Replace windows or just panes?

[MrsMoorty]

About half the windows in our new house have a blown pane of glass. Frames generally are fine although some need the sealant repairing around the outside where it's shrunk over time. All the window panes have decorative insert thingies in a grid effect that we don't like and block out lots of light (we suspect).

We're trying to decide whether to get the offending panes replaced or whether to just bite the bullet and replace all the windows for ones that we like and aren't blown/draughty. Unfortunately we don't have unending piles of cash and replacing the lot would mean we'd have to save up to redo other important jobs (like fixing the shower).

There's very little information out there I can find about how effective pane replacement is (maybe it's a conspiracy to sell more windows?!?).

Has anyone had experience of replacing panes only instead of the whole window? Did it save you money or did you end up replacing again shortly afterwards/regretting not doing the whole window?

Any advice or experience greatly appreciated.....

We just replaced the panes in ours, loads cheaper than complete windows and still fine four years on....

New sealed units, fitted, should average less than £50 each.

Ask around for a recommended local repairer. Your window cleaner may know someone. Start with a couple of windows and assess reliability, quality of work, price. If you want the rubbery gasket renewed, say so in advance.

Avoid big chains, and anyone with an 08 phone number or just a mobile. You want an established person with a local landline and a real address.

Thanks For the replies.

PigletJohn - There's a local guy recommended by friends / trades who we've had round to look at the windows and he didn't see a problem with replacing the panes. We asked him to quote for a window pane replacement and reseal around the edges (all three panes) for A rated glass but the price is quite a bit higher than you suggested (more like £100 inc. Vat per pane). Window is decent size but not enormous. How much does the energy rating affect the price of the pane?

Hubby is a glazier-has been for 30 years. He hasn't heard of A rated glass but assumes it's K glass which is a bit more energy efficient so would be more expensive. Then you have labour on top (although changing units and sealing round the window wouldn't take long at all...).He's also got to factor in petrol etc to go and order and collect the glass.Avoid the big chains-Safestyle etc-they'll charge a fortune.
If money is an issue, you could always have one done at a time-although a lot of workmen may think it's not worth it for them to do it that way.

looking back, I had three small units replaced in one job, and a large laminated panel changed as another. I asked the installer if he minded doing them in small jobs, and he said it was fine. I do know his son so perhaps he was being obliging, and he fits me in when he has a quiet day.

He had previously changed three large panels in the "shopfront" of my commercial premises. I was stunned by how quick it was.

We changed most of the window panes in our house a few years ago, as when we bought it it had the fake 'cottage pane' effect which I hated. I've also replaced the panes in a flat I had previously when they had blown. Unless the frames are in bad repair, I wouldn't consider replacing the whole window - it is sooo much cheaper just to replace the panes.

Panes are massively cheaper to replace if you can get away with the same frames. We just did about six of our windows.

For DS's bedroom we did replace the whole window, because the frame was ancient and the hinges on the opening part had collapsed. Likewise the sliding patio doors, which were old and had insecure aluminium frames. But it wasn't necessary elsewhere, so we just replaced the blown fixed units.

We used a local company, recommended by a friend in the trade.

It made a huge difference - so nice to be able to see out of the bedroom window again!