Period window Suppliers

[tumbledown]

I need to replace some windows which are beyond repair, and not really in keeping with the building (the ones I want to replace are 1960/70's, big sheets of glass and 'overlapping' openings rather than flush fitting).

I've spoken with the conservation officier, who is happy for me to replace them, as long as I use something "in keeping". They are relatively small single opening casement windows, and I was thinking of replaceing them with a fairly simple timber windows with either 4 or 6 glazed panels (haven't quite decided which would look best yet).

My problem is that I've asked several joinerys for quotes, and I've been a bit shocked at the prices for bespoke windows. I think they are fairly standard sized, as I'm sure the existing windows are 'off the peg'. Does anyone know of a window manufacturer (preferably in the Suffolk/Essex border area, but I guess national is okay if they deliver) where I might get standard off the peg windows which would keep a conservation officer happy? I'm sure these ready made windows would be considerably cheaper than the prices I've been quoted, but I'm not really sure where to start looking.

 

[Nemesis]

Ask Biff.


http://www.biffvernon.freeserve.co.uk/

He has dreadful taste in smileys but his oak window are fine.


If not - I'm sure he knows someone.

 

[biffvernon]

Oi! That was the first silly smiley I've used in weeks. And NT and Penners deserved it.

Tumbledown, if you e-mail me details, preferably with pics, I'll see if I can suggest something.

I think it's really rather sad that the 'off the peg' wooden windows made by all the big manufacturers and small joiners who seem to copy them have such limited design qualities. This isn't just the plastic vs wood arguement. It's that modern wooden windows seem to have fallen into a very dull rut. Common glazing lines seem to have been abandoned in favour of bulky 'stormproof' profiles and trickle vents are stupidly ugly. 'Hardwood' usually means Indonesian meranti and never mind the urang utang's home and softwood is a fast grown spruce dunked in poison and wrapped in alkyd resin.

 

[middi]

The majority , if not all, window manufacturers will supply standard "Georgian" or " cottage style" windows, you can go direct to them or at the larger building supply outlets.

The disadvantages as far as P/P.

1)........They almost certainly will be made for double glazing.

2)........Mainly due to the above, the glazing bars and general dimensions of components are not in proportion with their genuine counterparts.

3)........It is rare that they will fit an existing opening.

4)........ You also get a choise of " hardwood", which in many cases is a total waste of imported c**p from the rainforests, and really not much better than softwood

5) ........A good proportion of these manufactures will make windows to size at a small premium, but their profiles dimensions remain the same, therefore still unsuitable for the traditional application.

The advantage:-

Mass production makes them cheaper.

In you case , and if the CO is in agreement, and if the windows fit the existing openings, you could compromise a bit and improve ( within limits of the untrained eye) the aspect of you existing by using standard.

Yes the bespoke windows are a bit more expensive , for obvious reasons, but the problem seems to be finding someone who is willing to take them on. Because of modern living trends this kind of window maker is a dying breed.

THis is one of the main reasons why I decided to invest on some machinery so I could copy traditional profiles to replicate existing or make new windows for P/P.

I am sure someone like Biff would be able to help if asked or if he has the time.

Same as my situation, I live in Essex and probably could easily offer to help in you case, but not untill next summer.

 

[tumbledown]

Thanks Nemisis, Biff and Middi for your comments and advice. I'll get a couple of pics together. Biff, I'll email them to you - I'd post them on here if I could work out how!

I know bespoked would be better, but it all comes down to cost, as I have an awful lot of other works to do on the house as well. Having said that, I don't want to be replacing them again in 10 years time!

 

[Nemesis]

Pics - see my post here.

http://periodpropertyshop.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6705&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

If I can do it... anyone can!




[Open Image] [Hosted by PhotoGalaxy.com]

 

[Nemesis]

BEER - so much more than just a breakfast drink!


See - even moving images!


(Actually - I did that with Photobucket. That's a little harder cos you have to register first.)

 

[Penners]

Oi! That was the first silly smiley I've used in weeks. And NT and Penners deserved it.

Agreed. Mea culpa.