Opinions sought on 1930's windows replacement project

[lisag]

Hi,

I have a 1930's art deco house, it has been modernised but retains a lot of the original features and 'charm' of that period.

However, the original single glazed 1930's crittall windows and doors have got to go. I would really like double glazing as it is draughty in the winter, heating bills are astronomical and I live opposite a pub, near a busy road junction and a train line (noisy).

Crittall do make new sealed double glazed steel units, but the quote for replacing all 10 windows and 2 sets of double doors (balcony and patio) is £30,000 I can't afford it, and the house valuation is in the region of £220,000 so it is not worth that level of investment on windows.

UPVC would costs about £6K to £7K but I hate UPVC, because they are plastic, white and look rubbish (in my opinion).

I am considering modern aluminium double glazed sealed units, because I can have them in black, direct fix to the brickwork with wooden window sills, and 'fake' horizontal glazing bars so they mimic how the existing crittall's look. Cost will be in the region of £10K.

Has anyone any opinions / experience of this type of thing, or an interest in 1930's architecture and an idea for alternative options.

Thanks

lisa

[Nimby]

Have you considered secondary glazing and keeping the originals?

Edit: Advantages include wide separation for noise control.

No loss of historical appearance.

You could even use double glazing on the secondary units for improved thermal qualities.

[lisag]

Originally Posted by Nimby

Have you considered secondary glazing and keeping the originals?

Hi, I have considered it, but dismissed it because I think it will look naff (from indoors anyway) and I forgot to mention the maintenance issue. The crittall's don't all open and close properly, there are areas of rusting, they need regular painting and are set in wooden surrounds which also need maintaining.

I really fancy a double glazed unit set direct into brick, then all I will have to maintain would be the wooden sills.

lisa

[Nimby]

Would these be openable?

[lisag]

Originally Posted by Nimby

Would these be openable?

The black aluminiums would be, yes. Some fixed units and some opening ones

[Nimby]

The choice is yours, not mine.

Lots of stately homes have secondary glazing.

[lisag]

Originally Posted by Nimby

The choice is yours, not mine.

Lots of stately homes have secondary glazing.

Ok, thanks for the advice Nimby I will look into it in more detail..

[Nimby]

I have replaced a number of windows in a number of sometimes ancient properties. I like wood to match the property.

Metal framed windows seem the obvious choice for you except that Crittall still do (did?) replacement galvanised, single-glazed windows which could be buffered with professionally made secondary glazing. I used to pass a yard beside the main road with huge quantities of these windows stacked outside. Bristol I think. Years ago now.

All plastic framed windows should be gathered in the baking desert and the manufacturers and salesmen made to eat them.

[lisag]

LOL - thanks, I am with you on the UPVC opinion. What is your take on modern aluminium double glazed units?

EDIT: I am liking your idea of new single glazed crittalls (direct fix to brickwork) with secondary glazing, but is that legal? There are some new regs out but I don't completely understand them.

[Nimby]

I don't know the rules over there. Thermal loss properties are all being constantly uprated.

Provided the overall reduction in heat loss is acceptable then one would hope the Buildings Inspector would be happy with secondary glazing.

They usually fall over themselves to be helpful. (and show off their detailed technical knowledge) So ask at your council Technical Department. (or whatever they call it these days)

They may be full of good suggestions as to your best options. I wouldn't mention fixed double glazing units too loudly. They like as many potential fire exits as possible and love a bit of fresh air. I doubt they like plastic windows much either.

[johntheexpat]

When we lived in Worcester, we used a firm called Ventrolla (I think they are national) to renovate our sash windows. The improvement was unbelievable and although we went for 'normal' glass, as opposed to say Pilkington K (which is supposed to be a par with double glazing for thermal losses) we noticed a huge improvement for both heat loss and sound-proofing. Basically rattley old windows are renovated to fit properly and brush seals added to stop drafts, which account for a very large percentage of your heat losses. It was 2 or 3 grand for the whole terraced house, so good value. You can then improve heat and sound insulation and improve the look by being able to invest in some really decent curtains. Our main reason for going down this route, tho' was the huge advantages offered by proper sash windows in the summer, for ventilation, and we prefer the look. (An additional advantage with this particular system is that it makes taking the windows out for cleaning and painting a real doddle, since they can be totally removed with relative ease)
So, a state of the art renovation may be an option. And I have no connection with Ventrolla, other than being a satified customer.

[lisag]

Ah, unfortunately they only renovate sash windows, not crittall.

[Rich]

I was wondering what Critall windows looked like on Google and accidently found this site.......
http://www.crittallreplacementwindows.co.uk

Not sure if it's any good or not.