At a glance
- 🏢 The Market: Poland is the largest exporter of windows and doors in Europe.
- 🌡️ Compliance: Polish triple-glazed units easily meet Ireland’s strict nZEB (Near Zero Energy Building) standards with U-values as low as 0.7 W/m²K.
- ⏱️ Lead Times: Expect 4-5 weeks for standard PVC and 6-8 weeks for bespoke Aluminum systems (e.g., Aluprof, Cortizo, Schüco).
- 🚛 Logistics: Windows are transported on specialized wooden or steel A-frames to prevent glass breakage during the ferry crossing.
Why are Irish Contractors switching to Polish Joinery?
Windows and doors represent a massive portion of any residential or commercial build budget. Historically, Irish contractors bought locally or from the UK. However, post-Brexit customs and rising local manufacturing costs have made Poland the go-to destination for high-performance glazing.
You aren't just saving 20-30% on the price; you are often getting a superior, German-engineered profile (manufactured in Poland) for the price of a standard local window.
Here is the contractor’s guide to doing it right.
1. PVC vs. Aluminum: What to source?
Polish factories manufacture everything from timber sash windows to massive commercial curtain walling.
- PVC (uPVC): The most popular for residential estates. Brands like Veka, Salamander, and Aluplast are standard. They are heavily automated, keeping costs very low and quality incredibly consistent.
- Aluminum: Booming for modern architectural builds and commercial properties. Polish factories excel in systems like Aluprof (a Polish brand globally recognized), Reynaers, and Schüco.
2. Navigating Irish Building Regulations (nZEB)
Your architect and assigned certifier will demand proof of thermal performance. Do Polish windows comply with Irish building regs? Absolutely. Because Poland experiences harsh winters, triple glazing is practically the standard there. Most export-focused Polish windows easily achieve overall U-values of 0.8 W/m²K or lower, making them perfect for Part L compliance and passive house standards.
- Important: Always ensure the factory provides a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and CE marking before the goods ship.
3. The Transport Factor (A-Frames)
You cannot stack windows on a pallet. They must be transported vertically.
- A-Frames: Windows are strapped securely to wooden or steel "A-frames" (Stojaki).
- Site Offloading: Ensure your site has a forklift or telehandler ready. A standard forklift can easily lift a wooden A-frame off the side of a curtain-sider truck.
- Returnable frames: Steel frames usually need to be returned to the factory (which we organize), while wooden frames are often disposable or recyclable on-site.
4. How to specify your order
To get an accurate quote quickly, don't just send a floor plan. Provide a Window Schedule that includes:
- Dimensions (Width x Height in mm).
- Opening type (Tilt & Turn is standard in Poland, but outward-opening Casement can also be manufactured).
- Color (RAL code, inside and outside).
- Glazing (Double or Triple).
Let us handle the details
Ordering 50 windows from 2,000 km away can be stressful. Actitrade acts as your local agent. We translate the specs, verify the nZEB compliance, organize the A-frame transport, and ensure the truck arrives exactly when your installation team is ready.
Have a window schedule for your next project? Send it to us for a free comparative quote.