Replacement windows and shutters

[bjay]

Looking to find a good reliable reasonably priced supplier of windows/doors/shutters preferably aluminium.
Although if anyone has any input about pvc versus aluminium and the pros/cons I'd be delighted to hear your opinion.
If you dont want to name the bad or the good on the forum you could always pm me.
Thanks.

[Polli62]

Have a look at this website
http://www.vial-carpintarias.com/
They are in Alcantarilha (Silves)
Edificio "Parque Nascente" Loja C Rogel - 8365 Alcantarilha
Tél. 282 313 738 - Fax 282 315 765

[maccasa]

yep Vial is very good - the catalogue is online with orices. Their service is excellent and free delivery

[Rene]

We are also looking to replace windows/doors, so many thanks for the link above..
I have been trying to get information also on differences between uPVC/aluminium and came across this information on another forum
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590136
They suggest thermally insulated aluminium is better for the Algarve climate.

[EMM]

UPVC has a much smaller market share in Spain, Portugal etc for various reasons.

1) To withstand the high UV its has to have inhibitors added increasing the cost ( UK products do not need these )
If you used UK systems the products would soon degrade.
2) fabrication.
Manufacturing an aluminium window can be done almost in a garden shed with very little sophisticated equipment UPVC requires expensive welders etc putting manufacture beyond the average local man.

3) Aluminium doors and windows with thermal barriers were designed for norther European climates and of course would give you better heat retention in winter than the systems normally used in Portugal.

4) if you are starting from scratch and you wish to retain heat in the winter and reduce solar gain in the summer.
Go for Aluminium with a thermal barrier combined with a low emmissivety glass. This type of glass has a coating which will reflect the sun away in the summer helping keep your villa cool.

5) Probably the most important NEW designs have very sophistcated locking systems. Do not cut corners go for the best you can afford.

There is a very good shop in the new shopping complex at Alcantrahila.

[Rene]

Thanks EMM, that is very helpful. Just wondering is the shop you refer to near Aldi?

Many Thanks

[EMM]

Yes that is the one.

[themoneyman]

We used http://www.giantswindows.com/ to fit a window for a cat flap to fit in, they had to get it made specially for the purpose, they were extremely good and reasonable.

[Jenkins]

Hi all,
Does anyone have any more recent experience? I'#m just starting out on looking for installers...
Regards, Alan Jenkins

[logicbob]

Try Fabrica PVC Tech in Lagoa they are on the Fatacil site.

Tel: 282343325

[Geriatric]

Yes that is the one.

I think you will find it closed down a while back!

[Sheila]

We are just building a house and although the specialties specified white coated aluminium our architect has just recommended PVC.

[EMM]

Geriatric , living up to your name, my post was dated 2010 !!

Sheila, I woud akd your srchirect why he specifies UPVC, is it cheaper ? or "god forbid " does he have a connection with the UPVC supplier.

[R.Wethereyet]

Sheila, try these guys

http://www.mestreraposa.com/

German company, well established in the Algarve.

However they aren't cheap, but the quality is second to none.

[Geriatric]

Geriatric , living up to your name, my post was dated 2010 !!

I thought you would be quicker off of the mark and you let me down!!