Aluminium steel replacement French doors

6 years ago

Evening guys,

Has anyone recently has a set of aluminium 'crittal style' French doors put in (as per the photo).

We've a quote for exactly the same as below but our builders supplier doesn't rate Smarts Alitherm Heritage 47 system which we were initially going for.

Our opening is 3250mm wide x 2500mm high so a little bigger than this image and we'll have a row of glass above the doors.

It maybe they aren't used to fitting the product?

Any way thoughts?

Appreciated as always

Craig

Featured Answer

PRO

Skyglaze Ltd

6 years ago

The smarts Heritage window is a tried and tested product as long as its manufactured and installed correctly

We install this product every week along side the much more costly thermally broken steel products

You can download all information from our website

www.skyglaze.co.uk

If you want any help give me a call

07976 701308

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Comments (35)

craig_standley
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi guys, just to add to above - my man has advised he is able to supply ALUK heritage French windows which are akin to the smart system.

Anyone had any dealings with these?

Craig
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PRO
Skyglaze Ltd
6 years ago
Here's a screen 2400mm high with a borrowed light
craig_standley
Original Author
6 years ago
SkyGlaze, that's really appreciated thanks buddy.

Aesthetically I don't think any of the rivals seem to match it so I'm not going to be moved and stick to my original plan.

Out of interest what sort of lead time am I looking at. A local manufacturer/installer has said 6 weeks from measuring the opening to fitting.....?

My issue is my entire extension will only take 6 weeks to build and the opening will only be completed in week four.
PRO
Skyglaze Ltd
6 years ago
Metal takes about 3 weeks so normally order about 5 weeks before you need them

Just make sure they are installed by a company that understands the system also they should have a coupler that adds to the strength of the system and is 7mm wide

You should see this on your sign off drawings
craig_standley
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks buddy, great advice. If I struggle locally I shall be giving you a call.
nix1977
3 years ago
Hi Craig

I'm in the exact same predicament you were in 3 years ago! Did you go with the SMART heritage doors in the end? And have you had any issues with them?

Thanks so much!
craig_standley
Original Author
3 years ago
Hi Nix, I did but my experience is probably a little jaded.

Our supplier/installer outsourced the fitting to an inexperienced team who really struggled to fit the doors and really made a hash of it and only realised towards the end that they had actually installed the entire set inside out...!?!?

Eventually they came back a month later to reinstall them but this was after I had fitted the flooring, which now didn’t fit flush with the windows. I’m now left with an ill fitting set of windows that are slightly wonky and daylight is visible above one of the doors.

We argued over it for some time and in the end never paid 50% of the final bill but I would rather had paid the full 4K and have had an installation I was happy with.

Atheistic wise, everyone who comes round are really impressed with the design, it’s very different from the usual run of the mill bi-folds. and despite all our issues the actual product appears okay - I would just stress that you get an installer who can show examples of their previous installations. I was in a rush and took the firm on their word unfortunately.

If you are South East (Kent?) based as I am, I wish I had gone to a firm called DWL who ive seen carrying out installations locally and appear to have installed a few on their website - https://dwlwindows.co.uk ive attached an image of our finished look.

All the best with your project and hope it goes smoothly!
craig_standley
Original Author
3 years ago
Sorry for some reason the photos wouldn’t upload, I’ll try just one.
craig_standley
Original Author
3 years ago
craig_standley
Original Author
3 years ago
craig_standley
Original Author
3 years ago
nix1977
3 years ago
Thanks so much for getting back to me Craig - they do look lovely!

I'm in Brentwood, Essex but will definitely double check the installers are well experienced with them now, going by your experience!

I'm literally torn between them, and spending more and going with the steel version by Fabco....all the decision making is blowing my mind! Lol. Thanks again!
Joel M
3 years ago
Nix1977 what did you go for in the end and how did it work out? I’m just going through the same process.
nix1977
3 years ago
Hi Joel,

I've gone with the SMART Heritage system they're not being fitted until May so can't give you a conclusion yet I'm afraid! Sorry!
Joel M
3 years ago
Thanks Nix, hope it goes well.
HU-566111236
2 years ago
Hi all, firstly great to see people going out of their way to share experiences. We're about to commit to these doors but haven't been able to see any in person. How wide are the frame and door joints (, not where the handles are, difficult to add up from specs), do they feel chunky and take over the glazing /view? Thanks!
dawn_knibbs7
2 years ago
Hi Everyone,

This is really helpfull.

