Replacing Linels Cost - Resonable? - Finally got quotes...

[dishman]

@noseall ahh impressive.

I was thinking to myself, is not one downside of an angle iron the fact that it is thicker, and you end up with a thicker mortar bed.
When you mentioned 100 x 100mm x 10mm, I assume the 10mm is the thickness.

The latest window company mentioned they use 3mm thick galvanised angle irons. They seem to be a lot thinner option than others that are available.

 

[Doggit]

It'll depend on the span, and the width of the angle iron, but 3mm sounds a bit too thin.

 

[dishman]

Goddammit.....that is what I thought..... the span is about 2.4m....

 

[Doggit]

Noseall used 10mm (and welded supports as well), so best to ask him the span of it for a comparison. But did they mention the size of the angle iron as well as the minimalist thickness.

 

[dishman]

Still waiting for a site visit for a site visit and a formal quote....

I assume, that is why a single leaf ig/catnic are presumably better as the spans they come in and the thickness are calculated to support a specific load.

This whole process has really opened my eyes as to how hit and miss (mostly miss) a lot of UPVC firms are....

 

[dishman]

Well, the plot thickens......

The latest company came with lintels to show!

They informed me that they would use a lintel for all windows. Good so far!

For the large ground floor openings they would use a proper lintel - Still good so far!

For the smaller openings they use a galvanised type of steel "angle iron" that does not have to be bedded in/sit on the brickwork on each side. Instead it wraps around the top half of the window and is screwed into the brickwork at the side.

This is a new one on me (based on my limited research into this) .......thoughts?

 

[Ian H]

If the plot thickens much more you could use it as a lintel

 

[dishman]

Tell me about it.....

It really is disappointing how much cowboy window fitting still goes on. It is very frustrating.

Responses have ranged from, no lintels required, to lintels in some, to untreated angle irons.....

It also has the effect of making me feel like I am being an arse for asking all the questions as if I am being too OCD about it. When, in reality I am only trying to ensure the job is done properly.

 

[dishman]

I'd be interested as to what @noseall or @^woody^ thought.

Have you guys ever come across an angle iron that is made to fit around the top of window frame, but rather then resting on brickwork, is screwed into the brick via two brackets at each side.

They suggest this is appropriate for small openings.

 

[noseall]

Have you guys ever come across an angle iron that is made to fit around the top of window frame, but rather then resting on brickwork, is screwed into the brick via two brackets at each side.

I'm not aware of such a support, no.

 

[Doggit]

Wouldn't put it past them to notch the top of the angle iron, and then bend it back and drill it to forma support. Amazing what you can do with an angle grinder, and a titanium drill bit.

 

[dishman]

Well the quotes are in:

Company 1 - Proper lintels all round costing £250 per window as part of installation. So based on those that need a lintel £1250/1500

Windows: £4475 - comprising of (French doors (£1895), large rear bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, landing and small toilet window and one optional utility room).

Concerns: Took 2.5 weeks and 3 calls to get a quote. They did apologise in the email. Seem to have put a lot of effort into garnering a lot of online positive reviews. Do not manufacture in-house.

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Company 2: £4584 for windows (as per above) and £1676 for lintels. But this only covers one proper lintel for the French doors. The others are priced on this slot in and bolt in galvanised 3mm angle iron. Company has been around a long time locally. Manufacture the windows in-house.

Concerns: This angle iron that is 3mm thick and bolts into brickwork. Asked for more information regarding it.

 

[Doggit]

Company 1: Ignore and keep looking
Company 2: Treat the same way as company 1.

Actually, company 1 seems far better than company 2, but they took a long time to sort things out, and don't manufacture in house, so if there any problems, they'll be a bit reluctant to sort them out.

As to company 2, I suspect the bolt on method will be fine, but not with 3mm steel.

 

[dishman]

I think I am running out of companies.....

I should have mentioned, Company 2 are happy to install proper lintels all round if I ask for them.

 

[Doggit]

They're are already more expensive; ask them the extra costs first, then use company ones quote to haggle with.