Crosswords6 mins ago
Double-glazing
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I'm thinking of installing double-glazing and as I live in a very old house with wooden beams PVC is just a no go. On north-side I'll fix wood but was thinking for south side being exposed to strong sun in summer I'd go for aluminium/wood windows (aluminium on outside and wood inside). I know they're more expensive but would be a lot easier to upkeep than all wood. Has anybody any experience of this kind of window and if they're worth the money?
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I've never come across hybrid timber/aluminium.
Regular alum units usually come in powder-coated paint finish, in a variety of colours. Can look really good against an old building. No further painting needed.
Timber's ok in strong sun if it's stained (lots of colours available including white.
If painted, then microporous paint is best (breathable). Otherwise, even best quality paints blister and crack in strong sunshine.
If you want to treat yourself ........... hardwood windows, unstained. Many joiners are using "Idigbo", an African hardwood, looks a lot like oak but a fraction of the price.
Also, I assume they are non-standard sizes, so off-the-shelf units can't be used anyway. They'd have to be made.
I've never come across hybrid timber/aluminium.
Regular alum units usually come in powder-coated paint finish, in a variety of colours. Can look really good against an old building. No further painting needed.
Timber's ok in strong sun if it's stained (lots of colours available including white.
If painted, then microporous paint is best (breathable). Otherwise, even best quality paints blister and crack in strong sunshine.
If you want to treat yourself ........... hardwood windows, unstained. Many joiners are using "Idigbo", an African hardwood, looks a lot like oak but a fraction of the price.
Also, I assume they are non-standard sizes, so off-the-shelf units can't be used anyway. They'd have to be made.
Windows made from good quality softwood and made in traditional way .. not some cheapskate mass-produced stringy timber with staples you find in Wickes .. will last 100 years. Hardwood if you can afford it.
Treat frame sides and sills with oil-based primers, etc and use end-grain sealer.
Expensive but nothing better for a period property.
I fit a few.
Treat frame sides and sills with oil-based primers, etc and use end-grain sealer.
Expensive but nothing better for a period property.
I fit a few.
The Builder, this is one company who does them so it doesn't seem a British thing if you don't know about them.
http://www.bieber-woo...ium-clad-windows.html
http://www.bieber-woo...ium-clad-windows.html