Double glazing - changing windows to open??

ema_o

We have just bought a house which has double glazing throughout however it has been done quite strangely (I think). On most of the windows there are only a couple that open, so we have a large window with 4 large panes of glass and 4 small panes (above the large ones) but only one large and one small open.

However one other large pane and another small pane looks identical to the opening ones - it looks like the frame around these windows is seperate to the whole unit - it juts out (very slightly) from the outside.
The other windows look very fixed and as if there would be no way of them coming apart from the main frame.

What I want to find out is whether I can get the windows changed so these ones that look like they could open do actually open. I would really like to do this if it is possible without changing the entire double glazing of the house (to avoid spending a fortune).
I'm not really sure who to ask - I'm concerned if I speak to a double glazing person they might say I need to change the whole thing to make sure they could sell it to me:eek: but am not sure who else would know for sure.

Sorry if my description is appauling - I'm not sure of the terminology or the best way todescribe - if it doesn't make sense please let me know and I will try to explain better.

Would really appreciate any input, or any thoughts on where I could find out more!
Thanks
Em

latecomer

If you can find out the manufacturer of the windows you ask them whether it can be done. If you ask anyone else, I'm there they will recommend a replacement of their own ..... for a very reasonable special deal available for today only.....

silvercar

we recently had new windows. By mistake one set of frames was delivered without openers; the whole lot including frames had to go back as the fitter said that you can't just change openers for fitted sections.

Whether you can change false openers for real openers I don't know.

Mutton_Geoff

They are specifically manufactured (ie made up from standard extrusions) to suit the way they are which is why you'll see a window man marking up the openers, direction of opening etc.

Replacement is the only way to solve this.

ema_o

That's such a shame, would have been so nice to change them. We will probably just live with them as they are - its not critical and we really don't have the money to replace them just because I want to let more air in.
I'm just amazed they didn't get more opening ones when they were fitted. Plus I'm still confused why these windows look different to the other ones that don't open!

Slimcilla

I have a pile of double glazing fitted last year. The more opening windows you have - the more expensive it is...

I just made sure I had enough for my requirements and they balanced within the frames and left it at that.. Just think - the more opening windows you have; the less secure your house is and theres more potential draughts..

thebaldwindowfitter

it sounds like you have dummy sashes which can be made into openers possibly in the realms of diy er have you are handy.you would need to source the handles hinges and locking mechanisms but this wont be too hard

ema_o

Ooh, that sounds more promising. Thank you for letting me know what they are, it will be a bit easier for me to research them now.
Not too sure about DIY, my OH might have a go if he can find a bit more about what to do. I guess we just need to find out if they can be taken out and fittings added to them. I really hope so.
Probably won't do anything till the weather warms up a bit though - but in the summer it'd be really nice.