Europe · Window Manufacturer
Munster Joinery
🇮🇪 Ireland · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
Founded
1973
HQ
Ballydesmond, Co. Cork, Ireland
Employees
1,800+
Facility
960,000 sq ft
Materials
uPVC, aluminium
Specialty
Only Passive House certified window range in the Irish market
Market
Ireland and UK residential and commercial
Brand at a Glance
- Ireland's largest window and door manufacturer with 50+ years of production from Cork
- Only Passive House certified window range available in the Irish market
- 1,800+ employees across a 960,000 sq ft facility serving Ireland and the UK
Product Range
- uPVC casement, tilt-and-turn and sliding windows for residential and commercial
- Aluminium windows and doors for commercial and contemporary residential
- uPVC and aluminium entrance doors and patio door systems
- Passive House certified window systems for high airtightness specification
Why This System
Munster Joinery's Passive House certification sets them apart in the Irish market. Passive House windows are engineered to extremely tight tolerances for airtightness and thermal bridging - the sealing systems and hardware are more sophisticated than standard uPVC windows. This matters for cleaning: the multi-point locking hardware and compression seals need attention without over-lubrication that attracts dust.
Ireland's climate means north-facing Munster Joinery frames accumulate moss, algae and black mould at a rate that surprises property owners used to drier climates. Passive House frames have deeper profiles and more complex seal geometry than standard windows - grime builds up in the seal recesses. Atlantic coastal properties from Cork to Galway carry salt deposits on frames that accelerate rubber seal degradation if not removed regularly. Soft Irish water leaves less mineral scale but organic biofilm is the dominant challenge.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
This is how I clean Munster Joinery windows. The tools and technique below come from 25 years of daily professional work on the glass. Every step has been tested on real installations and adapted specifically for Munster Joinery systems.
Pro Tools
My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.
Follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last. This is the same sequence I use on every Munster Joinery installation.
- 1
1. Inspect north-facing frames for moss and algae before cleaning - treat heavy biological growth with a dilute biocide and allow dwell time before rinsing.
- 2
2. Pre-rinse frames and sills with clean water to loosen organic grime and remove loose moss from seal recesses.
- 3
3. Apply pH-neutral detergent to glass and uPVC or aluminium frames; work into deep profile channels with a soft brush.
- 4
4. Squeegee glass top to bottom; wipe frames with a damp microfibre cloth paying attention to the compression seal recesses on Passive House windows.
- 5
5. Clear weep holes and drain channels - Ireland's rainfall is consistent and blocked drainage causes water pooling behind frames and accelerates seal degradation.
Pro Tips
- North and east-facing frames in Cork, Kerry and the west coast need biocide treatment at least once a year - moss re-establishes fast in Ireland's humidity.
- Passive House multi-point locking hardware should be wiped dry after cleaning - hardware exposed to standing moisture corrodes faster than standard single-point locks.
- On coastal properties, pay extra attention to the bottom frame rail and sill - salt deposits concentrate here from rain splash and prevailing Atlantic wind.
What NOT To Do
- Do not use pressure washers on Passive House window seals - the compression seal system is sensitive to direct high-pressure water that can force water past the airtight barrier.
- Do not use bleach directly on uPVC frames - discolours the profile and degrades the surface over time.
- Do not leave wet moss or algae on rubber seals - organic acids in biological growth degrade EPDM rubber seals and reduce their lifespan.
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Tool Recommendations
pH-neutral window cleaning detergent
View on Amazon [coming soon]Dilute biocide spray for moss and algae treatment
View on Amazon [coming soon]14-inch squeegee with fresh rubber
View on Amazon [coming soon]Cleaning Frequency
Every 8 weeks for most Irish residential properties. Coastal properties and north-facing facades: every 6 weeks. Annual biocide treatment for persistent moss on sheltered north-facing frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
“Ballydesmond itself sits in one of the wetter parts of Ireland - Munster Joinery designs their products knowing what Irish weather does. In practice, their Passive House frames hold up well to moisture but the seal geometry traps organic debris. On new builds, check that the post-installation protective film has been fully removed from frames - film left on for more than a few weeks bonds in Irish humidity and requires specialist removal.”
Justin Orloff
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