. 550 sft for casement installed. They are having factory in Yeshwantpur.
http://www.deccangroup.com/dss/doors-upvc-casement.html

TorFenster Systems (India) Pvt.Ltd. all Casement windows except some small one fixed. They are quoting Rs.770 sft installed.
VINMEX BUILDTECH INDIA (P) LTD - local asking Rs. 590 installed.

Need to do some cost benefit analysis of UPVC in comparison with Honne. Again UPVC needs grill work which is not in scope of the upvc vendors or manufacturers. Which could easily add Rs. 50 to 100 sft to total window cost.

[rkrishna]

Grill work will add another 180-250 rs/sq feet depending on the grill design. My understanding is that it is required irrespective of whether it is wood or UPVC. Of course the cost of fixing the grills will be less with wood compared to UPVC as it would be fixed along side wooden frames. AFIK, fixing grills independently through plastering is as strong or even stronger than installing through wood.

My analysis was that UPVC will end up being more expensive than sal wood but much cheaper than teak. Main advantage of UPVC is that it will not bend with time nor will it require frequent painting/maintenance like wood. We also do not need to worry about pest infection and quality of wood.

Also, UPVC will presumably provide better lighting as one will tend to open sliding doors more than casement type windows (effort needed to open is more as one has to reach out). Also, casement windows of the same size will typically be kept open for only 30-40 degrees angle as it is harder to open them fully. Casement type UPVC windows have the same problem as well.

For our construction, architect recommended many 6 X 6 and 3 X 6 windows which I guess would be hard to do in window with out many openings. (wood will bend if it is single window of that size).

Another consideration was mosquito mesh. It is easier to operate/install mosquito mesh with sliding windows. Casement type UPVC windows have the same problem as well.

Teak has the advantage that the material is resalable but is much more expensive and requires constant maintenance.

Another consideration is the look and feel. UPVC windows are always rectangular in size. One can not have fancy semi circular windows etc. with UPVC which I miss.

[aries31]

Another problem I noticed with casement windows (esp. outside opening types) is that they slam shut or 'flutter' during high-winds - in first floor for example.

[pribaaji]

Hi,
My uncle recently installed upvc windows from dimex brand http://www.dimexinfo.com/index.htm .It looks good, the avg sqft he quoted for sliding was around 550rs.

[gshelter]

The reason I was considering casement was, it gives option to open 100% of the window for better air circulation but one has to lock them in position to prevent bang of the window to frame. Sliding window gives only max 50% of air circulation compared to casement windows. Another issue with sliding windows seems to be dust trapping in the tracks and making it hard to slide and probably abuse and breaking by users - especially if you end up renting the house or part of your construction.

But we can't beat quietness, airtight, better light of UPVC windows. Also look of the teak you can't beat!! Wow function vs beauty..what a dilemma...

[blrsiteseeker]

well you can get the UPVC windows in teak finish, I got that and it looks gorgeous and is quiet as well. I don't get the point of the shutters banging in the wind, that is true of any shutter you get that opens outwards. I have about 30 casement windows (maybe I should say shutters) and love it - for the same reason you mention, you can open it fully and get good air circulation in the house.

[rkrishna]

UPVC in teak finish indeed looks gorgeous. What was the cost/sq feet for those windows? Is the teak finish achieved by a thin film on top of the window? Does it last long? Is it Fenesta?

Even though one can open casement windows 100%, in practice it does not happen that often given that there is more effort to keep it fully open. yes, dirt in the tracks is certainly an issue with sliding windows. I took feedback from folks who have had sliding UPVC windows installed for 6-8 years. All of them said that they just need to get it cleaned once in 6 months by a painter. (UPVC tracks are bigger than aluminium tracks)

Regarding air circulation, our window design already accounts for the fact that only 50% can be opened. On an average, we have a minmum of two 6 X6 windows in almost every room

[gshelter]

Agreed...lot of things that are thought of, planned, designed and implemented. But in reality utilization may be very low. If window is behind a furniture or access is not easy, it may not be opened. Also if there is "5 feet" apart neighbor window, your privacy is almost zero. So external factor may force the location and use it for light (with frosted covering) but not for air. I still wonder just to consider UPVC to wet areas like bathrooms and kitchen.. And go for really good looking like teak one for living room (UPVC or wood), bedrooms can be seasoned wood - any species which won't change use shape with weather.

I also wonder those "German" brands long term sustainability for the dust and usage in typical Indian household. As we all the possible repair costs down the road. Think of cost of ownership of BMW for years not just the initial purchase price.

Now it all boils down to money! And how deep one's pocket is and how far in time it can go!

[blrsiteseeker]

UPVC in teak finish indeed looks gorgeous. What was the cost/sq feet for those windows? Is the teak finish achieved by a thin film on top of the window? Does it last long? Is it Fenesta?

Even though one can open casement windows 100%, in practice it does not happen that often given that there is more effort to keep it fully open. yes, dirt in the tracks is certainly an issue with sliding windows. I took feedback from folks who have had sliding UPVC windows installed for 6-8 years. All of them said that they just need to get it cleaned once in 6 months by a painter. (UPVC tracks are bigger than aluminium tracks)

Regarding air circulation, our window design already accounts for the fact that only 50% can be opened. On an average, we have a minmum of two 6 X6 windows in almost every room

Yes, they were Fenesta. More expensive - definitely (About 40% or so more). The tint is not just in a thin veneer, but embedded in the material itself.

If you can open a wooden window, you can open a UPVC window (in case of casement, provided they are both the same size).

I have a mixture of all type of UPVC windows - fixed, sliding, and casement. I like the casement the best. The sliding does need cleaning. You can use a paint brush and sweep out all the dust and then use a wet cloth to wipe it clean.

If you compare windows (all of the same size, but different types - sliding casement etc.), the best air flow is with casement. I am not recommending one or the other, I myself have selected many types, but just telling you what I thought were the facts.

About using wood for wet areas, I don't know what the reasoning is behind that. Agreed cost could be a factor. I have all windows in UPVC and every neighbor of mine has admired the elevation of the house (just from the window point), also I know that after 5 years wood will need to be painted and or polished etc. but this does not require any such maintenance. My house in the US had UPVC windows and the house was more than 18 years old, only based on the style of windows could people say they are old, not from how they appear with weathering etc.

Those are my 2 cents worth of knowledge regarding these.