I need to buy three non-standard sized (960mm x 1290mm) replacement windows for my house. Can anyone recommend a good-value supplier?
I may opt for upvc or timber, depending on cost.
I am also trying to determine the current building regs for upstairs windows in domestic dwellings, and their opening requirements. Can anyone point me to the current regulations?
Many thanks,
Al
I need to buy three non-standard sized (960mm x 1290mm) replacement windows for my house. Can anyone recommend a good-value supplier?
I may opt for upvc or timber, depending on cost.
I am also trying to determine the current building regs for upstairs windows in domestic dwellings, and their opening requirements. Can anyone point me to the current regulations?
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If they are bedrooms they need to be "escapable through" (with the assumption that there is something safe on the other side to escape into)
tim
damn. I don't think they have changed but each room needs a window you can get a fireman in and out of so to speak.
2000 regs have a minimum openable area of .33 sq meter and no less than 450mm in any dimension (height or width)Any joiner who makes up windows will know the current regs. You may also need to put in trickle ventilation - again the joiners or window manufacturers will know 'the norm'
"tim....." wrote in news:a847iiFcf2U1 @mid.individual.net:
Thanks, Tim. I found one set of building regs that stipulates an unobstructed openng of at least 450mm by at least 450mm, the opening part being no more than 1100mm above floor level. I wonder if this is the current requirement.
There is nothing outside my first-floor windows, except a 12ft (approx) drop to the pavement below.
I found two online suppliers that can supply casement windows with the bottom half opening:
Thanks,
Al
I believe it is.
And that vital 0.33m^2 area. so 450x450 is NOT big enough.
Thats not an issue when you have a fire engine rig and ladder out there to climb down..
Frankly I have found that local suppliers an usually beat 'online prices' and make up anything you want.
UPVC is simply section cutting from standard stock and insertion of stock hardware and custom made glazing panels.
wood isn't a lot different.
If my experiences are anything to go by, you will probably get best value from a small local company.
Colin Bignell
The Natural Philosopher wrote in news:jviqqn$fev$ snipped-for-privacy@news.albasani.net:
Thank you for the great input. I'm now inclined to opt for having the full window area openable (top hung), to allow an uninterrupted view.
As this type costs about the same as a window that is only half-opening, I'm surprised more people don't opt for this type. Are there any disadvantages to having the full (1m x 1m approx) openable?
Thanks to the other respondees also.
Al
well the stays can get a bit large. But a lot of modern windows ate hinged part way down I suppose so that you can restruct the opening a bit..
I always prefer side hung that can b opened a little for ventilation or in an emergency, sofd the stay and open wide!
As with all these things, find a good local company and listen to what they say.
Only one thing is clear, the worst people to buy windows from are double glazing companies.
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That is certainly the case for new windows - i.e. for new build or extensions - but are you sure that it also applies to *replacement* windows, where you are simply replacing one window with another? I have several small upstairs windows which couldn't possibly comply with that without making the aperture in the brickwork much larger!
Unlike either a concrete patio or a very prickly strong bush like in my house you mean.
grin
Brian
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That is certainly the case for new windows - i.e. for new build or extensions - but are you sure that it also applies to *replacement* windows, where you are simply replacing one window with another? I have several small upstairs windows which couldn't possibly comply with that without making the aperture in the brickwork much larger!
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That's not the same thing as making the open-able part bigger.
And yes I am sure that it applies to replacement windows, in the same aperture (if it is big enough)
tim
There's no such thing as 'standard size' any more - they did used to be brick sized, IE the width of several brick's lengths, so that there's not quarter or thirds of bricks up each side of the reveal, these aren't required any more as you can fit a pvc frame in an opening that is 6 inches larger in both dimensions just by adding pvc 'knock ons' all around
Timber is more expensive than pvc, especially once you add on the units, which are included in the pvc price
If the bottom of the glass (not the frame) is below 800mm from floor, it needs to be toughened. Fire escapes are reccomended, you need at least one on each floor and they don't charge much extra for them...best idea is to ring up or nip and see a local window manufacturer and explain, take the sizes of the openings and they will quote you there and then and show you examples of obscure glass (if required) and cross sections of the frames
In Scotland at least, you're required to be able to clean the outside of all windows from the inside of the house (whether you employ a window cleaner or not).
Top hung windows which have a hinge at the top of the frame will not allow that, though you might get away with the ones where the opening portion moves out & down (because someone could reach out over the top of the moving part). I have a feeling that that's disallowed too if someone would have to stand on a chair or something to do it.
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And what if it's not big enough?
A third option, though you'd have to look a little harder to find a fabricator, is thermal break powder coat aluminium. Near maintenance free like plastic, and much slimmer like timber. More expensive admittedly.
Jeremy Nicoll - news posts wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@wingsandbeaks.org.uk.invalid:
That's interesting. I'm glad we don't have that particular rule in England. However, now you mention it, being able to clean the outside of all the glass from the inside does sound like an advantage. Of course, the degree to which it can be done, with various window types, depends on the tools one is using. (long-handled ones are going to reach further, etc.)
Al
Tony Bryer wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@delme.greentram.com:
Thanks.. That's good to know, as my windows are smaller than I'd like,regarding the amount of light they let in.
Al
I saw some the other day where the glass was only about one inch high. The rest was the frame and a trickle vent. The whole thing was about two bricks high.
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And what if it's not big enough?
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As you need PP to make it bigger, and PP might not be granted (esp in a conservation area), I guess that the current size of the hole trumps all other requirements.
tim
Correct. The Building Regulations would only apply to new openings, not to the replacement of existing windows (except to determine whether they comply with the requirements for energy efficiency). There is guidance in a British Standard that at least one replacement window on the first floor should be suitable for means of escape, but I don't know if it is enforcable by Trading Standards.
For the OP, the guidance for the means of escape is that the window should have a clear unobstructed area of at least 0.33m^2 measured at right angles to the glass, with a minimum opening width or height of
0.45m, and that the bottom of the opening (not necessarily the window sill) should be between 900mm - 1100mm above the floor. Consideration should also be given to where the window is placed in relation to any fragile or glazed roofs below.Having said all of that, a decent smoke detection system is a much better bet.
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