Timber Windows - Rotten. Repair or Replace?

LKJ899 on 08/12/2023 - 11:07

I live in a 1970s brick house and most of the awning timber windows can't be opened (handle and chain not working).

As they can't be closed properly, it's freezing during winter.

During summer we have split system in the bedrooms but I have to turn it to very low to cool the room

The exterior of the window is rotten (cracked and deformed wood pieces). Interior frame is fine.

Do you think it's worth to pay $$$ to replace with UPVC? or repair them? If I repair them, do I get carpenter or glazier or both? Any recommendation in Melbourne?

(Quote to replace with double glazed UPVC (made in Germany/UK/Belgium) approx $22k. Quote to replace with double glazed aluminium (not thermally break, no argon air) $11k)

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Mechz on 08/12/2023 - 11:11

    Quote to repair rotten sections in all windows? Probably a bloody lot less than $11k.

    • LKJ899 on 08/12/2023 - 11:15

      but who do I look for? carpenter only repair the timber, glazier change the glass? Current glass is only maybe 2 or 3mm and the wood around the glass is loose (almost falling out of the timber)

      • Mechz on 08/12/2023 - 11:21

        Just google 'timber window repair' lots of options.

      • Xistn on 08/12/2023 - 11:54

        Most proper Glaziers can do both, put a feeler out on Hipages and get some quotes.

        also your 3mm windows would need to change to todays standards (6mm iirc?) unless you go double glazed or bullet proof.

  • c64 on 08/12/2023 - 11:42

    really need a photo

  • sumyungguy on 08/12/2023 - 11:53

    I saw Winplex on TV, double-glazed UPVC, Australian made. Thermally broken needs a deeper dive. If you can cash flow the cost, it will be money well spent. There are many suppliers so you can easily get more quotes.

  • Benoffie on 08/12/2023 - 12:00

    Sounds like monolithic glass. If just glass replacement with 3-5mm, glazier. If looking for whole frame, window joint such as Stegbar etc.
    Residential frames can, from memory, only take up to 5mm glass so if you want the better double glazed/laminate soundproofing versions in 6 or 7 mm then you need semi commercial like Stegbar Alumiere. Past that (10mm) is commercial framing.
    Get several quotes. But you should compare on actual r value not by type of process/product.

  • AustriaBargain on 08/12/2023 - 12:06

    Odds of you selling the house, it being demolished, and replaced with a new one? But yeah I bet replacing it is a lot less than you think especially if you want to stick with single glaze.

  • garetz on 08/12/2023 - 12:07
    +3

    Repairing may cost more than replace as it is more labor intensive, plus the skills involved are dying out, also over time you will have the exact same problems in the future.

    it may seem expensive, but getting double glazed aluminium frames will probably be your best bet in the long run.

  • Gnilgorf on 08/12/2023 - 12:16

    Based on the information so far, and considering the state of the windows, replacing the windows sounds like a worthwhile investment in the long run.
    Unless of course there is a heritage overlay or other control on the house, which requires the original windows / aesthetics to be maintained then…well one would be paying a premium to have the windows restored for such degree.

    Anyway, there should be multiple Australian suppliers suitable double glazed systems. Would highly recommend any thermally broken / inert gas filled system and it does make a big impact on heat transfer through windows. Though be aware that in an older house, there will be other points of leakage, but hey every little bit counts.

    Yes, it might seem like a larger upfront cost, but what you don't pay now, will be paid (and sounds like it already is) for in much higher energy bills. See what your situation allows.

  • FoxJump on 08/12/2023 - 12:19

    What UPVC company?
    there's also https://kinzelindustries.com.au/ in Gladesville and https://prestigeplus.sydney/

    Also i would replace.
    i hate crappy swellying hard to open / close after 3000 paint jobs over the last 50 years wooden windows

    • sumyungguy on 08/12/2023 - 12:26

      OP is in Melbourne

      • FoxJump on 08/12/2023 - 14:17

        doh

  • cohiba30 on 08/12/2023 - 12:25
    +1

    I replaced two rotting large (wide) awning timber windows with custom sized aluminium three pane awnings myself, it wasn't too difficult and the end product is fantastic compared to the issues we had before. Total cost was well below $3k and it only took about 2 days of effort including the removal, installation and final touching-up

  • moph on 08/12/2023 - 16:22

    Shop around for double glazing suppliers. I'm in Perth so it may be a bit different, but I've seen local suppliers springing up selling windows manufactured in China rather than Europe at much lower prices. They're UVPC and thermally broken, components look good to me, although I haven't actually purchased any. FB group "My Efficient Electric Home" may be able to help recommend suppliers local to you.

  • JimmyF on 08/12/2023 - 17:40

    (Quote to replace with double glazed UPVC (made in Germany/UK/Belgium) approx $22k. Quote to replace with double glazed aluminium (not thermally break, no argon air) $11k)

    While I love UPVC double glazed windows, you do need to look at the total picture. So if you have no wall insulation or roof insulation or under floor insulation, you're not going to see all the pros from them.

    Better to go the cheaper double glazed aluminium windows, and spend the spare $11k on putting in wall/roof/under floor insulation, and draft proofing the house.

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