The Forum is currently experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. Thank you for your patience.

Change pvc window frames and retain the old glass

hi,
I would like to change the frames of my pvc windows. The glass is fine and the only reason why i want to change these is to go for a different frame colour (the existing ones are white and i would like them black). Is it possible to just change the frames and reuse the glass and if so, what are the savings - i assume the expensive part of the window is the frame

Thanks in advance

Comments

  • As far as I know the whole window is made all in one as it is sealed.
    Unless you find someone who can make them privately, I would think it would work out just as expensive as new ones, if not more.

    Why not just paint the frames? Plenty of paint to choose from that will do the job.
  • ian103
    ian103 Posts: 883 Forumite
    not worth saving the glass - i would paint the frames if you really want black windows
  • leveller2911
    leveller2911 Posts: 8,061 Forumite
    TBH keeping the glass may not be an option.If you change the frames the new windows will need to comply with building regulations and each window will need to have a U value of below 1.5 so your existing glass units won't comply. I would also mention that Double glazed units have a short life span and most companies will only guarantee them for 5 yrs. The seals between the panes of glass may well fail when taken out of the existing frames .......Not worth the hassle IMO.
  • Thanks for the replies - looks like replacement is the way to go. I don't think it's possible to paint pvc frames as suggested
  • societys_child
    societys_child Posts: 7,110 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    There are plenty paints available for Upvc frames. Most of the diy sheds stock it.
  • cheers, done a search on google and their seems to be plenty of info their regarding the ability to paint pvc windows. Unfortunately I'm struggling to find any pictures that show the finished result!
  • ytfcmad
    ytfcmad Posts: 387 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper
    TBH keeping the glass may not be an option.If you change the frames the new windows will need to comply with building regulations and each window will need to have a U value of below 1.5 so your existing glass units won't comply. I would also mention that Double glazed units have a short life span and most companies will only guarantee them for 5 yrs. The seals between the panes of glass may well fail when taken out of the existing frames .......Not worth the hassle IMO.

    You do not need a 1.5 u value Doc L say's 1.6 W/m3k or a C rated window or better.
  • MX5huggy
    MX5huggy Posts: 7,126 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    will50 wrote: »
    cheers, done a search on google and their seems to be plenty of info their regarding the ability to paint pvc windows. Unfortunately I'm struggling to find any pictures that show the finished result!

    Just buy some and give it a go, the worst that can happen is that you have to change your windows.
  • busiscoming2
    busiscoming2 Posts: 4,459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    If the frames are made by the same firm it is possible.

    The glass is cheaper than the frames.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.7K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.1K Spending & Discounts
  • 242.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 619.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.4K Life & Family
  • 255.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.