Replacing 3 Windows with one big window

kcbf

Hi All,
We bought a house in the summer and have some plans for Spring 2022 which include a new conservatory (I know it'll be too hot in summer/cold in winter, but we are fine with that.

We are lucky enough to have a great view, and wanted to make better 'use' of it by changing the 3 windows that look out to the conservatory and beyond, with one big window.

New window would be 195cm by 142cm (including frame).
Currently 3 windows with 2 stone stanchions (?) separating the 3 window frames.

I don't know what support the lintel is able to provide.

Has anyone advice on how easy this would be to do please, and estimated cost would be appreciated.

Have attached a picture of the windows as they are, and the view we wish to see more of.
Thank you,
K&K

SaverRate

kcbf said:

Hi All,
We bought a house in the summer and have some plans for Spring 2022 which include a new conservatory (I know it'll be too hot in summer/cold in winter, but we are fine with that.

We are lucky enough to have a great view, and wanted to make better 'use' of it by changing the 3 windows that look out to the conservatory and beyond, with one big window.

New window would be 195cm by 142cm (including frame).
Currently 3 windows with 2 stone stanchions (?) separating the 3 window frames.

I don't know what support the lintel is able to provide.

Has anyone advice on how easy this would be to do please, and estimated cost would be appreciated.

Have attached a picture of the windows as they are, and the view we wish to see more of.
Thank you,
K&K

Why dont you get 3 or more local window companies in and ask them their advice and quote? Would be more accurate that way?

kcbf

Thanks Harry - we have a local guy that did all our external windows already, and will be speaking to him, just wanted a heads-up before we have him round in spring. 

stuart45

The fitter should access the lintel. Have you got a photo of the external side of the window?

donemedosh

Yes a great view & i can see why you want one window. I would say that whatever lintel/s are there now will more than likely need to be upgraded but it would be well worth the cost.

thegreenone

That is some view!  To me that's crying out for French doors but that's clearly going to up the budget.  As above re getting quotes and finding out about the lintel.  We didn't have one in our new break through and had to have one put in.  Not a problem but just another thing to think about and more money.

When we had our conservatory replaced we had underfloor heating, solar reflective glass on the roof and a ceiling fan.  Absolutely no problems with too hot or too cold.

kcbf

Here is the top of the window as it is from the outside 

kcbf

thegreenone said:

That is some view!  To me that's crying out for French doors but that's clearly going to up the budget.  As above re getting quotes and finding out about the lintel.  We didn't have one in our new break through and had to have one put in.  Not a problem but just another thing to think about and more money.

When we had our conservatory replaced we had underfloor heating, solar reflective glass on the roof and a ceiling fan.  Absolutely no problems with too hot or too cold.

We love it!!
The snow was a little harsh that weekend, but was cleared by the Tuesday.

The windows look out into a conservatory, and we have a full glass door there, so access is fine, and the windows suit our room better than doors.
Will look into the floor heating and fan though - we have the glass already planned.
TBH, when it is too hot in there it meant we could dry clothes in an hour without having the washing line obstruct the view as we sat out in the garden

FreeBear

donemedosh said: Yes a great view & i can see why you want one window. I would say that whatever lintel/s are there now will more than likely need to be upgraded but it would be well worth the cost.

Great view for sure.

Have my doubts whether the existing stone lintel(s) would be sufficient for a single unsupported span. Much would depend on the construction (i.e. cavity or solid wall). Putting a steel lintel in is not going to be easy and will certainly require some internal plastering & redecorating. An alternative is to retain the stone mullions and replace the current windows with some using a slim line profile (perhaps from Critall ?). Do the same with the patio doors so that they match.

stuart45

You can get post tensioned cast stone lintels that would span that gap, but whether the one in there is OK would have to be looked into. If it's a cavity wall there is probably a concrete lintel at the back.

kcbf

It is a cavity wall - stone outer wall and block inner with cavity wall insulation between.