Should I replace my sash windows

Malco84

Hi I would like some advice on whether I should replace my sash windows.

I live in a 1900s terrace and we have 3 remaining original sash windows, 2 on the front and 1 in the second bedroom . They are in pretty good nick with no obvious signs of rotting and all have at least one sash that still slides. They do need a bit of TLC but nothing a bit of sandpaper and paint wouldn't sort.

The reason we started looking into replacing them was due to heat loss and some bad condensation in the front windows of the house. We probably are not going to be in the house for more than 5 years so don't want to spend loads of money but at the same time we don't want to reduce the value of the house. Most of the other houses in our street have replaced there windows with pvc so it wouldn't look out of place. So we made some appointments sat through some salesmans waffle and now we are more confused than before.

Safe Style went from £3500 down to £1400 (with all the usual tricks) for full box replacement.

Anglian sent the worst salesman I've ever met and stuck at ~£3500 for full box replacement. He was keen for us to go for secondary glazing as it was 'much cheaper' at ~£3200!

Everest were again at £3500 for full box replacement however he also thought that secondary glazing was going to be ideal and quoted this at £1300.

Lastly a local firm thought that we could go for replacement windows without taking the box out (something the other salesman were very rude about) and this would only be £1000.

So now we are very confused, do we fully replace, not remove the box, go secondary glazing or just not bother and just draft proof the windows? And does it really effect the house value or desirability of the house?

Thank you for reading all that, any opinion will help.

new_owner

Nooooo

Dont do it..

Have a look at a sash draft proof company (or do it your self) and some nice lined curtains (or shutters)

The heat loss through a draft proof window is tiny and good quality curtains or shutters will perform as well as double glazing (apart from sound and when there open during the day).

You could also loose value from the house (but this depends on who is buying)

I was in the same position and have not regretted getting the sash windows draft proofed... it cost less than a quarter of the cost (including lined curtains) than the cost of double glazing.

nickj_2

if you're not planning to stay long term then make good and paint and get thermal lined curtains , avoid national d/g at all costs

Malco84

Thanks for your opinions, another option for us to consider. Does anyone have any opinions on not fully replacing the box option? Thanks

Lleucu

I have secondary glazing on my front window sashes quite cheap and fitted by a local independent (about £400 a window) hassle to clean but otherwise very good downside also is cannot easily open in winter. In summer, take down and store the windows.

cynicalgit_2

Safestyle will in my experience hassle you continuously.
I agree with previous comments I'm not a great fan of upvc in period houses.
If I was staying long-term I'd be looking at some wooden replacement sash sealed units.

lstar337

new_owner wrote: »

Nooooo

Dont do it..

Have a look at a sash draft proof company (or do it your self) and some nice lined curtains (or shutters)

The heat loss through a draft proof window is tiny and good quality curtains or shutters will perform as well as double glazing (apart from sound and when there open during the day).

You could also loose value from the house (but this depends on who is buying)

I was in the same position and have not regretted getting the sash windows draft proofed... it cost less than a quarter of the cost (including lined curtains) than the cost of double glazing.

I don't want to be the grammar police here, but shouldn't it be draught?

To me, draft would be the act of drawing a sketch.

DigForVictory

I'm another of the Don't Mess with Sashes! school. Properly looked after & maintained, they are things of beauty (adding value, as well as a great deal of charm, to a property) & some of them also hinge out, with useful fire escape potential.

+1 for heavy curtains, or lining your exisiting ones with a charity shop blanket and bulldog clips in the short term.

lostinrates

cynicalgit wrote: »

Safestyle will in my experience hassle you continuously.
I agree with previous comments I'm not a great fan of upvc in period houses.
If I was staying long-term I'd be looking at some wooden replacement sash sealed units.

This is what we are doing where we replace. And not paying significantly more than op is being quoted for ghastly plastic, though of course there is maintainaince.

If they are in decent nick, and you are not staying, sanding and reprinting HAS to be the wy to go, decent curtains with thermal linings/ interlining. Yours will be the most beautiful house on the street....