Modern windows

[SheriffCallie]

We live in a 1930's property with wooden frame windows. They have been double glazed (possibly early 1990s) and untouched since then. Some of these windows are perfectly fine, whereas others are terrible and let in draughts, etc. I like the style of the windows and don't want to put uPVC windows in the house, but we really don't have a choice but to replace some of them. Is it possible to have wood frames installed these days, or will installers only deal in uPVC. I did make a call out of curiously, earlier this year, to one company who said no one installs wood anymore, but I didn't call any others since it wasn't something we were planning in the short term.
Anyone have any knowledge?

It’s certainly possible, but will cost a lot more than big standard upvc.

We’re currently in the process of having ours all replaced by a company called gowercroft joinery - they’re definitely not the cheapest, but having seen many windows in person at the home building and renovating show, I’m confident they’ll look amazing once in, and the service has been great so far.

Yes, absolutely. You need to use a good joiner, and not a double glazing sales company, or somewhere like the Green Building Store.

My BIL just had all his wooden windows replaced and they look smashing. BUT he went for single glazing and they are freezing. Definitely look for the most energy efficient glazed panels you can afford.

(I have wood-framed double glazing next to my front door, and it's well sealed, so really warm!)

You need to look for a company that specializes in wood-framed double glazing. I had wood-framed double glazing in my last house (which was built in the early 1900s) - no drafts and looked much nicer than UPVC...but cost more.

You may not need new windows. We’ve just had the sash windows in our Victorian house overhauled and draught-proofing put into the frames. Much cheaper than replacement (though still not cheap). As your house is 1930s I guess yours won’t be sashes, but the same principles probably apply. We used a local company as there are loads of houses round here with sash windows. Maybe google sash window overhaul and the sash window companies might have joiners who donother types of wooden frame as well.

30s casements can look excellent in aluminium (especially if they were originally steel), so that could be worth looking into too.
If you keep your eyes peeled walking around locally you may spot windows that are what you have in mind- then you can knock/drop in a note asking who did them!

These guys usually are present at the various tradeshows. I have no experience of them in practice, although I believe others have offered good reports on other forums:

www.byngjoinery.co.uk

They only supply/deliver though so you'd need a general builder to fit.

Thanks everyone, that's what I hoped. I've googled and have numbers for a few local joinery firms so I'll take it from there. Don't mind so much that its more expensive, as we don't need to do them all at once. We can do the 'necessary' ones first, and the rest once we've saved more money. Would rather spend more to maintain the original look.

Many standard window companies do double glazed wooden windows. Jeldwen for example.