25 October 2016

Ask RiotACT: Ex-guvvie timber windows

| Bundahisms
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Ask RiotACT

Long time reader, first time poster…

In short, I have an ex-guvvie (in monocrete!) in the inner south and am looking at various reno issues around the place, including windows. From a budget perspective I don’t have enough $ to do a knock down, and even large scale replacement work is stretching things. On the windows, the house retains its original timber (mainly casement) framed windows. One or two need to be replaced replacing – the timber has rotted through. The rest though, seem pretty solid so I have been pondering keeping them and having the paper-thin glass replaced with e-glass (double glazing is great but prohibitively costly for me) and sealing the casement to get a positive seal. Seems like a waste to dispose of something in decent condition.

Question one – has anyone else gone down this path?

Secondly, and a bit more involved – in one or two of the windows the casement section is in average condition (although the frame appears fine) – does anyone know of a company that could/would manufacture those sections standalone to measure? I accept the cost of that might be prohibitive.

Alternatively, and lastly, does anyone have any ex-guvvie timber windows in good condition sitting around gathering dust or anyone planning a demo of a monocrete ex-guvvie? 🙂

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Do not go and search Winter Windows as the site has been hacked. It is now called Clear Comfort.

I have one available in good condition free in Narrabundah. It can be viewed on Gumtree with picture.

You can also go to the Green Shed at the tip in Mugga Lane or the transfer station in Mitchell, lots of goodies there.

Add Window Insulation Film. I think this might also be called winter windows. In a previous house (ex-guvvie too 🙂 ) I stuck these to the wooden window frames to give some of the double glazing effect. Very cheap. Unlike many aluminium windows, the wooden windows had enough gap between the window frame and the glass to work. As it’s on the actual (opening) window part the window can still be opened.
Plus remember, an aluminium double glazed window without thermal breaks in the frame (most don’t have thermal breaks from my experience checking different brands out a few years ago), gives no better insulation than a wooden frame with single glazed window. So to replace a wooden framed window with a double glazed aluminium window without thermal breaks, is throwing your money away for no improvement. The old windows might leak though, so perhaps some window sealing around the edges could also improve them.

Holden Caulfield10:37 am 01 Nov 16

Try the Handymans Trading Post on Geelong Street, Fyshwick. They don’t have website, but you can find them on Facebook. But I recommend going to their shop. It’s a fun way to spend some time looking at all their quirky goods, plus they do have a lot of windows and would be good to talk to, as they may have more ideas for sourcing products for you.

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