Sash or upvc??

silverlady_2

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to every one who has answered.

I have arranged for a quote on UPVC this afternoon just to give me an idea of prices.
Then I'll get a price to restore the original windows.
Wish me luck

silverlady_2

Great start, they guy coming to give us a quote for UPVC didn't turn up!!!

johnjp

[ having just started painting them (they're a real pain).

There is a standard method for painting box sashes, but I can`t give away the secret! They are also fairly cheap to renovate and will last a VERY long time. Box sashes first came into use in Georgian houses so many windows are up to 250 years old now. UPVC is unlikely to last anywhere near as long, indeed I`ve heard that 20-30 years would be most likely! Also the unbelievable cost of UPVC makes box sash renovation far more sensible.
If you live in East Sussex contact me for a quote!
Yes, I am a decorator specialising in sash window repair!

david69_2

I have to agree with keeping the sashes and i repair upvc for a living. some of the designs people come up with when replacing their windows are awful if you're going to have upvc at least try and keep the design as close to the original as poss .

Mr_Warren_2

I have had 2 x sash PVC windows last summer and they just look GREAT. Ok, they are a bit pricey but they are in place for life. Got they from "kat uk".

Mr_Warren_2

....https://www.katuk.co.uk

silvercar

This thread is so upsetting.

We have single glazed leaded windows at present on most of the house, the newer windows (2 yrs old) are wood framed leaded. I'm not so impressed with the seals on the wood and would like to put UPVC double glazing throughout.
But the house is 1930s and full of character, so according to this thread I will ruin it!
At present the outer frames and sills are painted black - is it possible to get anything looking vaguely authentic in UPVC?

silverlady_2

silverlady wrote:

Great start, they guy coming to give us a quote for UPVC didn't turn up!!!

first quote for six UPVC replacement windows £2300, in true MSE spirit managed to get it down to £1979
I'm going to try and find some one to restore them next

ajbaker

Please, please don't think about getting rid of the sash windows. If you live near a number of similar properties, you can be sure having sash windows when it comes to selling will be a big bonus. It may not be a money-saving approach but sometimes I would agree it is better to spend a little more to do something right or more appropriate.

Have you investigated repairing/reconditioning the sashes yourself? It is possible to purchase kits at a reasonable price. Is there anything wrong with the windows other than the fact they are draughty? From what I have read elsewhere, this is an easy problem to solve relative to the frames being rotten for example.

ajbaker

Please, please don't think about getting rid of the sash windows. If you live near a number of similar properties, you can be sure having sash windows when it comes to selling will be a big bonus. It may not be a money-saving approach but sometimes I would agree it is better to spend a little more to do something right or more appropriate.

Have you investigated repairing/reconditioning the sashes yourself? It is possible to purchase kits at a reasonable price. Is there anything wrong with the windows other than the fact they are draughty? From what I have read elsewhere, this is an easy problem to solve relative to the frames being rotten for example.