Worth replacing windows?

levi

Looking for some advice. I’ve read that you’re better off insulating than replacing windows cos you won’t notice a difference. However, we’ve just moved into a 1940s red brick semi-d. I think internal insulation could create a damp problem whilst outer insulation isn’t really an option from an asthetic point of view.

The windows are a mix of pvc and aluminium. I expect they were installed in the 80s if not before. I can see that the seals are deteriorating and they don’t look in great shape. At the same time with a bay window I expect it’s going to cost us a good bit to replace all the windows in the house so would like any advice as to whether we should look to try and repair the seals (if this is even possible??) or just start saving to replace them? Or what other options do we have?

I’m also terrified the house is going to be freezing with these crappy windows... BER is E2. Would more modern windows improve this?

Carrickbeg

levi wrote: »

Looking for some advice. I’ve read that you’re better off insulating than replacing windows cos you won’t notice a difference. However, we’ve just moved into a 1940s red brick semi-d. I think internal insulation could create a damp problem whilst outer insulation isn’t really an option from an asthetic point of view.

The windows are a mix of pvc and aluminium. I expect they were installed in the 80s if not before. I can see that the seals are deteriorating and they don’t look in great shape. At the same time with a bay window I expect it’s going to cost us a good bit to replace all the windows in the house so would like any advice as to whether we should look to try and repair the seals (if this is even possible??) or just start saving to replace them? Or what other options do we have?

I’m also terrified the house is going to be freezing with these crappy windows... BER is E2. Would more modern windows improve this?

I would replace the windows...there are many companies doing triple glaze windows with very low u-values...there are many grants available for upgrading old homes to make them more energy efficient...did u investigate if they cover windows?

How many windows and doors in house? You should get a few different companies out for quotes...

smelly sock

A bad / faulty window in your home is a akin to a hole in the wall. Go windows first imo. The difference will be serious.

listermint

In short, yes it's very worth replacing windows. It's a serious starting point

goat2

Wasting your time heating house, when all the hot air is being sucked out by cold draughts, hot air will always be drawn by cold

Lumen

I ran the numbers on my single glazed house, and (IIRC) even with 40sqm of the worst performing glass I was only losing 15% of my heat demand through them, although that doesn't include draughts.

Windows are really expensive too.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't replace them, but they wouldn't be my first fix in a freezing house.

We had a guy come in and replace catches and hinges on PVC double glazing that had been installed in the 1980’s. It cost €50 per opening and is still perfect 5 years later. We will replace windows in the future but this has given us some time. We also dry lined interior walls with insulated plasterboard. It’s made some difference!

It’s a 1930’s 2 up 2 down built with mass concrete.

levi

Lumen wrote: »

I ran the numbers on my single glazed house, and (IIRC) even with 40sqm of the worst performing glass I was only losing 15% of my heat demand through them, although that doesn't include draughts.

Windows are really expensive too.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't replace them, but they wouldn't be my first fix in a freezing house.

Yes, we’re thinking we should invest in some heavy curtains and take our time deciding what we want to do. Might upgrade our boiler but that’s more due to an inconvenient location and it being pretty old as opposed to heating the rads any hotter.

I agree that the windows need to be replaced it’s just a case of when cos I think it could cost 12k+ for pvc and then more if we go down the timber/aluclad route.

Nervous about insulating inside as I have heard that although it is effective, this can create a damp problem between the brick and the drywall... correct me if I’m wrong as I’m a total newbie at all this.

goat2

If you are a diy person, you could use sealant to seal around windows for the foreseeable future, and purchase heavy curtains, that would help, Even though I do not have a problem with my 20+ year old double glazed windows, I do use heavy curtains, an engineer friend of mine advised me on this, when I said I was thinking of triple glazing some rooms, he said a good blind and heavy curtains with double glazing is better than triple glazing, and I find them great, glass is cold anyway whether it is double or triple glazed, they just radiate cold if one sit beside them in winter, and a new boiler will save you, biving better heat at better cost, the new boilers are great