Drafty upvc window

purple_possom

Hello all, I hope Im posting in the correct place as this is my first time here!! Great site lots of info.

I quite recently moved into a new house and one of the windows seems to have a draft coming through and you can also hear the traffic through it.
I can't see exactly where the draft is coming from as everything looks ok.

Does anyone know aprox how much it would be for 1 white upvc double glazed window to be supplied an installed, it would be about 4ft x 4ft and one full side can open up out the way.

Im a bit reluctant to call anywhere for a quote as I have no idea how much this is likely to cost and I know I get the whole 'we'll come out and do a quote' and it'll end up being them trying to sell new windows for my whole house.

I live in Scotland if this helps, I need to start saving for it before I call companies.

Thank you

slummymummyof3

Does it have a trickle vent at the top - maybe this is open?

Do the hinges need tightening?

It might be that you don't need a new window, just some minor adjustments.

andrew-b

What sort of window ..as in is it a bay window? We have two bay windows and both feel particularly cold near them which is because the ceilings of the bays aren't insulated (being a bungalow i'm hoping i can squeeze some insulation in which is what i should have done when we had soffits/fascias replaced).

However I would check the seals on the windows. If they are perished then they need replacing. If not, get some silicone spray and spray it all around the seals and run a finger around the seal as they tend to get stuck together to themselves. Doing this will return them to their original shape. Whilst your at it some WD40 on the opening mechanisms is a good idea too and will help prevent rusting (a problem we have on our old uPVC windows). I did this on some of my windows and the difference is amazing as now they glide open nicely and the seals seem better without sticking when they haven't been opened for a while.

Could also be if the sealed units have blown and so no longer providing as good insulation as they should. The big clue is if there is condensation trapped inside between the panes of glass or they look misted up (despite being cleaned).

You also need to check the state of the external sealant (mastic) around where the frames meet the walls. Again this is something that from time to time may need renewing.

At the end of the day windows will always be cold around them when compared to a 9inch cavity wall (insulated or not!)..all you can do is minimise the heat losses. Newer windows will help but your unlikely to get the return on your investment for a long long time.

Pete*G_4

check the seals haven't gone on the double glazing. does the window condensate between the two panes of glass at all?

TighterThanTwoCoatsOfPain

Id also try opening the window and checking the hinges for play... if they wiggle you just need to replace the Hinges.

You can pick up a pair for in region of 15quid and would DIY it.. Loads of guides on the t'IntrnetWeb. I'll be doing one of mine once the weather sorts itself out.

purple_possom

thank you, I will check these things tomorrow in th day light.

If all of these things are ok does anyone know the aprox cost of the window?

There is not any condensation, and it's not a bay window...just a standard double glazed window

cons

where in scotland are you?

check here for a rough price

http://www.doubleglazingontheweb.co.uk/windows/windows.aspx