Do i need to really replace all of my windows instead of just the glass?

ytfcmad

nickcc wrote: »

Would be handy if you explained why then we would all be as knowledgeable as you.

Spacer bars (the frame your two or three bits of glass are bonded too) come in many widths.

12mm, 16mm, 20mm among others.

The optimum sized DGU (Double Glazed Unit) is 4-16-4 24mm over all, U value performance can be reduced when you go above or below this. (system dependant)
Some systems will take a slimmer DGU and others can cope with DGU's of 40mm or more, you tend to find the latter normally used for acoustic or ballistic purposes, i've seen specifications for 50mm plus.

This has been the case for well over 20 years so nothing new,

ytfcmad

AdventureRocks wrote: »

Thanks for your help he just kept telling me the frames are 25-30 years old and i may be potentially wasting my time :S Do most people rip the lot out and start a fresh after 20-30 years? This is my first home which is an old house so unsure what to do

The bill for the glass alone is going to be around £1200 as there is so many which have gone

Personally I'd change them.

If you've got 30 years out of them you've done well.

New windows will be thermally better, more secure ("externally beaded is'nt" is a myth)

They will be safer as you will have windows fitted with egress hinges for easier escape in a fire, old windows were not fitted with these, something for the penny pincher's to think about there!!

Older PVC frames were made with certain "ingredients" that are not used today, this made the frames go pale Pink or Yellow after a period of time.

If you just change the glass then you will notice a difference if you dont change the whole facade, the glass used today is different to that used 20 years ago, the new stuff will look tinted compared to the old stuff.

ytfcmad

PurAsc wrote: »

I would say get a few quotes for a refit of all the windows. A lot of companies do finance and it will add more value to your home in the long run! Plus you could upgrade to a different material/colour finish of windows.

I don't think trying to replace the glass yourself is a good way to go like others have suggested, I bet in some horrible loophole your home insurance could be invalidated by not being certified to do this

There is no loophole and no certification is needed, just make sure you put toughened in where required.

John.Wright

I'm no expert, sounds right to me. I've found a company online that I'm thinking of contacting and it seems like they offer funding which may reduce the costs if you did have to go down the route of replacing all of your windows. I know someone who had a similar experience and they we're told the same thing although it was a few years back. Here's the link to their website. Might be worth checking if you've got no option but to part with the cash...
doubleglazingfunding.co.uk