We are in a similar position - one of the firms we were sourcing quotes from has said they are no longer supplying and fitting the Smarts Heritage system due to troubles thay have had wit the system. They say the system has "inherent flaws" that cannot be rectified.

Another company, report they have not had any issues. I have seen some in showroom but not installed - so am relying on reviews and personal experiences.

Has anyone else had dealings with the SMART heritage system and how did it work for you.

BW

Dawn
nix1977
2 years ago
Hi ya, mine are due to be fitted (it's the windows company's first time (!) using the Heritage system) on the 15th. Nudge me after then and I'll let you know how we get on!

Nicki
dawn_knibbs7
2 years ago
Hi Nicki,

How did you get on with your windows fitting?
Dawn
ANDREW A
2 years ago
Hi everyone, we are about to order these doors and are wondering about opening outwards vs opening inwards. What’s everyone’s experience, any security concerns about about opening outwards ? Thanks Andrew
gemmilln
2 years ago
I'd say opening outwards is best for saving space and removing an obstacle from the living room - as long as you get highly secure doors you should be fine opening in either direction :)
supremehome123
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Hi Everyone,

I fit the smart heritage alitherm regularly and have not experienced any issues. They are a really nice system and are an affordable alternative to steel heritage doors. When selling these doors, i make sure the customer understands the exact spec and profile make-up, so they are 100 percent sure of exactly what they are receiving. As far as product goes, they work lovely and stay looking nice for a long time. Im based in essex, so if you have any questions feel free to message me or give me a call. Many thanks Matt
User
2 years ago
You should check them. https://www.bespokeglazingdesign.co.uk/
HU-284378572
last year
Hi, I'm looking at the alitherm heritage French doors, does anyone know how high the doors can go to? Hard to find a recommended installer too, we're in the Cheshire area. Thanks,
HU-566111236
last year
last modified: last year
We used pro-fit northern, might travel as far as cheshire. Marlin windows quoted also, both can advise. I've got 2.1m with a 300mm top opener above. Had to get the doors adjusted as weren't sealing fully. Had them a year, still love them.
HU-284378572
last year
Ahh right thanks for replying, I actually emailed Marlin today and got a quote but it said supply only. Need to go back to them and confirm that they definitely wouldn't travel to fit. Could you upload a picture here maybe, be great to see :-) Thanks,
HU-566111236
last year
Added after, let me know if you can't see it. I would contact smart systems and see if they have any installers they can refer in your area. I'm glad i went with pro-fit as they sorted all minor issues.
supremehome123
last year
Hi we are regular installers of Smart alitherm 47 and 70 heritage profile. We are based in Essex but would travel.
Check out our insta Supreme steel effect doors.

Thanks
Mark Walker
last year
We have 2 sets of Smart Heritage french doors fitted about 3 years ago. Very happy. Have Smart aluminium windows in rest of house. Recommend.
jclc06
last year
Hi Mark,
Really pleased they worked out for you. I’m looking to install and big width and smaller set at the back of my house. Worried may be draughty, any concerns on that? Also that there is nothing to secure them back with so wind can be a problem! Many thanks Jenny
Mark Walker
last year
Ours are‘nt draughty. House is 100 years +, so rest of it is?!

Think you can get restrainers to tie the doors back?

We are very happy with them. Ours are large - think 270 high.
jclc06
last year
Thanks that’s great, hoping mine will look something like this when in…
PRO
Bespoke Glazing Design
last year
If you are still looking for support, our design team is ready to answer any questions you might have. We design and install bespoke steel windows and doors and we have Heritage 47 as well as other options for you.
Rebecca Jenkins
11 months ago
How much do the SMART differ from the ALUK heritage 58mm? (very slightly wider i think?)