Sash Windows - Wood or UPVC . Any experiences?

[Ciao1]

Morning all,

Looking to get the sash windows in my house in SW London double glazed. I've looked into refurbishment, replacement and a mixture of both. Of the 3 companies I've had out to quote, Everest have (believe it or not) come in the cheapest for full replacements.

The quote is based on UPVC Sliding Sash's but as I didn't know these existed and thus having never seen these before I'm somewhat sceptical about how they'll look as ideally I want to keep the house as original as possible. Obviously UPVC windows aren't going to be original in a 1880's terrace but the idea of virtually no upkeep and a higher level of security is persuading me slighlty. The windows will have internal shutters fitted so will be hidden to some extent.

I guess the question is am I mad to be considering UPVC? I'd be particularly interested in anyones experiences with UPVC Sash.

Thanks...

[touching cloth]

IMO you run the risk of potentially devaluing a traditional house by replacing timber with UPVC, negating the saving you make now. UPVC certainly put me off a lot of properties when looking. Wood however will be multiples more (I have just spent out thousands replacing ours here) but worth every penny to keep the house looking as it should (double glazed units excepted).

Speak to this lot, very happy with their product:

http://www.sashwindowspecialist.co.uk/

[shirt]

I'd also check whether you're in a conservation area first.

UPVC sashes don't have to be terrible. check out:

http://www.quickslide.co.uk/

They are based in Yorkshire but when I looked into them they said they mainly do supply only deals to be fitted by your choice of company. I guess this is due to lack of sufficient local demand. My dad put me onto them as he supplies machinery to glazing companies and was impressed with their quality. IIRC they were very keenly priced for what they were.

[MuffDaddy]

Lots of companies are now able to double glaze the sash and add insulation bushes into the beads. We had this done by a firm in Bristol, but I believe Ventrolla travel around the country and carry out the work from the back of their vans.

[andye30m3]

shirt said:

I'd also check whether you're in a conservation area first.

I'd definitely do this before committing to using UPVC

[Wings]

I have just installed in a fourth floor flat, on a rear elevation to a property in a conservation area a uPVC sash window, without applying for planning permission. The old wooden sash window was so rotten, and due to window being attacked by the strong afternoon sunlight, I decided because of the cost of scaffolding and continuous high maintenance, it was cheaper in the long run to replace with uPVC.

[northandy]

I put wooden sashes back into our Victorian terrace. Bizarrely when the non sash windows were removed we discovered all the sash weights were still there.

I considered upvc sashes they were much much cheaper but I'm pleased with what I got with the wooden sashes, glad I made that choice.

Mine were made by a local joiner.

[homeimprovements]

This company are realy good and have supplied and fitted windows and doors to some real nice places. Ring and ask for Steve Burdall. I am sure he will be able to help you.

www.georgebarnsdale.co.uk/

Cheers

Nigel

[Ciao1]

Thanks for your replies.

I checked with the council as I'm in a conservation area. Their response was that as long as the replacement are of a similar look and open in the same way then there is no problem, therefore UPVC sash would be ok.

Spoken again with the suppliers who have informed me that wood would mean an increase of c.£4k over the UPVC price. The salesman gave me an address local to me that they installed UPVC windows in so I'll go and have a nosey this weekend before making any further decisions.

Feel free to contribute any further thoughts or advice.

[Spudler]

White Woodgrain Upvc? Very convincing.

Edited by Spudler on Thursday 20th January 20:04

[darronwall]

we charge around 800 quid for a typical full sash replacement in upvc,they are very convincing