upvc sash windows

[yehudiwho]

how much would it be to replace sash windows with upvc sash windows in a thirties semi, 2 front bays , not so bothered about the others being sash

Ours are weighted and a 'proper' sash. For 2 big bays and 4 normal flat windows was £12,000 about 4 years ago in London.

You might be just as well replacing the actual sash units in timber but double glazed- it is probably as cost effective, in keeping and more environmentally friendly. Or you could look at getting the existing windows overhauled and draft stripped, which will help with the cold.

UPVC sash windows are horrible in my humble opinion.

We got a quote for UPVC sashes (bygone windows) and they were more expensive than the hardwood timber ones.
I'll admit for UPVC they were actually pretty attractive and looked like wood but I couldn't see the point of paying more for UPVC than hardwood.
Especially as my current hardwood windows have lasted approx 140yrs which definitely points to proven longevity of timber windows.

Yes but you have to paint them.

I found it worked out, on average, £1k per window, so £3k for a bay, that was in Surrey about 2 years ago. I'd try to refurb your existing if you can, it will be cheaper. I had to replace the whole unit as the wood was rotten and timber was more expensive when I looked

I only have to paint them every eight years, but they will last a long time if maintained and can be fixed or refurbished.

UPVC doesn't require maintenance but can't be fixed or refurbished if damaged and will have a life span of only approx. 20yrs. (although a lot are apparently replaced within 15yrs). It also can discolour in sunlight (chemical reaction with PVC in UV light) and go brittle.

uPVC come in a couple of strands. Cheap and off the shelf, or very expensive ones which try to look like real sash windows but offer no longer life-span. You pay more for the attempt to be wood. Sash windows, made of timber and done properly, with correct moulding details, correct horn details, 21mm glazing bar arrangements, etc are cheaper, last much, much longer and add value to your house far more than uPVC. You can replace your sashes, incorporate double glazing within your existing box, any sill repairs can be done, which incorporates work into the box. As for painting, provided you look after your windows during a Spring Clean, wiping the sills, etc, painting will be every several years.

This web site link describes the process, they provided my own home and provide free surveys. It's worth checking out. Hope this helps.

www.joineryworkshop.com/sashwindows/doubleglazing/

I've had Joinery Workshop here this morning to quote! I take it you were pleased with them WACG?

We had timber sash replacements (we're listed) and they cost a lot but are in keeping with Georgian character. I wouldn't do upvc now that I know timber ones can be good and ours have special long lasting paint on
(Waves at Cuddy - still a bit jealous you moved and we didn't!)

I think it depends on where you live. We live in a street of Edwardian terraces. Hardly anyone has the original windows and I expect buyers want upv around here. It is not a conservation area. I love the real thing but it would be a waste for me to have them. If you are staying in your house for a while then wood may be the answer. Think about your area though.

Hi Augusta! Are you still looking at moving? It's nothing short of a miracle that our move all came together rather nicely :) Changing schools was such a good move too!

Great, they came round to yours?
Yes, I was pleased. The guys were tidy - unlike the builders at the same time, who were a quite stressful. The work was good, windows look really nice and they work.

WACG - their quote arrived today too. They are probably the best company so far that have been round to quote. We will be making a decision shortly but the work won't take place until at least spring. Did you use their painters too?