Double-glazing

[coccinelle]

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?

[The Builder]

I guess you're not listed Cocci.......... otherwise you'd have no choice!
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.

[AlBags]

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.

[AlBags]

PS ..

Exterior ... Water-based Dulux Weathershield satin. Mixed to colour.
Great stuff .. but a bit dear.

[coccinelle]

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

[AlBags]

What a load of rubbish ...
Will look great in your caravan.

[coccinelle]

What is a load of rubbish, Albags????

[AlBags]

All the stuff on that website.
Period? That 'cladding' will just encourage wet rot, stain marks and not allow any timber to breathe. Important in this country.

[AlBags]

In fact .. I can't see how you can even consider this style/type of window for a period property.
What style and construction material is it?

[coccinelle]

I live in France; it's a very old stone property, one level with the roof converted. This kind of window frame is often used on renovation manor houses over here. Will have to look into the risk of wet rot..... as the wood is exposed inside the house this allows the wood to breath.