Windows for victorian house

3 years ago

Hi!

I want to get a quote for new windows for my victorian sash and bay windows.

We just had someone round and I realised i don't know enough about it.

So wooden is more expensive then u-PVC but less long lasting i guess?

They PVC he showed me seemed Very "designed" loads of ridges and design lines. Is it possible to get PVC but simple and clean? Or am i barking up the wrong tree and should go wooden.

On the bay there is a huge thick frame around the windows and the idea of that being a big bit of plastic doesn't sound that nice. I want to keep the design as close to the original as possible but modern and functional.

The person who came round did a whole thing with discounts and speil about offers etc but little attention to the actual design. Basically can anyone recommend a company that does lovely windows!

(I'm based in london SW)

thanks,

Kirsty

Featured Answer

Daisy England

3 years ago

Yes timber windows are more expensive than upvc. They should be treated upon fitting and a year after being fitted and then every other year after that. That will maintain them and keep them in good condition.

Being a partner in a joinery and kitchen company I don’t understand why people attend, offer a price and then start their spiel of discount routine. When our staff attend they discuss design etc. No price is offered at that point. They come back to the office to work it out and then it’s typed up. We don’t offer discounts but we don’t try to rip customers off at the start. No use in my opinion upping the price initially and then trying to make the deal look favourable by offering discounts.

Unfortunately we’re in the Midlands otherwise this falls within our remit. I’d be looking for other quotes.

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Comments (7)

M B
3 years ago
This probably isn’t the answer you were looking for but I would try and keep them if they’re in good enough condition! They look lovely. Do they contain the original glass? If you draught proof them and add subtle secondary glazing on the inside you can improve the thermal efficiency to that of double glazing I’ve heard.

I live in a Victorian house too and the PVC windows the previous owner put in do detract from the period features. Once they have lived out their life I will be replacing with wood I think!
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Victoria
3 years ago
There are loads of sash window companies out there, get quotes from local ones. I’d always go for wood.
E D
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Your windows look great, particularly with the fantastic looking cornice your house appears to have.

I agree with MB keep them if at all possible.

They may well be hardwood so chances are they have little or no rot.

There are specialised companies that can restore them and make them draught free.

If you have to replace them, consider timber first.

Having said that, there are fairly good looking period style UPVC windows these days.

Take your time to do lots of research to make an informed decision I say. 😊

We used a company called The Sash Window Workshop who replaced a Victorian bay window, similar to yours, with ‘like for like’ hardwood windows, but double glazed. Not cheap but they did a fine professional job with no pushy sales people.

In five years we’ve not had to do any maintenance to the windows and they still look as good as when they were installed.
minnie101
3 years ago
This article may help

https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/sash-windows-guide/
minipie
3 years ago
Yes, I’d suggest looking into refurbishing the existing windows first, you’d be amazed what a difference it can make once you get the weights sorted, fitch locks fitted to make them meet, brushes added to stop draughts.

If that’s not going to do enough (eg you live on a busy road and you want double glazed for noise reduction) then definitely timber. I live in SW London and would say that in some areas round here uPVC can actually reduce the value of your house as many buyers won’t like it.

As others have said there is a huge range of companies offering both so please get several quotes, read reviews and if possible get word of mouth recommendations as I know people who have not been happy with theirs...
PRO
The Sash Window Workshop
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thank you for recommending us @E D.

@kirsty_longman0 we would be happy to have a look at your windows and advise you whether the windows could be repaired or if they require replacement (and provide a quote) if you would be interested. Feel free to give us a call on 01344 868 668.

If you are looking for double glazing, a lot of our customers have new double glazed sashes installed into the existing window frame, which is where we just replace the moving parts of the window. This is not only cheaper than a complete new window, but it is also less disruptive to your home, although it does require the window frames to still be in a good condition.

Some examples of windows we have previously replaced can be seen on the gallery on our website, or feel free to have a look at our Houzz profile.

www.sashwindow.com

Windows for victorian house

Daisy England

Comments (7)

M B

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