upvc or wood? single or double glazing?

[dogonthesofa]

Hi, looking for some help and advice before we take out a huge loan to updating the windows of our 1906 semi.

All windows in the house are the originals but, particularly at the front right where the wind and rain sweeps down the the street, they are rotten and the wet seeps into the walls. We definitely need them replaced. They have the original stained glass in them.

We have a few cracked panes in some of the windows at the back but on the whole the windows aren't too bad. Condensation is the biggest issue. The bathroom window sash is broken and we get a lot of mould around it.

So, we have had quotes for:

• all wood replacement single glazed and keeping the stained glass.
• all upvc double glazed encapsulating the stained glass.

I'd love to keep the timber frames but it is very pricey. I'm wondering whether to go for timber at the front and bog standard UPVC at the back.

Or maybe we just replace the ones that desperately need it- the front and the bathroom and leave the others. I've heard lots of people say that double glazing costs a lot more than it's actually worth in terms of saving on heating etc...

Anybody been in a similar situation, what did you decide?

[Dallymamma]

You can get UPVC that looks like wood...others will be along soon to advise.
My knowledge is limited.

[perfumeistooexpensive]

Check whether you’re in a conservation area. If you are, you’ll need planning permission. My last house had double glazed wood windows. We were directly in line with wind from the North Sea. They leaked, rotted and shrank. After ten years from new, they needed replacing but the conservation officer would only allow wood again. Deliberately moved to a house with UVPC double glazed windows. They are wonderful. If you ever think of selling, single glazed will really put off buyers. Double is so different with keeping out noise and retaining heat in the winter. Shame about the stained glass though. Perhaps you could reuse it in a craft project.

[CarHire101]

Yeah try the residence collection at roseview windows. I’m hoping to get these. UVPVC that looks like wood now.

[gonewiththerain]

Definitely get double glazed. If you go for wood get a factory finish with a guarantee so you’re not painting them every year.
I’d put upvc at the back of the house

[pinkbalconyrailing]

definitely don't get single glazed.
how those are still legal I don't know.
despite what 'purists' tell you, upvc windows are fine.

[Karcheer]

Definitely get double glazed but get wood sashes I used the sash window workshop www.sashwindow.com in the past and they were brilliant.
I wouldn't put in any upvc because however similar to the originals they say they are, they aren't and are a massive compromise.
Id be inclined just to fix the windows as they become an issue and get really nice ones.
Ive wooden casement windows in my current house and although we could easily swap them for UPVC i think it just ruins the integrity of the property so we are having them refurbished.

[dogonthesofa]

Thanks everyone, for all your advice and the links, really helpful. x