North East Bifolds Ltd Avis 

My wife and I came to the showroom in seaham, as we had a broken key in our bifold door lock. Chris and his team, couldn't have been more helpful. Even though the system we had was not supplied by North East Bifolds. Chris still managed to find a solution for us, by providing us with a free barrel lock and step by step instructions of how to change it. They could've just shrugged their shoulders, and turned us away, but they genuinely wanted to help. We would definitely recommend this company. Kind regards, Mark and Ann.

I instructed North East Bifolds Ltd to supply aluminium windows for my property using the Smart Alitherm 600 system as part of a self-build project.

Unfortunately serious problems emerged with the windows supplied and installed. Independent expert reports were later obtained in relation to the neighbouring property within the same project, which identified a number of technical concerns with the windows supplied, including frames that experts concluded were unsuitable to meet the wind load performance requirements specified for the installation and deviations from the type-tested configuration of the system.

The windows installed at my property raised similar concerns and ultimately had to be fully removed and replaced.

Resolving the situation took around three years before the matter was finally settled and the money paid back. The time, disruption and cost involved in dealing with the problems was extremely frustrating.

Based on my experience I would strongly advise anyone considering using this company to ensure that specifications, certifications and technical requirements are independently verified before installation.

I instructed North East Bifolds Ltd to supply aluminium windows and doors for a new build property. What followed was over three years of technical disputes, independent expert investigations and formal court proceedings.

Two independent glazing experts were instructed to assess the installation.

One expert concluded:

“It is unusual for an installation to have so many serious defects in design and specification.”

He further stated:

“The failure to undertake wind load calculations cannot be considered a mistake and cannot be excused. It is my opinion that the Defendant has been negligent in their responsibility to supply a safe and compliant product in this regard.”

He also confirmed that the glazing was not compliant with Approved Document Q and concluded:

“Overall, the installation can only be described as not fit for purpose and much, costly repair and replacement is required.”

He further concluded that because the defects were multiple and systemic, no practical remedial solution existed and full replacement of all windows was the only reasonable course of action.

A separate independent report by the Glass and Glazing Federation reached similarly serious conclusions. That report confirmed:

• Many of the products were outside the scope of third-party certification due to their size, rendering certification invalid.
• Building Regulation sign-off for Approved Document Q (Security) and Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) would not have been possible due to lack of valid certification and test evidence.
• The products were not fit for purpose.
• Proposed remedial measures were unproven by test and outside the scope of certification.
• Even the proposed measures would not resolve the fundamental issue that many frames were oversized and outside certification limits.

This was not a snagging issue. It involved:

• No wind load calculations
• Oversized frames beyond Kitemark certification limits
• Non-compliant glazing
• Invalid third-party certification
• Substitution of components without supporting test evidence
• A product deemed not fit for purpose by independent experts

During the disclosure process in the litigation, it was confirmed in writing that photographs taken inside and outside my property during the incident had been deleted. It was also confirmed that original fabrication sheets, system printouts and certain site measurement records were no longer available, having been disposed of. As a result, key contemporaneous documentation evidencing manufacture and specification was not available during proceedings.

During live litigation, both directors stood outside my home taking photographs of the property. On one occasion, one of the directors entered my home without my permission and took photographs inside. This occurred while court proceedings were ongoing. The matter was reported to the police, who became involved.

At one stage during the proceedings, once legal costs, replacement costs and the impact of the security for costs application were taken into account, my financial exposure was approaching six figures. This arose from the defects and compliance failures identified by independent experts.

Building a home is stressful enough without discovering that the windows and doors supplied may not meet wind loading, certification and security requirements, and then facing years of litigation to resolve it.

If you are considering using this company, ensure that:

• Wind load calculations are completed and documented
• Window sizes are within certified limits
• Glazing complies with Approved Document Q
• All components match the type-tested configuration
• Full certification evidence is available at installation

Based on the independent expert findings and my experience, I would not use this company again.

This is my personal experience based on independent expert reports and court proceedings. I am happy to provide further details to any genuine enquirer.

Company supplied and fitted complete bungalow , all are well made and delivered and fitted exactly as per the time schedule, would certainly recommend

From start to finish excellent service
The windows and patio doors are fabulous and fitting was very quick and professional
Would highly recommend this company

This was a seamless process from beginning to end. No fuss no drama and a quality new front door.

The doors are as beautiful as i expected the service either on the phone was always extreme friendly and very helpful. The lads from coming to measure up for the job and the lads that came to fit the doors were extremely friendly and the job was done beautifully very professional service with lots of choices in doors and bifolds to choose from.

Fantastic products , quality of the doors and windows is exceptional. From start to finish it has been seamless… Lads who done the fitting were excellent
I would highly recommend

Fantastic service from start to finish, we had a few holdups with our extension and they worked around us with no issues. I would definitely use these guys again.

Good Quality, Competitive Price, Excellent Service

great service and very helpful looking into things for you, would recommend these to any one

Good communication, good product, good lads.

Professional, honest and understanding company with workers to match. Will be using for all future windows and doors even if I have to wait for them to fit us in. Thank you The Duffield’s

Very professional and friendly outfit

Great value for money. Fast and efficient service. Top quality 👌

Great service and product.

Fantastic job no hassle

Spot on cheers lads

We are so pleased with our new bifold doors. They look great, are strong, secure and of exceptional quality.

After fitting we noticed some slight damage to the inside of one of the panes of glass. This was dealt with and replaced without any quibbles. Customer service as it should be.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend North East Bifolds.

Excellent service, good advice , quality product, prompt delivery

Great quality, delivered on time. Customer service is great.