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Original poster

Sash Windows - to replace with D/G or not? - ALL opinions sought!

40 replies

Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 20:16

Please help (before Safestyle come knocking)! Have moved into a house c1900 with 3 bedrooms plus living room having sash windows. They look OK really, but a tad neglected and the cords have been painted over by slightly careless DIYers... Really not sure whether it is "the thing" to replace them with D/G or leave the poor things be... in which case - any advice re renovating them somewhat?

Our main worry is security although that possibly comes from having lived in a big city but also most houses nearby have replaced with d/g.

Really appreciate some advice - thanks.

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SoupDragon · 15/05/2007 20:19

Generally speaking, the Done Thing now is to renovate them I think but if the vast majority of neighbouring hosues have had them replaced then replacing them with sympathetic sash look-alike double glazing is probably OK, especially if the windows are really beyond repair.

BettySpaghetti · 15/05/2007 20:21

Personally I hate seeing sash windows replaced by UPVC ones.

There are companies who specialise in renovating wooden sash windows or you can buy new wooden ones (although both options quite pricey).

BettySpaghetti · 15/05/2007 20:22

Meant to say...... the new wooden ones are double glazed too.

Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 20:23

Thanks guys. Now, thicko question coming up - how does one know if ones windows need renovating!!!??? (I know, I'm a window novice)

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hoxtonchick · 15/05/2007 20:25

oh please don't replace them with upvc

cazzybabs · 15/05/2007 20:26

Well we have a rotten frame (condensation trouble). the frame was squashy - YUCK!

BettySpaghetti · 15/05/2007 20:27

If you look in the Yellow Pages for a local person who does window renovations give them a ring and see if they'll come out and take a look -they shouldn't charge for this. It might just be that they need freeing up from years of paint and new cords and weights put in.

They could then give you a price to have yours done or alternatively might tell you they are beyond repair.

ArcticRoll · 15/05/2007 20:29

Agree with others,don't replace with upvc.
You can have locks installed on sash windows so security shouldn't be a problem.

queenrollo · 15/05/2007 20:31

we got ours from Jewson

we live in a conservation area so had to have them approved. to be honest they didn't work out that much more expensive than UPVC.....and they look so much better. they tilt inwards so they are easy to clean.

Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 20:43

Cheers for the advice & opinions, v helpful. (Lol Hoxtonchick)... DH busily cancelling dg salesbods previously booked in - I need space to think!

To be honest, I'm thinking it would be better to tidy them up and improve the security locks (as per Arctic Roll)... and I'd rather spend my money on the myriad other improvements that are required.

Just hope it's not too drafty! (So far so good but then it is only May)

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hana · 15/05/2007 20:46

agree with others who say no to pvc, it's not in keeping iwth the house, and wooden double glazed sash will add a great deal to the property, esp if others in your road have not done this
there are only a few houses on our street with the original sash ( wooden double glazed replacements) and does look so much better

paulaplumpbottom · 15/05/2007 20:47

No don't do it. Sash windows are lovely. Who wants to be warm when you can have lovely windows

Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 20:50

Lol, ppb, too right... and we are in the English Riviera after all - isn't it year round sun here?

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Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 20:51

Oh but now what shall I spend my money on? (BIG LOL at that one)

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ChocolateFace · 15/05/2007 20:53

You know your windows need renovating when the curtains waft in a breeze and your gas bill is sky high.

Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 21:00

Now THAT is a good rule of thumb.

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Troutpout · 15/05/2007 21:03

We had to have our previous windows replaced with wooden sash windows when they finally rotted. (house is in conservation area under article 4 direction).
They are proper hung sash (we had to have certain number of panes and thickness of wood etc) and they had to be painted a certain colour. They have locks and a key .
Cost a blardy fortune (about twice the price pvc dg would have cost)...but we got a grant from the council which paid for (ahem) one window.
Very pretty though.

paulaplumpbottom · 15/05/2007 21:04

Thats just part of the character Choc

Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 21:15

Cripes trout, I think your windows are out of my windows league lol! Still, I'm warming to my creaky old house with it's funny little windows...

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mrsdarcy · 15/05/2007 21:17

No no no don't replace them. Sash windows are lovely. You can get them restored by people like this . And you can get security bolts so they don't open more than 4"

Double glazing is beastly.

Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 21:28

Beastly, lol!

Have you any experience of the company you linked to, mrsdarcy?

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Califrau · 15/05/2007 21:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fishie · 15/05/2007 21:39

some utter fools removed the sash windows of our house and put in big panes of glass held up by wood nailed round. we got dg wooden sashes, it cost a bomb but really good.

Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 21:40

Hmm, interesting Cal, maybe I should have your mum on hand if I get a d/g bod in!

Anyone have any rough idea regarding restoration costs? Would you strip to original wood and then repaint?

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Original poster
Walnutshell · 15/05/2007 21:40

Oh dear fishie, big panes of glass held in by nails, ugh.

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