Replacing window sealed units

gh38

Hello all. I need to have my double glazed sealed units replaced and have just had a quote but I’m not sure if it is good or not so I’m hoping someone will be able to advise me. I need to have 3 wooden-framed windows done but they are not single panes of glass, so basically it amounts to the following. All measurements are in mm.

2 panes at 370 x 440
2 panes at 280 x 390
6 panes at 460 x 420
4 panes at 510 x 510

Two of the windows have 4 panes of glass and one window has 6 panes.

I have been quoted £640 including fitting and VAT. This seems like quite a good price to me but I’ve never dealt with windows before so I really have no idea. I hope one of you can help me.

If it makes a difference I'm in Plymouth, Devon.

Many thanks in advance.

Gillian

Alfrescodave

That seems unbelievably cheap if it also includes fitting and VAT! - perhaps theres a special offer on. I would suggest that you read the written quote again and just check that that is the final total price. Always good to get a few quotes as well just as a comparison - you might get it even cheaper !.

gh38

Alfrescodave wrote: »

That seems unbelievably cheap if it also includes fitting and VAT! - perhaps theres a special offer on. I would suggest that you read the written quote again and just check that that is the final total price. Always good to get a few quotes as well just as a comparison - you might get it even cheaper !.

Thanks for replying. His original quote (estimate) was based on measurements that I passed him over the phone and he told me it wasn't 'final'. He's coming round this afternoon to have a look and give me a final quote in writing. I'd love to get a few quotes but unfortunately time is a bit of a problem and this guy's work has come recommended so if his final quote isn't too much higher than his original one I'll probably go with it.

Thanks again.

rjm2k1

That's probably about right, assuming that he's simply replacing the glass and not the frames themselves. Since they are replacement units rather than the full thing, he's probably not using K glass as they don't have to be upto fensa "standards". I paid £2300 for 8 full replacements (inc frames) including a builder knocking a hole in a wall for one of them around 2 years ago.

gh38

That's probably about right, assuming that he's simply replacing the glass and not the frames themselves.QUOTE]

That's right, just the glass. Thanks for replying.

David_B_2

I had the same problem 3 years ago. We had wooded frames, all the windows needed changing as they all had a cloudy effect. I/we decide to replace the whole lot with new PVC double glazing (wood effect) windows and never looked back.

You'll only have to do it again.

My neighbour just replaced the units, mainly because he was moving so just wanted to tidy it up. 4/5 years later and they are ready for re-doing at £600/800 a shot.

Worth thinking about.

PS: Which ever way you go, use a local recommended company because there are some right cowboys are there.

gh38

David_B wrote: »

I had the same problem 3 years ago. We had wooded frames, all the windows needed changing as they all had a cloudy effect. I/we decide to replace the whole lot with new PVC double glazing (wood effect) windows and never looked back.

You'll only have to do it again.

My neighbour just replaced the units, mainly because he was moving so just wanted to tidy it up. 4/5 years later and they are ready for re-doing at £600/800 a shot.

Worth thinking about.

PS: Which ever way you go, use a local recommended company because there are some right cowboys are there.

Like your neighbour I'm also moving. I'm only getting them done because they look a right state and I can't imagine anyone buying the place with them as they are. I just want them to be good enough for a sale at the lowest price to myself. Thanks for replying.

George_Bray

David_B wrote: »

I had the same problem 3 years ago. We had wooded frames, all the windows needed changing as they all had a cloudy effect. I/we decide to replace the whole lot with new PVC double glazing (wood effect) windows and never looked back.

David B

I don't undertand what you're saying here. Are you saying the old glass had gone cloudy, so you replaced the frames as well as the glass? And that glass in PVC frames is somehow protected from going cloudy, whereas if you keep wooden frames, the glass will need replacing every few years?!

I have wooden frames and glass which is over 20 years old. The glass is still crystal clear. I've never heard of glass going cloudy or ageing much at all, even over several decades.

What damage have your neighbours windows suffered, such that the windows need doing again, just 4 or 5 years after being changed before? I've never heard anything like it!

Glass has a simple cost per square metre. Plus labour for cutting (perhaps) and fitting, of course. Calculate from that whether £640 is fair.

Regards
George

katepnlo

For what its worth ....i say wood all the way, if wooden windows are cared for properly they can last many many many years, they can look brand new 20 years down the line if cared for, they are cheaper to restore aswell, once plastic windows age...time isn't kind.
So with wooden windows, replacing the units is avery good cost effective option. I would say that is a fair price, word of mouth is a great thing to gop on.
We have our own small family business and i have learnt over the last few years, the best form of advertising is customers. If you do the job well your customers will want to talk about you
so i would go with taht person
kate

guy999

Cloudy, guess this is caused by condensation inside the 2 frames of glass.
Our house is about 14 years old other houses in street have had replacement glass whilst some have had replacement UPVC wood effect windows.
For a short term fix i'd get glass replaced if was moving house. But longterm would replace, no painting or anything

Gilster_2

The clouding between the sealed unit is caused by the seal breaking down and letting moisture in. If something is done as soon as this occurs then usually the units can be split, cleaned and resealed, should be done under guarantee. The double glazing company I work for will however refuse to do the work if it is not reported quickly, as the water in the unit will eventually stain the glass and will require replacing.