double glazing: hardwood or upvc?

silvercar

1930s house with (mock) leaded light windows. Currently the windows are white wood frames with black painted wood between the frames.

Will need to double glaze this year or next.

Hardwood has the advantage that I can keep the black colour between the frames and is more in keeping with the style. I have two concerns on hardwood, security and maintenance. I am under the impression that the built in locks on upvc are better than the fiddly top and bottom locks on hardwood. Hardwood will also need repainting more freqently and I'm concerned about wood warping making the locks difficult to operate.

Opinions gratefully received. Does anyone know how costs compare?

uncle_buck_3

Have you considered woodgrain uPVC ….this is available in a range of different colours & styles.

The link below will give you an idea of what’s available….move your mouse over the colour swatches at the right of the house!

http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/windows_casement_finishes.htm

Sorry but I can’t advise on the price differences between hardwood & uPVC.

Rage_in_Eden

We had our windows replaced when we had the house extended. It cost quite a bit (about of £10k if I remember correctly) but for that we also had windows made in the same style for the extension which was as much again for the house. They were the original 1930s windows and we had them triple glazed or encased within dark wood look UPVC. We were also fortunate that we had some bubble glass from the WC that could be utlised for the new stained glass lights. We also had the large stained glass window at the top of the stairs turned into our new en suite window. We purposely went for an expensive option as we wanted to keep the house character but I know what you mean about black and white as that was what the house was before and I still think this new look is "odd" Our locks are fine. You may find a more sympathetic ear with somebody who advertises that they repair 1930/victorian stained glass - ours did and he was really good - he actually told me never to replace the front door as it would ruin the house and when we can afford to enclose the porch he'll make it mimic the glass around the front door. he said he could weep when he goes past houses with lovely stained glass to see everything being ripped out and replaced with cheap and nasty stuff. Hope this helps.

jimmmyc

I have the same problem at the moment and am looking at:
http://www.fairoakwindows.co.uk/
I saw them at a show and they look good. But a lot of our neighboors have UPVC and it looks fine.