replacement windows.

[Janebarbara]

I have a forty five year old semi detached bungalow. It has ugly aluminium windows and doors appox thirty years old. How do I choose what windows to get upvc or aluminium?

[Ethel]

I'd be surprised if you can still buy aluminium windows - they are not energy efficient and are generally unpopular.

Wood or upvc, in my opinion.

[gasman]

Look around you're neighbours properties for a feel of the style and type of window that looks in keeping with the homes and area. Decide on you're budget and get a few quotes. Make sure you use a FENSA registered company.

[Big Al1st]

Hi Jane, I would get uPVC as they are maintenance free.
Get quotes from local Companies, dont touch the nationals.
Price depends on number of windows, number of openings ect. If you want wood effect then you will pay 25% more, Woodgrain outside white inside 15% more.
Eight reasonably standard windows should cost about �2900 fitted.
As Gasman states make sure that the company that installs is Fensa Registered.
Dont live near Chippenham do you? Rgds Al

[auzzie]

I found this on this website:
http://www.cat.org.uk/information/catinfo.tmpl ?command=search&db=catinfo.db&eqSKUdatarq=Info Sheet_Glazing

Timber, uPVC or aluminium frames?

If you are replacing your windows, then wood is definitely the option to go for. There are lots of environmental problems associated with the manufacture of PVC. High levels of dioxins and other organochlorines are found around PVC plants and are released to the atmosphere on combustion. They've been linked with cancer, immune system damage and hormone disruption. Although manufacturing techniques are improving, disposal at end-of-life is still a problem.

PVC windows will use large amounts of energy in manufacture, whereas wood windows will not. Wooden windows can last for more than 50 years, and beyond that they can be renovated rather then replaced. PVC windows will usually need replacing after a much shorter period. And although PVC window manufacturers claim their products are maintenance free, Dulux recently brought out a PVC window paint, recommended for use every six years!

Aluminium windows will have involved a lot of energy use and pollution during manufacture. The coatings used on some frames make their recycling difficult - which is not ideal for such a high-value material, so look for anodized frames if you do choose aluminium.

FSC-certified temperate (rather than tropical) hardwood or a durable softwood should be the first choice. This will last longer than a cheaper less durable softwood window, and the preservatives needed to protect the latter will cause some pollution when the wood eventually needs to be disposed of. Softwood, or sustainable (e.g. FSC) timber would still be preferable to uPVC.