Replacement windows

[cabs]

Due to alteration work being carried out I will be replacing the 25 year old double glazing currently installed. Does anyone have any recommendations as to a good performing window that does not break the bank as there are 22 windows to replace eventually!! I would like to go wood frames with e glass double glazing, who are the best manufactures for them?

[wookey]

see numerous threads on the green building forum such as:
http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/search.php?PostBackAction=Search&Keywords=windows&Type=Topics&btnSubmit=Search

Rawington, Russell Timber Tech seems to come out as best value. Green Building store eco-contract are also quite good. Whilst spending non-trivial money on windows it is worth thinking about whether to spend the extra 20% for triple grazing, especially on the north side. Cheapest is always nasty softwood windows or ecologically unsound PVC. Decent windows do cost noticeably more.

[tony.]

i used bereco for sliding sash and case double glazed 50/50 split, horns,spiral balance, factory painted.
brill

tony

[cabs]

Thanks for the info. I am trying to avoid softwood and pvc as pvc wont suit the property. I know paying extra will get you a better product just need to know which ones are the best for what you pay.

[StBarnabas]

Hi Cabs
if you are based in the NE of England we were very pleased with Glazewell. We had c. 20 sustainable tropical hardwood windows installed about 20 months ago - good thermal efficiency and not a drop of water leaking since. Our house martins seem to like them too much! Our other big window/ screen  (installed about 13 months ago) c 4mx3.5m in Oak with lots of Gothic detail has not been such a success - leaked from the first day it was put in.

Glazewell did complain about the 3x120kg (of single pane DG) picture windows - had to be made down south  but have made a big difference...   

[cabs]

I am located down south (kent) so glazewell may be a bit far away. Do you know where they got your picture window made?

[Kombi]

I have had quotes from Russell Timber, Albo and Internorm, all on triple glazed windows. Russell beats all of them by a country mile! And according to an architect from the green building forum who has done 2 jobs with these no pb. I am awaiting for some final figures but will very likely go with them.

[StBarnabas]

Hi Cabs
I think the picture windows were made at the Scunthorpe plant of Darby Glass. I suppose down south is relative - one of my mates who comes from north of John o'Groats says there are only four houses north of his on the Scottish Mainland (and all owned by his relatives) regards the Highlands as down south!

Kombi's suggestion of Russell timber certainly looks very intersting possibly I should have pushed harder for triple glazing, though I reckon our walls have a U value of about one so used to more heat loss than we would like.

[Ivan]

I've just posted on a different thread about the possibilities of supplying triple-glazed hardwood windows from Navitron. Prices will be competitive with bespoke double-glazed units.....ie a lot cheaper than triple-glazed windows currently on the market.

I'm having some made up for my own house - they'll be ready at the end of the month - so I'll post some photos then.