Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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Nicky cigreen
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Windows - the house kindI've realised a couple of my windows are a bit rotten 
We put them in, the best part of 20 years ago, softwood, and it's the few that face the prevailing weather.. we get a lot of weather here,..
So, what is considered the best choice environmentally, these days? My neighbour just had aluminium put in and they look good... I don't like upvc.
Thoughts?
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Mistress Rose
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Aluminium should last well, but they need to have a good thermal barrier in them. I expect they do these days. We had aluminium double glazed windows put in over 50 years ago, and there were no thermal barriers, so the frames got cold and therefore wet inside, but the windows were excellent.
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dpack
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how long is a piece of string ?
decent coated Al with double glazing can be got at a decent price, last at least 25 yrs(carp ones ten tops)
probably my choice for year on year value in most circumstances
joiner made hardwood, immortal if fettled and repainted every 5/7 years
expensive investment with ongoing costs
cheap carp(or expensive carp) of any sort might look ok enough for a few months while you sell the house 
if you are grade 1, it will be expensive
if you are replacing (and it is permitted to use them) double glazed does reduce heating costs a little
dg can be fitted in a variety of frame styles
if replacing get quality, at a good price
best value is usually someone who will measure, go away, send you a spec and price
pressure selling/but buying to get rid of them is expensive and usually (always) carp
mr shiney shoes on a building site talking to me is FAF 
if security or safety are issues, laminate is surprisingly strong
our hall door does not break in a front to back wind slam, that saves new glass every few years in this house.
in london security on the exposed frontage and secluded but accessible rear was more the motive, i tried that with a thrown brick, it passed the test 
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Nicky cigreen
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thanks for the replies.
it's already DG - we put them in when we moved here. We opted for softwood back then as HW... I dunno even when they say it comes from sustainable sources I have my doubts. I think nearly 20 years isn't that bad going for softwood given the conditions and how I didn't maintain them in recent years due to being busy with grief/covid/serious illness etc. I have to be realistic that I wont be on top of maintenance going forwards either, hence considering Aluminium.
The house is old, but not listed, and will go for DG. I never agree to a price when the sales people come ... I always ask for the number then consider at my leisure.
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