(edit title) Need to replace windows In older house Options

[Rick Methven]

My house is a 1950's build with old style 2 pane windows with Venetian blinds between the panes. I have noticed this winter that they are letting in the clod air and a couple have cracks in the outside panes so I want to replace them.

The window frames have been well cared for over the past 55 years and are in good nick with no rot at all so I want to replace just the windows not both the windows and the frames to save on money time and mess. 12 X13 ( 120cm wide by 130 cm high) side opening windows of this 'traditional' style are readily available from Bygghus.se and skanskabyggvaror.se etc but usually a complete replacement job of windows and frame.

Before Christmas I did find what I want on the net - windows to put in old frames with modern double or triple glass, but now cannot find the site again.

Has anybody done this kind of replacement or can tell me where I can buy them?

[Svensksmith]

In the meanwhile, we have a product in the US (can't remember if I saw it in Sweden or not) that basically shrink wraps the inside of the window to hold out the drafts. IT works quite well. I used it on my old house until I could save up for replacements as I had 21 windows in the old place.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_U...rKits/Products/

[Rick Methven]

I used a similar product in the UK but it is only a temporary solution and not designed to keep out the cold. The windows are draught proof but have poor thermal insulation. which is why they need replacing.

As temperatures in the South of the UK this morning are lower than here in Sweden, MY sisters house could do with some new windows.

[BritVik]

You don't mention the state of the existing sashes. If the frames are fine, then perhaps the sashes are too, and only need refurbishing.That is unless you are planning double glazing units. The house I had for the B & B was over 100 years old, and the previous owner had replaced all the windows with complete triple glazed units from our local window makers, and left me with the old frames and sashes. All the old timberwork was of seasoned wood and was completely sound, but having been torn out was useless thereafter. Have you tested the sashes for soundness? Unless it is new glazing units you want, re-glazing and re-painting them and fitting new draught sealing could well be your solution.

[Rick Methven]

The frames are in good nick and the windows are pretty good apart from a couple of cracks in 2 windows. What I need i proper modern 2-3 glass windows with better thermal isolation to reduce he loss.

[zarathaust]

the u value of windows should be lower 1.1 .
0.9 is highly recomended..

[skogsbo]

The frames are in good nick and the windows are pretty good apart from a couple of cracks in 2 windows. What I need i proper modern 2-3 glass windows with better thermal isolation to reduce he loss.

you can buy made to measure double glazing, just 2 panes of glass, sealed together though. If the external wooden window frames are deep enough, you extract the crack single external pane, replace with new double. You then kind of have a triple glazed one.

[Rick Methven]

Is this what is called 2+1 Fönster?

[BritVik]

That's about it, Rick. One of the main suppliers of these sealed units is, I believe, Norwegian. That is unless you have found one here in Sweden via the Internet.

[John.Smith]

Also look in Lithuania and Latvia. We just had all out windows and doors replaced a few weeks ago (frames et al). The Swedish supplier ordered and had manufactured the custom sizes from a factory there (sorry don't know who). See if you can cut of the middle man.

The 2+1 windows may take a bit of effort as you may need to adapt the the frames for the deeper/thicker glass. With rot-avdrag it may be cost justified to just replace the whole frame and all?

[Rick Methven]

Funny thing is I got a flyer in the postbox today from a local windows specialist who installs Elitefönster windows.

Only problem is they specialise in modern PVC windows/frames.They might have a better insulation, be easier to clean etc. but I think they look crap and out of place in an old house. I think I can get what I want for a DIY job from Skanskabyggvaror.se - 4,245kr per window 6 windows so 26k for the main windows plus 4 small basement windows for another 7k so 32k in total which I just about have got left from my horse winnings after paying for new parking place paving and remote control garage door

[skogsbo]

newer cheaper wood frame windows won't last like the older ones. In the days of old, folk would specifically pick the trees with which to use for house building wood, usually tree that have just died from beetle attack, but wasn't starting to rot, always cutting in winter etc..
Plus the timber treatment isn't as good with cut price companies. If a company offers a guarantee / warranty long than it's been in business, then beware!

You could just do the job in stages, do the cold sides or those most in need first.

[Rick Methven]

I am looking at getting quotes for having the outside half of the window re glazed with double glazing and leaving the inside pane in place. Problem is finding a glazier who is prepared to take on the job as most want to do the full replacement job for more profit.

It should be possible to unscrew the outside pane and leave the window secure inside while the outside is off being replaced. This should be easier to ensure that there are no fitting problems. It will have to wait until the weather is warmer though.

Edit:

Just found a brochure on line that says if you renovate old windows, you replace the inner glass with energy glass and leave the outer in place

[BritVik]

I mentioned my local window manufacturer who had supplied the umpteen windows for my previous house, that was TanumsFönster, and having 'lived behind' their windows for 18 years I can say that they were good. Don't know their prices, tho'. In the past and perhaps even today they also made to measure - - just in case your windows are of the older standard. Their glass units came from Norway.

Your idea of putting a two-glass unit into one of the sashes is also a good one providing the sash has sufficient depth to take the thicker unit. In my first house here in Sweden I was into that idea, but sold and moved, thus obviating the need. But there the sash would have accommodated the double glazed unit once the rebate was milled back to suit. You don't mention sash bars, whether the window is a one-piece or not. That would make a conversion more difficult.

I would, however, recommend waiting until warmer weather before tackling the job. Especially if you have no plans for a divorce ! ! Mrs.M would most certainly have no love of openings in the wall.

http://www.tanumsfonster.se/

[Rick Methven]

The windows have no sashes, they are standard Swedish side opening windows with a double pane that you can separate for cleaning. They have plenty of room for thicker glass especially if we remove the blinds between the 2 panes of glass.

I have spoken to a local company and they reckon they can do a double window a day, taken them down in the morning and take to their workshop to clean up and re-glaze and bring them back in the afternoon.

I have no intention of doing anything before the late spring/early summer but just want to earmark the balance of my V75 win before it just gets spent on general expenditure