Upvc Sash windows

[Bawbles]

We are currently renovating and extending an old house (1900) which has had nearly all of the original features removed.

The original sash windows have been taken out and it currently has huge white upvc windows (the shape has been changed so they are wider and shallower than the originals which has ruined all of the decorative brickwork as there’s sections missing in the patterns which have had odd bricks put in)

We are replacing the front ones with woodgrain effect upvc sashs and have found a company that can make them with the run through horns etc.

My only question is I’ve never actually seen the upvc ones ‘in operation’ All of the neighbouring houses have retained the original window sizes but have got sash looking upvc but that tilt outwards to open.

Because of the dimensions of ours having been altered we need a double sash in each window. I’ve got my heart set on the sliding ones but wasn’t sure how practical they are with small children.

I’m aware that many people believe sash windows should always be wood however we’ve already agreed we will be having upvc the only difference is whether we have the vaguely sash looking style or the true sliding ones.

I’d really appreciate any comments from people about the practicality/usage of the upvc sashes

In a similar age house we replaced broken standard pvc windows with sliding sashes. I infinitly prefer the sliding sash as you have so many more options for how to open them. They have some really good simple locking mechanisms so that they aren't opened to wide for security and safety, but easy to flick off for the full blast.
And they look better imo, the proportion suits the house.

Oh dear, excuse the dust in my window frames
The photo had magnified it! Better get the duster out...

Ahh that’s really helpful thank you.

If it makes you feel better Im jealous of your tiny bit of dust. Week ten of building work and it’s just brick dust, building sand and mud here. I’m so looking forward to the stage of generic household dust.

I work for one of the uk's leading PVC sliding sash manufacturers they operate the same way original sash windows do, i.e. slide up and down but instead of using weights and cords they work on spring balances. They also tilt inwards for easier cleaning. Those catches are brilliant - safety restrictors, great for kids rooms. You can get a really excellent finish these days it takes a keen eye to tell they aren't timber, are a fraction of the price and maintenance free!

Bumper - they look like our windows!

I had the wood effect upvc sliding sash in my old house, i loved them and am saving up for them in this house. We also had the restrictors attached on ours because of small climbing children, but they were easy for adult fingers to undo incase of an emergency. As pp has said the wood effect finish was brilliant.

Would you say noise insulation is as good as standard double glazed upvc?

The window man says so but then he would!

I love a period property! Modern timber windows or wood effect windows will help recreate some older characteristics to help you get that old charm back again! Modern sash windows are easy to operate and low on maintenance, my friend had some old sash windows which she upgraded and they look amazing!

How much are you looking at out of interest for upvc sash for a 3 bed?