replacement windows-new frame or existing frame?

kai666

I am looking to get double glazing in my new house (built c1900). The existing windows are fairly cheap and nasty aluminium ones.

Anyway, is there a difference (apart from cost) in getting new windows put into the existing wooden frames, or would it be better go get new frames as well.

Different salesmen have argued for both cases and so am now generally a bit confused!

Money saving on it's own isn't necessarily the only consideration, especially if it is a false economy in the long run, as not planning to sell for many years to come

many thanks

BritRael

The difference in price would be neglible. The biggest increase in cost with replacement windows is with the number of opening vents that you require.
From a maintenance point of view, better to get rid of the wood frames and attach the uPVC to the brick.

27col

Probably better to get rid of the wooden frames. If only because it will remove the need to maintain the wood.

bambammy

Agree with Andrew, your box frames may be rotten, especially with the mix and match windows that are installed.

Replacement windows would be better having the whole sash and casement. Leading market suppliers in my opinion are not better than your local Joe ( if you can find a good honourable one ) Some I believe, could buy them in manufactured from the ' Local Joe '

If the box frame does not have rot/deep rot, all you will need is replacement sashes, sash cords etc....Are the sills removed ?

http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/built/buildings/framing_the_view.pdf

From experience, I would exercise caution with ' restoration, replacement only ' companies, and ensure your window fitter has a business track record and business landline.

Wood is better suited to certain building conservation types and to get rid of the wooden frames to remove the need to maintain is just stoopid.
The biggest increase cost with replacement will have nothing to do with opening vents.

sashman

kai666 wrote: »

I am looking to get double glazing in my new house (built c1900). The existing windows are fairly cheap and nasty aluminium ones.

Anyway, is there a difference (apart from cost) in getting new windows put into the existing wooden frames, or would it be better go get new frames as well.

Different salesmen have argued for both cases and so am now generally a bit confused!

Money saving on it's own isn't necessarily the only consideration, especially if it is a false economy in the long run, as not planning to sell for many years to come

many thanks

Hi, we only make sash windows so yes I have a tendency towards replacement, but please hear me out.

Double glazing companies were unregulated, this allowed any tom !!!!!! or harry to install just about anything they liked, often to home owner wanted the cheapest job possible, so guess what.....fixed glass or single openers directly fitted to the old frames (thus avoiding costly box frame rip outs), the result, buildings that look wrong.

We campaign for sash windows to be fitted, WHEREVER sash windows are (or were) once fitted. YES it is more expensive because you have to change the old boxes (but they are often wrotten) but the finished job with the right insulation, architraves and inetrnal finishings means that people dont know you've changed the windows.:j

But if you change from the ali ones to sash, and do it properly, it WILL transform your home, irrespective if its wood or PVCu, it must be real sliding sash.

PM me if you need any details

sashman.

MrYorke

i completly agree with sashman i i make and install all types of timber windows (dont worry sashman, i wont be stealing any posible work from you here)

if there are sliding sashes in already, replace them with sliding sash.....sooo much better looking than uPVC.....plus, they will match the building if they look original.

Also, beware of conservation areas.....you may HAVE to install original 'type' windows. You may want to check this out first before deciding.

Ok, so i may be a little bias when telling people timber windows are better then uPVC because its my job....but uPVC does not last forever.....whereas timber frames and sashes that are looked after, will certainly last much much longer. I know for a fact that some windows and doors that i have made will be around much longer than i am......and i'm 30

However, cost may be an issue!

thebaldwindowfitter

By existing frames i take it you mean hardwood subframe which was fitted around a lot of alluminium frames ? unlike the 2 posters above who think you mean box sashes .We only replace in upvc wether box sash or casement/tilt and turn but whatever we were doing i would not recommend leaving the hardwood subframes in

Fire_Fox

If you have hardwood in good condition then just strip and refinish it - you can replace the sash or casement if necessary, but hardwood is usually prohibitively expensive.

There is a type of exterior wood paint that self-primes, self-undercoats and is somewhat porous. You use a couple of layers and it simply wears away (as opposed to bubbling and peeling) as it weathers - to recoat you wash it down and add a layer no need to strip or sand. This was recommended to us by a joiner and served us very well on our old cottage: I think it was Sadolin Superdec.

sashman

kai666 wrote: »

I am looking to get double glazing in my new house (built c1900). The existing windows are fairly cheap and nasty aluminium ones.

a6windows, if the house was built in 1900, I'll lay good money the originals were sash windows and someone has stuck ali into the old frames.......I see this everwhere I look, every town every street, its just wrong.

mryorke I am not after any work here, just offering to help. Like you Ive seen timber windows last for years, likewise PVCu its still about maintenance. I fitted brown woodgrain uPVC to my parents home in 1985, couple of units misted up but absolutly as good as the daythey were fitted. A neighbour has had their timber ones replaced.

I stopped argueing which is best material years ago, people like both, its just too many people associate "PVC/plastic double glazing" as BAD, when I know if PVCu SASH windows are installed, they look ever bit as good as their timber originals especially in Victorian homes (they had heavier sections because the glass was thicker)

Professional replacement window companies will provide products that blend into their surroundings, recreate the original look and feel of the property, in short they should DESIGN STYLES THAT HARMONISE WITH THE BUILDING, NOT STAND OUT FROM IT.

There are good companies out there, just make certain you understand how your home will look once work is completed.

sashman

Fire_Fox

I'd be fascinated to see photographs of uPVC sash windows that you can't tell are not wood originals. I've seen so many bad plastic windows with stuck-on glazing bars and stuck-on 'stained glass' and 'leading' that jar with their neighbours' original windows. Can you link to any pictures online?

sashman

Fire Fox I will pm you with a link but dont want to advertise on the site.

We have won many cases against conservation officers who only wanted timer, we've had them agree on the pavement that the ones they were looking at we okay, only to drop a bombshell that they were in fact PVCu, they didnt know!

The former office of the deputy priminster sent an inspector who said" the bygone sash window was indistinguishable from the timber originals"

Dont get me wrong there are areas we arnt happy with and are on the "to improve" list, but the average layperson hs to check because they havent seen sash windows in PVCu looking so good!

I'd be happy to send you a pdf of the conservation brochure and our guide to sash windows if you send me your details

we love reinstating properties with sash windows.

sashman