Building Inspector for window ?

GoldenOldy

Secion62. Thankyou again, and sorry to be a nuisance. You are of course correct. I am getting a joiner in next week and a glazier to assess current situation. If irrepairable, I have decoded to go down the timber window route. I have found someone who can do the exact same as we have already. I dont know if its correct or not yet, but when replacing wood with more wood, no lintel required? No doubt we will see. I shall keep you all posted.

Section62

GoldenOldy said:

Secion62. Thankyou again, and sorry to be a nuisance.

You aren't being a nuisance.   Just go step by step to finding the right solution for you, rather than being sold a clever idea that may not be suitable and could potentially cost you more money than you need to spend.

GoldenOldy said:

I dont know if its correct or not yet, but when replacing wood with more wood, no lintel required?

No, that isn't correct.  All windows (and doors) now need a lintel or other means of structural support.  The confusion is that in the past, a timber window frame could be used to support the brickwork directly above it.  This caused problems when people started replacing their timber windows with uPVC because the plastic frames weren't stiff and strong enough to carry the load without bending.

But the building regulations now require window/door openings to be supported by a lintel or other structural member, and not by the window/door itself.

This means that fitting any replacement windows involves checking to make sure the opening is properly supported and retrofitting a lintel if necessary.  And it is partly for that reason that replacement windows come under the BR process, even if not everyone in the industry understands why it is important that this is the case, especially those who view window replacement as 'just like-for-like maintenance'.

stuart45

If you decide to replace the whole window check on the cost of Building regs. It's normally around £150 plus VAT, for either one or more up to 4. If you intend getting more done in the next few years, it's worth telling them you've started, but not finished until the last one is done. 
They might also be able to advise you about whether or not the  soldier course and concrete lintel are forming a composite lintel. Hard to be sure, but a metal detector can pick up wall ties in the soldiers, and when the frames out the concrete will be tight against the brickwork with no gap.

GoldenOldy

Good Afternoon. Well, new news. A ‘window restorer’ came round yesterday. His views were that he can take out the panels of the windows, and replace with double glazed panels, whilst keeping the frame etc in tact. Not cheap, but sounds a good option. Anyone have any views on this course of action? He restores heritage houses. Am assuming no building regs etc required. Thanks

Section62

GoldenOldy said:

Good Afternoon. Well, new news. A ‘window restorer’ came round yesterday. His views were that he can take out the panels of the windows, and replace with double glazed panels, whilst keeping the frame etc in tact. Not cheap, but sounds a good option. Anyone have any views on this course of action? He restores heritage houses. Am assuming no building regs etc required. Thanks

I can't really add more than said in my posts in page 3 of the thread.  If you've a limited budget then if someone can repair the existing frames and fit new DG casements for a reasonable cost then you've probably arrived at the right solution for you.

Hope he turns out to be as good as he sounds.

FreeBear

GoldenOldy said:

Good Afternoon. Well, new news. A ‘window restorer’ came round yesterday. His views were that he can take out the panels of the windows, and replace with double glazed panels, whilst keeping the frame etc intact. Not cheap, but sounds a good option. Anyone have any views on this course of action? He restores heritage houses. Am assuming no building regs etc required. Thanks

Yup. You are making repairs, so no building regs compliance is required. Sounds daft, but it can save a lot of paperwork and expense.

GoldenOldy

Excellent. It seems a lot less trouble than discovering if we have boot lintels etc too. !