Any advantage of replacing entire window unit over just the panes?

Ben1989

Thanks. We've been quoted £1,100 (inc VAT) for both windows and frame.

Question: trickle vents. Worth it? Considering the room is prone to condensation and is the reason for the window replacement I imagine they're worth getting?

FreeBear

Ben1989 said:

Thanks. We've been quoted £1,100 (inc VAT) for both windows and frame.

Question: trickle vents. Worth it? Considering the room is prone to condensation and is the reason for the window replacement I imagine they're worth getting?

How big is this window ?

£1,100 sounds a bit steep (depending on size & spec), so I'd be shopping around for other quotes. If you can find an installer that doesn't use salesmen and runs a showroom, you will get a better price.

Trickle vents - I personally dislike the darned things. Why spend all that money on a well insulated frame & glass only to put a ruddy great hole in the frame. There are better ways of providing background ventilation that won't introduce a draught or duct noise in from outside.

Ben1989

The corner window is 101cm (w) x 101cm (w) x 126cm (h).

The attic window is 46cm (w) x 78cm (h).

We had a quote from another supplier at £1,680.

There is currently a large vent in the room (one of the original ones). I was thinking trickle vents will allow me to remove this.

FreeBear

Ah, so the corner window is effectively two. You may need a corner post to provide structural support, but any decent fitter should take this in to account when doing the initial survey. Three windows for £1100 is starting to look reasonable. Might be worth checking to see how much triple glazing will add to the price.

If you have an air brick in the wall to the outside, that is going to be one source of cold draughts. I'd certainly be plugging the hole with brick & insulation. Is there an old fireplace in this room - If so, block that up and kill another draught. Solid brick walls - Insulate as best you can, and do the same with the attic room.

Ben1989

Yes that's right. It's a unique window unique to the area and these are local fitters so nothing they've not seen before.

No fireplace in the room. Our intention is to knock the gable plaster off the wall (it's bubbling anyway) and put up insulating plasterboard. Also intend to get a PIV hence my interest in the trickle vent as a route for the positive air but this is my first house and quite naive to everything.