Metal verses UPVC Windows

[Wings]

I am a leaseholder of a flat within a block of four flats, also being one of four Directors, that is involved in approving both remedial and improvement works to the fabric of the building.

The block of flats is in a conservational area of Bristol, with the frontage windows being metal single glazed Crittall style windows, possibly installed about 1930’s. The block of flats is a semi terrace with an identical constructed building, including the same style windows.

Being in a conservation area, local council’s planning permission would be required if consideration were to be given to change present green metal windows to green UPVC double glazed windows. Although I note the ground floor flat of the next door identical block, has changed his windows to UPVC without obtaining planning permission.

The present single glazed windows do not function well as windows, with the cold metal frames causing considerable condensation problems. Having an identical block, makes me believe that there might be considerable problems in obtaining planning approval.

So believing one can obtain green Aluminium double glazed windows, how effective are the same against causing condensation, hard wearing and maintenance free, compared to green UPVC. I mention the colour for cost purposes, since there are possibly 36 replacement windows involved.

[DAVE-W]

As long as you make sure the aluminium windows have "thermally broken" frame profiles they'll be fine in my experience. Also make sure that you do have trickle vents fitted - people hate them (they're draughty apparently ) but they do combat the dreaded condensation.

With regard to the colour you can usually have them powder coated in any RAL colour you want (and usually with alu. for a small extra cost you can have white internal / green external). I have a full RAL chart on my computer in the office which I can send to you on Monday if you'd like it.

Dave

[Simpo Two]

I can't answer the question but suspect that genuine Crittall windows coud be a 'future classic' - representative of a phase of major 20th C building and being destroyed in vast numbers.

[Wings]

DAVE-W said:

As long as you make sure the aluminium windows have "thermally broken" frame profiles they'll be fine in my experience. Also make sure that you do have trickle vents fitted - people hate them (they're draughty apparently ) but they do combat the dreaded condensation.

With regard to the colour you can usually have them powder coated in any RAL colour you want (and usually with alu. for a small extra cost you can have white internal / green external). I have a full RAL chart on my computer in the office which I can send to you on Monday if you'd like it.

Dave

My home has hardwood double glazed windows with triple vents, most of my rented properties have UPVC windows with triple vents, and although I do not believe the triple vents are sufficiently wide enough to stop condensation, only my wooden windows gets condensation. I put this down to the fact that wood may possibly be a colder material than UPVC.

Going back to the replacement of the Crittall style metal windows, Yes, I would appreciate if you could send to me a RAL chart.

At the back of the property, 2 flats in my block and the adjoining block of 4 flats, have replaced the green metal windows, with white UPC, possibly being allowed to get away with it, since the back of the blocks are not so focal.

To Simpo Two, you know I removed from a semi detached house 16 lovely leaded windows, with my wife saying “we must keep these, someone somewhere will want these”, 4 years down the road and I nearly had to pay someone to throw them in the refuse tip. Absolutely criminal, I no longer bother to keep things for possible future use.

[h4rvy]

Wings said:

I am a leaseholder of a flat within a block of four flats, also being one of four Directors, that is involved in approving both remedial and improvement works to the fabric of the building.

The block of flats is in a conservational area of Bristol, with the frontage windows being metal single glazed Crittall style windows, possibly installed about 1930’s. The block of flats is a semi terrace with an identical constructed building, including the same style windows.

Being in a conservation area, local council’s planning permission would be required if consideration were to be given to change present green metal windows to green UPVC double glazed windows. Although I note the ground floor flat of the next door identical block, has changed his windows to UPVC without obtaining planning permission.

Aluminium is a much better product than PVC , we manufacture aluminium windows and work nationally , we even do a slimline window fully compliant with building reg's which we brought on the market to replicate the steel window sections , if you want a quote let me know.

The present single glazed windows do not function well as windows, with the cold metal frames causing considerable condensation problems. Having an identical block, makes me believe that there might be considerable problems in obtaining planning approval.

So believing one can obtain green Aluminium double glazed windows, how effective are the same against causing condensation, hard wearing and maintenance free, compared to green UPVC. I mention the colour for cost purposes, since there are possibly 36 replacement windows involved.

[anonymous-user]

have a look at the windows these guys do! I think they do a double glazed crittal type window which should help the case as far as planning is concerned!

http://www.theheritagewindowcompany.co.uk/?gclid=C...

These new style crittal windows are also very good! used them on a job in Kent a few years ago!

http://www.crittall-windows.co.uk/range/9/homeligh...

[Dogwatch]

Simpo Two said:

I can't answer the question but suspect that genuine Crittall windows coud be a 'future classic' - representative of a phase of major 20th C building and being destroyed in vast numbers.

But like other classics (Morris Minor, Tiger Moth etc) they were 'of their time' and hopelessly outmoded today. My memories of Crittal windows are not happy ones - especially in mid-winter.

In this house I have a thermally broken aluminium sliding patio door (has virtually no step to clamber over) and UPVc windows. From a heat retention point of view there is no difference that I can see, the patio door has a 'bleed slot' the full width of the unit which can be completely closed off by two flaps with magnetic (on aluminium?) catches.
The UPVc windows were quite expensive but even so the some of the bleed slots don't close off completely.

[h4rvy]

Aluminium is a much better product than PVC , we manufacture aluminium windows and work nationally , we even do a slimline window fully compliant with building reg's which we brought on the market to replicate the steel window sections , if you want a quote let me know.

[Wings]

h4rvy said:

Aluminium is a much better product than PVC , we manufacture aluminium windows and work nationally , we even do a slimline window fully compliant with building reg's which we brought on the market to replicate the steel window sections , if you want a quote let me know.

Yes I will be requiring a quote.

As I explained in my original post, I am just one of four leaseholds, although I have more interest and say than the others, so/but I need to obtain information of what type of replacement windows are out there, and a rough estimate of prices. Once I know what we should go for, then get agreement from other leaseholders for windows to be measured and obtain firm quotation.

I was wrong on the number of windows required, with my wife telling me there are 21 windows being roughly 3ft 6” x 6ft 6” and 1 (one) French style patio door roughly 5ft x 6ft 6”. My flat is on the ground floor so access & fitting no problem, French doors on first floor (small balcony), other floors above may get away with tower scaffolding.

If you pm me I can either send you pictures of the building or let you have address (BS8 Clifton-Bristol), for visiting when someone is passing, or firm meeting.