Wooden window frames?

[Shevin Keedy]

Collective knowledge required please:

I'm looking at buying a house that has double glazing, but they're set into wooden frames.They appear solid and well-kept, but I'm just wondering how and how often to maintain them.

Would I be better off factoring in full replacement all round? It's a large terrace with double bays

 

[Simo]

If doing full replacement, consider if in a conservation area. What do the neighbours have?
Next viewing take a feather and check for drafts

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Collective knowledge required please:

I'm looking at buying a house that has double glazing, but they're set into wooden frames.They appear solid and well-kept, but I'm just wondering how and how often to maintain them.

Would I be better off factoring in full replacement all round? It's a large terrace with double bays

It depends how new they are. If they are ten years or less they should be sound. Is there any rot? Wood is far nicer to look at that plastic - costs a lot more for a reason

IMO you’re lucky to get them in your new house (if they’re sound )

We have huge Georgian single pane sash windows, they may as well be wide open in winter - Baltic. Cos they are listed we have to go through hoops to get any kind of modern glazing fitted to the same frame - I’m envious of your situation tbh

 

[tommye]

Keep the wooden ones if they're in good condition.
Keep them painted/varnished and re-coat every 5-10 yrs and they'll last forever.

 

[NeilMorepies]

Sawdust… something about sawdust

 

[Runub]

If doing full replacement, consider if in a conservation area. What do the neighbours have?
Next viewing take a feather and check for drafts

Do you need to make the viewing appointment on a windy day

 

[tommye]

It depends how new they are. If they are ten years or less they should be sound. Is there any rot? Wood is far nicer to look at that plastic - costs a lot more for a reason

IMO you’re lucky to get them in your new house (if they’re sound )

We have huge Georgian single pane sash windows, they may as well be wide open in winter - Baltic. Cos they are listed we have to go through hoops to get any kind of modern glazing fitted to the same frame - I’m envious of your situation tbh

You can get like for like replacements, in timber, that will cover your listed building malarkey.

Wooden Double Glazed Sash Windows – Timber Sash Windows

Wooden sash windows with a 30-year anti-rot guarantee. Double glazed to make your home warmer and safer. Up to £250 off with a free no-obligation quote.

www.anglianhome.co.uk

 

[Shevin Keedy]

Thanks all. I'll do another reccy and inspect them more closely.

 

[tommye]

Thanks all. I'll do another reccy and inspect them more closely.

Check the corners of the bays along the cill and along the beading on the glazing. If there's any rot in the frames it'll show itself there. Poke a key or similar in to them, you'll be able to feel if they're solid or spongey and rotting.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

You can get like for like replacements, in timber, that will cover your listed building malarkey.

Wooden Double Glazed Sash Windows – Timber Sash Windows

Wooden sash windows with a 30-year anti-rot guarantee. Double glazed to make your home warmer and safer. Up to £250 off with a free no-obligation quote.

www.anglianhome.co.uk

Yes, the issue is there is quite a few of them and it’ll cost 20k ?!!! The hoops we have bedn
Jumping through is seeking listed building consent to get the window panes, which are about 3mm think, hundred ++ years old with zero heat retention properties, replaced with new custom made double glazed panes - much cheaper than whole windows.

it is possible to change the windows on a Grade II listed building, but it requires obtaining the necessary planning permission and listed building consent. You'll need to demonstrate how the proposed changes will respect the building's special historic interest.

Detailed Explanation:

1. 1. Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent:
   Any work that affects the external appearance of a Grade II listed building, including window replacements, requires both planning permission and listed building consent. This is because listed buildings are protected to safeguard their unique character.
   
   
2. • 2. Local Authority Approval:
     Your local planning authority will have the final say on whether your proposed changes are acceptable. They will consider how the new windows will impact the building's special architectural or historic interest.
     
   • 3. Repair vs. Replacement:
     Generally, local authorities prefer repairs over complete replacements, as repairs minimize changes to the building's appearance. If you are proposing to replace windows, you'll need to provide detailed information about the proposed replacements and how they will maintain the building's character.
     
   • 4. Maintaining Architectural Character:
     When considering window replacements, it's crucial to maintain the building's original design and materials as much as possible. This might mean replicating the original window style and size, or using slim-profile double glazing that closely resembles the original windows.
     
   • 5. Double Glazing:
     Double glazing is a common consideration for listed buildings, and it can often be accommodated with careful planning and design. If you are proposing double glazing, you may need to consider options like slim-profile glazing or installing new sashes into existing frames.
     
   • 6. Consultation is Key:
     It's highly recommended to consult with your local planning authority early in the process to discuss your plans and ensure they are in line with local guidelines and requirements. You can also seek advice from organizations like Historic England or Historic Scotland.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Check the corners of the bays along the cill and along the beading on the glazing. If there's any rot in the frames it'll show itself there. Poke a key or similar in to them, you'll be able to feel if they're solid or spongey and rotting.

 

[COYBL25]

It depends how new they are. If they are ten years or less they should be sound. Is there any rot? Wood is far nicer to look at that plastic - costs a lot more for a reason

IMO you’re lucky to get them in your new house (if they’re sound )

We have huge Georgian single pane sash windows, they may as well be wide open in winter - Baltic. Cos they are listed we have to go through hoops to get any kind of modern glazing fitted to the same frame - I’m envious of your situation tbh

Same here mate, we’re in a conservation area, got round it with secondary glazing.

Not as good as modern double glazing, but a hell of a lot better than 150 yr old sash windows in the winter

 

[Shevin Keedy]

The ones in question are like this:



The brown is the timber frame with a whole double glazed unit fitted inside.
I'll give them a full inspection but do we think these are likely ok?

 

[COYBL25]

Are you in Liverpool mate ?

If so I can give you the details of a bespoke company, that do new conservation approved sash windows ( they do all kinds of other stuff - doors / staircases etc )

They’ve done the windows of virtually every house in our road at one time or another - inc ours.

Last time I used them, cost a grand for a gig sash double glazed kitchen window and a small double glazed downstairs bog window.

They only make them and don’t fit them.

As I found out, most window fitters won’t touch wood, as they don’t know how to fit it now, as it’s all upvc and aluminium ( wood expands and contracts )

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Same here mate, we’re in a conservation area, got round it with secondary glazing.

Not as good as modern double glazing, but a hell of a lot better than 150 yr old sash windows in the winter

This is info I need! I’ve been telling the wife this is our best option. Surely it’s a lot cheaper and easier?!

I was even planning on making my own temporary version for this winter. Unfortunately, it will look crap if I do it