Advice needed for replacement windows and doors

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Advice needed for replacement windows and doors

GillJ

14 posts

Geek

#224376 15-Nov-2017 11:02

Hi guys,

I'm after some advice on the best option for replacement windows and doors, there is so much information out there and nobody seems to agree, there are pros and cons for aluminium, wood and uPVC. Also, some people say double glazing is well worth while, others say the money could be better spent elsewhere.

What needs to be taken into consideration before choosing a product, for example does the age or location make a difference?

Would really appreciate any help.

Thanks

ren1316

136 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#1901163 15-Nov-2017 11:29

I replaced my aluminum windows to uPVC. Triple glazed.

Well worthwhile. Retain heat well and cut down the noise significantly (probably also contributed by the wall insulation done at the same time).

I like uPVC because it is not cold to touch and not loosing heat via transfer. It is more pleasing/better matching with surrounding.

Should have done it sooner!

SATTV

1648 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#1901179 15-Nov-2017 11:40

We installed uPVC double glazing last year and there is considerably less noise and virtually no condensation.

Best move we did.

We chose PVC for a few reasons.

We were replacing 50YO wooden frames and dont look dissimilar to original.

The doors are tilt and turn, far more secure than anything else I have seen, and they can be cracked open to let a breeze through and still be secure.

One thing that I dont like about the doors is the frame, it is bot flush with the door, we have to stand over the lip.

At the time I liked the look of aluminium better but I am glad we went with PVC.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

timmmay

20578 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1901185 15-Nov-2017 11:57

We put in uPVC doors and windows. Previously we had thick wooden frames, glass, and a retrofit double glazing which was 3mm thick rigid plastic on the inside.

Don't bother with wood. If you don't paint them perfectly they can swell, need to be painted, etc.

uPVC is great, warmer and very low maintenance. It doesn't conduct heat well. However I found it lets a lot more noise in than the old windows. The glass pane sits on these little feet to raise it up a bit, so the only thing stopping noise getting in is two thin pieces of uPVC. That's fine for heat, but it doesn't stop noise.

It'd probably be quieter than old windows that don't seal properly.

We used ThermalFrame in Wellington to supply and install. Nice people, good prices, average service, but they tend to run 2-4 months behind when they say they will.

neb

11294 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1901236 15-Nov-2017 13:07

timmmay:
Don't bother with wood. If you don't paint them perfectly they can swell, need to be painted, etc.

Speaking of wooden window frames, I've got two that are showing signs of rot (1970s house), but finding someone who deals with this (replacing two window frames, mostly) who (a) isn't potentially a cowboy and (b) can respond in less than glacial time frames (yeah, can have a look, call me back after March next year) is proving to be tricky. If there's anyone in Orkland that someone could recommend I'd be happy to give them a go.