I need some advice about fixing/replacing my windows.
We have aluminium windows in a wooden frame in our house. They are probably 25 yrs old. There is mist in some of the windows and some of the wood particularly interior has rotted. Also with some of the windows the windows do not close fully either - theres a slight gap left which allows a little air in. Obviously because of these things the insulation is not working as it used to!
Apart from the mist they dont visibly look that bad from the outside and some people I've spoken to have suggested they are perfectly fine and the mist can be fixed by drying the condensation out, or replacing the glass pane.
But this would still mean fixing the wooden frames and fixing the gaps. So my first question is, is it worth fixing these windows or is it better to replace them?
(I think these sorts of windows look nicer then PVC, but I cant really afford to get new aluminium/wood windows.)
Secondly if I were to get PVC windows, does getting a FENSA registered company actually mean getting a quality made window?
What are the basic structural features I should ask about to ensure that I get a reasonable quality window. (I am happy with C rated windows. Just looking for reliability, strength and decent quality.)
Thirdly does anyone have any idea as to how much steel reinforcement should be present in the PVC windows? Is it only along the vertical sides of the frame?
(The windows will fit into a standard Victorian terraced house with a bay window.)
Theres a local company thats been around in london 20 yrs so I'm thinking of going with them. But they've said to me they only put some steel along the vertical sides. They said if they put more steel in then it affects the insulation of the window.
Thanks DIYers!
We have aluminium windows in a wooden frame in our house. They are probably 25 yrs old. There is mist in some of the windows and some of the wood particularly interior has rotted. Also with some of the windows the windows do not close fully either - theres a slight gap left which allows a little air in. Obviously because of these things the insulation is not working as it used to!
Apart from the mist they dont visibly look that bad from the outside and some people I've spoken to have suggested they are perfectly fine and the mist can be fixed by drying the condensation out, or replacing the glass pane.
But this would still mean fixing the wooden frames and fixing the gaps. So my first question is, is it worth fixing these windows or is it better to replace them?
(I think these sorts of windows look nicer then PVC, but I cant really afford to get new aluminium/wood windows.)
Secondly if I were to get PVC windows, does getting a FENSA registered company actually mean getting a quality made window?
What are the basic structural features I should ask about to ensure that I get a reasonable quality window. (I am happy with C rated windows. Just looking for reliability, strength and decent quality.)
Thirdly does anyone have any idea as to how much steel reinforcement should be present in the PVC windows? Is it only along the vertical sides of the frame?
(The windows will fit into a standard Victorian terraced house with a bay window.)
Theres a local company thats been around in london 20 yrs so I'm thinking of going with them. But they've said to me they only put some steel along the vertical sides. They said if they put more steel in then it affects the insulation of the window.
Thanks DIYers!