Looking for advice on replacing blown panes in a timber frame

[Jonahea]

We are about to move into a house with original timber frames that are 27 years old. Many panes have blown, and all will likely follow in time.

Our current thinking is to keep the timber frame and just replace the panes (and not replace everything with uPVC). But we are struggling to get a clear picture of whether this is a smart/cost-effective thing to do and whether it's something I could do myself.

One thing to note is window panes are slightly thicker now, so it would need some alterations to the window - or that's what our RICS survey says.

- Does anyone have an idea of how much it costs a pro to replace a pane?
- Whether it's a DIY-friendly job?
- How long a replacement plane will last?
- And whether this is the way you'd go - or would you just switch to uPVC?

By my count, we have 16 windows and 74 panes that would be affected! So it's a chunky number.

 

[ronniecabers]

Its certainly doable, as a company we do it regularly. I suspect they are puttied in ( hard to tell from pictures) , and suspect quite a few would break upon removal. in answer to your questions...

1/ Depends on size and how much d/g companies charge, and whether you'd need toughened glass anywhere, supply only for non tough we'd charge about £36 inc vat per double glazed unit MINIMUM ( there will be a minimum square meter price ), and thats for a unit containing Low e glass.
2/ depends how competent a diyer you are
3/ varies ... some don't guarantee into wood at all... we'd guarantee for 5 years providing there are glazed in a recognised way. Sealed units should on average last 10-15 years but there are a lot of variables
4/ Upvc costs a lot more , fitting can be quite ' intrusive ' BUT you get low maintenance and modern energy efficient windows...sealed units will still only have an a average expected life of 10-15 years though ... choice is yours