Should I replace my windows?

Aaron78

I'm currently in the process of starting renovations on a 1970 bungalow.
My architect wants me to replace all the windows in the house. They are all UPVC Windows that were installed in 2005.
To me and most of my family the windows are fine, the reason the architect wants me to replace them is because I'm doing a lot of insulation to the house including external insulation and new window stills are required. He says I will probably need to replace the windows in 5 years and better to do it now while all the other work is being done in the house and as the window stills would need to be replaced then as well

What would you do, he says it would out approx 12k

Calahonda52

Iff you are doing the EWI then the argument is a little more subtle than "He says I will probably need to replace the windows in 5 years" because it gives you a chance to make a real difference with the thermal bridging and cold transmission across the window head and reveals.

Likewise "new window stills are required." normally means just cutting off the protrusion of concrete beyond the face of the wall if windows are left in place, so not "new".

If you just replace like for like window frames, ignoring glazing for now, then the thickness of EWI on the head and reveals may be a little as 6mm, with maybe 100 or more on the walls.

IMhO: this is a crap job, period.

One option is to add an additional section to the window frame all round to allow more EWI on reveals and head.

The second, more RR job, is to hang the new windows on the outside face on the wall, before the EWI gets fitted.

Not all EWI installers are either interested or have the requisite skill level for option 2, but it is the Rolls Royce approach, energy wise.

HTH

MicktheMan

OP, another option, if the current windows are serviceable now, is to move your current windows out flush with the outer wall and wrap the frames in the ewi and airtighten/make good the internal reveals. This isn't as good a job as upgrading with new windows but one to be explored perhaps.
If it was me, I'd go the upgraded window route. Done right, the thermal comfort improvement is superb.

Dudda

Waiting on new windows due mid September and will install external insulation after. As above the new windows will be further out to line up with the new external insulation removing cold bridges. It's a late 1970's house too and the best way to go.

Calahonda52

Dudda wrote: »

Waiting on new windows due mid September and will install external insulation after. As above the new windows will be further out to line up with the new external insulation removing cold bridges. It's a late 1970's house too and the best way to go.

Have you a detail you can share re when you say : further out

Calahonda52

MicktheMan wrote: »

OP, another option, if the current windows are serviceable now, is to move your current windows out flush with the outer wall and wrap the frames in the ewi and airtighten/make good the internal reveals. This isn't as good a job as upgrading with new windows but one to be explored perhaps.
If it was me, I'd go the upgraded window route. Done right, the thermal comfort improvement is superb.

Good thinking!
Have you a solution for doors in this scenario?

MicktheMan

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Good thinking!
Have you a solution for doors in this scenario?

Doors are a bit more tricky but can be done with correct threshold detailing. Doors tend to be in a worse state that windows so maybe go with new doors.