How long should I expect a lean-to to last? Is it worth getting the windows replaced with UPVC?

MrCheeseman

I've got an extension in my house - I've been there a year or so now - and the outside window sills are all dried and in some places cracked. I'm tempted to have them all replaced with UPVC but I'm also wondering is it worth doing it give the conservatory/lean-to is already at least thirty years old? 

The house survey didn't flag up any faults with the lean-to, other than it wasn't heated so should be used as a bedroom etc and states:

"There is a lean-to type structure at the rear of the house. It is best described as a sun lounge. The addition is of timber construction clad in weatherboard. The lower parts of the structure are artificial stonework with a pvc dampcourse. The roof is pitched and tile covered."

Could anyone give me any advice as to how long I should expect it to last and if it's worth getting the windows replaced?

Doozergirl

A picture speaks a thousand words 😉

The description of a sunroom suggests something with a bit of age to it and perhaps not of the best quality.   You're right to ask the question, but without seeing it, we can't really guess.  

GDB2222

I actually don’t get the question, really. It’s a bit trite to say this, but it doesn’t sound like it is falling apart after 30 years, so at a guess it might be good for another 30+. The question only makes sense if you expect to have to replace it in a couple of years. If not, you should expect a bit of maintenance. Whether it’s more economical to replace the sills or fill the cracks is hard to tell, especially without seeing them.

MrCheeseman

No, it doesn't seem like it's falling apart. The windows are probably the bits that are in the worst condition. Having looked again it's mostly peeling paint - the cracks just actually seem to be separate wood pieces.  Here's a picture of the whole thing from outside and a pic of the windows.
 

Rosa_Damascena

To me the phrase "lean-to" screams DIY bodge-job and yours is no different OP. (Yes I know they are getting posher with side returns on kitchens etc).

The space could be a fabulous addition to your home OP so save up and get it done properly rather than sinking your cash into what is already there.

GDB2222

I’m not clear what your plans are? Are you planning to knock it down and build a much larger extension, as Rosa suggested? If so, spending money on anything except maintenance is just a waste. 

If you are planning to live with it as it is, the sills look in reasonable condition to me. A bit of filling and painting would certainly help. I, personally, would not add plastic sills.

MrCheeseman

GDB2222 said:

I’m not clear what your plans are? Are you planning to knock it down and build a much larger extension, as Rosa suggested? If so, spending money on anything except maintenance is just a waste. 

If you are planning to live with it as it is, the sills look in reasonable condition to me. A bit of filling and painting would certainly help. I, personally, would not add plastic sills.

Ideally, I'd like to have it knocked down and rebuilt as an actual brick extension, though the money involved isn't something I can really spare. So in the short term I'm going to live with it if I can. I do have enough cash to get the house decorated, which is my next move (I know I could do it myself but I'd prefer a pro), so I may get the windowsills done then. 

GDB2222

Knocking it down and rebuilding it the same size probably won’t add as much value to the property as it will cost. In fact, unless you build it bigger, the replacement will have less floor area, because of the thickness of the insulation. In a worst case scenario, you could spend a load of money to reduce your property’s value!