Getting double-glazed units put in your sash windows

[moopind]

Has anyone had double glazed glass units put in sash windows?

 

I have a room with three 18-inch wide sash windows. I'd like to have double glass to reduce noise mainly, but to keep in the heat too.

 

Any ideas of cost? Would I be better off having 3 completely new sash windows put in? Any idea of costs? Any local firms that have done it at your house?

 

Thanks

[Bilge]

You could also have secondary DG if you want to keep the sashes as they are (and get the sashes refurbed by a specialist).

 

I'd think dgus in the old frames might in some cases be too wide and/or too heavy? So might be worth getting new ones made.

[Tricky]

We're also interested in whether we can keep our existing sash windows and replace the glass with a double glazed unit or whether we need to have the sash windows replaces completely.

 

Does anyone know of anyone who could come out and advise/quote?

[blusky]

Call DWS (Designer Woodwork Services). They specialise in refurbishing or replacing sash windows. They do a lot of work in Conservation areas. Tel no:0114 275 5187. Ask for Dan or Jon. they have done some work for us and I can recommend them

[Tooeg]

You used to be able to have D/G units made with one layer of glass smaller than the other so that it could be installed in the old fashioned wooden frames, then held in with putty or beeding.

[Tricky]

How do you mean, 'smaller'?

[Tooeg]

If one pain of glass is say 100cm x 50cm, the one fastened to it to make up the double glazing unit is 98cm x 48cm. Then the 1cm on the outer edge of the unit is only one pain thick usually 5 mm. Although the whole unit is still 20mm. thick i.e. 5mm glass 10mm spacer 5mm glass.

So this will fit into the standard rebate in the frame, probably about 20mm. which allows for a thin putty bed, and a pointed putty finish, or beading.

If I was clever I would draw ir for you.

[handypandy]

In my opinion, fitting the dg units into old frames is a waste of money. The old sash windows are generally not very efficient at keeping out the draughts and noise. Also you are very limited to the insulating gap between the panes. Modern dg units have a 18-20mm gap, you would usually have to settle for about 6mm for an older frame, assuming the rebate would even take that. So, if you are intent on the double glazing, I would go for new frames to make it worth the cost and effort. On the other hand, although the old windows might be a bit draughty (and this can be improved), in an older type house, you have the advantage of less problems with condensation and mould on internal walls much associated with PVCu windows.

If you decide on PVCu, Warwick Developments on Herries Rd just up from the traffic lights by the Northern General Hospital, have a small factory there dedicated to PVCu sash windows to keep your house 'in character'

[Strix]

it is possible to have old sash windows completely refurbed to conform to current building regs - so having draught excluders professionally inserted too

 

ventrolla are one company that do this, but if you're looking for something more local then I've read good reports on Frame Ups. I think they're at hillsborough - or PM Rachylou who's husband runs it

 

uPVC robs a building of its character and has a shorter life expectancy than your hardwood frames. It isn't as maintenance free as it's peddled as being

[handypandy]

Quote from Strix,"uPVC robs a building of its character"

 

I agree with this 100%, hence my inverted commas. However, it depends on your budget.