Bifolds and replacement windows - timber, aluminium or alu clad timber?

jkgray

We are currently in the process of having plans drawn up for a single story rear extension which will run the entire width of the house.

The ground floor extension will simply have two sets of folding doors (each set having 3 doors abut 2.5 m wide, total glass say 5 metres) looking out on to the garden. No other windows.

We intend to replace the rear upstairs windows above the extension to match the folding doors.
The house is 1910 build and in a conservation area. The current original windows from the front of the house - which (if possible) we would would like to reflect in the design of the new windows at the rear- can be seen here:

http://i27.tinypic.com/35l5i6g.jpg


http://i29.tinypic.com/29dbll3.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/288qveo.jpg

Our architect has recommended aluminium. He says that alu clad wood will be too expensive. We are tempted by wood.

Anyone have any experience in this area they would be willing to share?

Thanks:beer:

ytfcmad

jkgray wrote: »

We are currently in the process of having plans drawn up for a single story rear extension which will run the entire width of the house.

The ground floor extension will simply have two sets of folding doors (each set having 3 doors abut 2.5 m wide, total glass say 5 metres) looking out on to the garden. No other windows.

We intend to replace the rear upstairs windows above the extension to match the folding doors.
The house is 1910 build and in a conservation area. The current original windows from the front of the house - which (if possible) we would would like to reflect in the design of the new windows at the rear- can be seen here:

http://i27.tinypic.com/35l5i6g.jpg


http://i29.tinypic.com/29dbll3.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/288qveo.jpg

Our architect has recommended aluminium. He says that alu clad wood will be too expensive. We are tempted by wood.

Anyone have any experience in this area they would be willing to share?

Thanks:beer:

I work for a Aluminium System company, we have a Bifold in our range drop me a pm with any questions.
Make sure you have opening out and think carefully before having a low threshold as both have a major impact on water/weather etc.
You can have Ali powder coated any Ral colour you like, dual colour in most cases. Top end wood products look great but need looking after and are not as strong as Ali.

Your pic's look a bit like Crittall windows (might be wrong), if so a 52mm Ali system would be good.

jkgray

ytfcmad wrote: »

Your pic's look a bit like Crittall windows (might be wrong), if so a 52mm Ali system would be good.

Original windows (shown in photos) are wood.

ytfcmad wrote: »

think carefully before having a low threshold as both have a major impact on water/weather etc.

Do you mean that you get water ingress and / or draughts even when the doors are closed with low (or no) threashold?

ytfcmad

jkgray wrote: »

Original windows (shown in photos) are wood.



Do you mean that you get water ingress and / or draughts even when the doors are closed with low (or no) threashold?

You stand a much greater chance

Open Out
Water Tightness Class 7A (600 Pa)
Air Permeability Class 4 (600 Pa)
Wind Resistance Class 4 (1600 Pa)
Exposure Category** 1600
Open In
Water Tightness Class 3A (150 Pa)
Air Permeability Class 4 (600 Pa)
Wind Resistance Class 4 (1600 Pa)
Exposure Category** 1200
Low Threshold (Open Out and Open In)
Water Tightness Class 2A (50 Pa)
Air Permeability Class 1 (150 Pa)
Wind Resistance Class 2 (800 Pa)
Exposure Category** 800X

The above relates to the system/brand i work for but the principle remain's the same for other companies products.

jkgray

hi

have received quotes I am interested in for:

- alu clad windows from kingsbridgejoinery

- aluminium bifolds from ukbifold.co.uk

Anyone any experience of either?

Thanks

leveller2911

Have you checked with the Local Conservation officer to see if there are any restrictions on what they will allow?...Conservation areas can limit choice.


Aluminium clad windows look too modern for a 1910 house.Your existing look correct in style, Arts and crafts.

If you opt for timber go for a decent hardwood Sapele,Brazilian Cedar and cheaper would be Iroko and Idigbo.You can get them pre-finished in any RAL colour incl Farrow & Ball colours.