Ugly UPVC windows

8 years ago

Hi Houzzers, we are currently undergoing a complete renovation of our 1930s terraced house. 2 problems: 1. we have upvc windows 2. they are a horrible brown wood-effect colour! In an ideal world we would re-instate the original style wooden windows however we just don't have the budget for this. Does anyone have any suggestions on what can be done to make these less of an eyesore? Would really like to end up with a beautiful house inside and out :)

Featured Answer

headers13

8 years ago

It's a shame you can't replace them but they are expensive. I would paint the red black - think next door have as then it won't be such a contrast with the brown. Any budget to change the glass to plain ?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

Jonathan
8 years ago
I agree with the first comment.
If you could change the glass in the lower panes for plain glass then this would be a big improvement.
Ffion Francis thanked Jonathan
Related Discussions
Advice or experience on painting upvc windows
Q
Comments (4)
I would recommend painting it every few years but that's only personal preference. As long as the surfaces are cleaned and then painted with the zinnser sufficiently and then I would say 2 oil based top coats (undercoat and gloss is ideal) then I can't see you having any problems
...See More
Need help with exterior of house...upvc windows
Q
Comments (11)
If anyone happens to read this thread, I have actually started to repaint the Mole's Breath with Downpipe, which I much prefer. The Moles Breath, in certain light, took on a brownish hue which I didn't like. It hasn't weathered that well, but this side of the house is quite exposed to the elements so we knew we would need to re do on a regular basis. Downpipe is more of a definite grey I think. Still unsure of what to do with the windows, if any designers out there would like to suggest a frame colour that would go well with F & B Downpipe? Husband painted one of the frames early summer with Zinsser primer and two topcoats, just white for now, and so far it is weathering well. We also need to change the exterior lights if anyone has any good suggestions? The door will be replaced too. Just haven't got around to it yet! I'm comfortable with interior design but the exterior is bugging me and our budget is limited for now.
...See More
Help needed with ugly UPVC front porch!
Q
Comments (12)
Depending on budget, I would replace the sliding doors with the original front door and window you could then brick up the window space giving you more storage space internally, then just add a different front door in its place. where the side window is going back towards the bay I would brick up to underside of existing window sill height and keep the window above so you don't loose to much light in the bay window. Seeing the original front door would be so much better than the sliding doors .
...See More
Pebbledash and upvc window painting
Q
Comments (15)
You have a substantial period property 1920s? which looks of its time. I would be very reluctant to try and modernise its appearance. How will it look in a few years time? Think 1930s houses with updated 60s fireplaces and 1980s houses with mock Victorian fire surrounds.
...See More
maria galvano
8 years ago
I actually like the colour of the frames but agree plan glass on lower panes and repaint the red bit a soft colour like a moss green on trend colour love the bay design and frontage of your smart home
Ffion Francis thanked maria galvano
PRO
Ikonografik Design
8 years ago
Can you afford new uPVC windows in white? If so I'd definitely consider this. You can get flush sashes [frames don't stick out] and dummy sashes so there are equal sight lines. This would look like the original timber windows at a fraction of the price. If feasible get certified Secured by Design windows with ultra high energy efficiency double glazed units.

with the tiled panel between the windows I personally wouldn't paint it as it'll need to be repainted every few years and will soon look dated. If you can afford it totally replace the tiles with new ones that match the roof tiles. Make sure you add in a breather membrane on the outside of the timber studs + insulation + a vapour barrier to the inside of the timber studs.

Hope it goes well.
Ffion Francis thanked Ikonografik Design
Ffion Francis
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks all for your comments and suggestions. Replacing the glass panes could definitely be an option and we have already thought about potentially painting the tiles - one of the neighbours have painted a grey colour and looks much nicer.

@ikonografik had not even considered replacing with white upvc as it just seems that if we are going to fork out for new windows it seems silly to replace with upvc which we don't even like! Do you have any kind of idea how much the flush sash would cost? I did however see some upvc windows at grand designs yesterday which looked much nicer and closer to wood effect than the bog standard upvc although these would be more costly (approx. 40% more than standard upvc). We have also looked into potentially paying to get them spray painted white which I believe would cost in the region of £2k.

We are also planning on replacing the door with a traditional style wooden one which in itself is very costly so I am also worried that it will look silly having a nice wooden door with upvc windows!
PRO
Ikonografik Design
8 years ago
Will come back with some images and links in a bit, Eurocell Modus spring to mind
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Ffion,
Please don't replace with White UPVC they are absolutely horrible. You are very lucky they are as nice as they are. So my suggestion is to paint with a primer like zinsser or another brand that will adhere to plastic and then paint a colour like charcoal, not too black.. If you were considering to replace the windows then definitely don't go down the upvc route. They devalue properties... but the good thing is that yours are nicer than most! I don't even mind the window panes too much as I think you will make gr8 strides just by painting the brown plastic..

Of course... this applies to the front door too... as you can do the same... Think a charcoal here too would be lovely... 2 nice square slate looking planters with something lovely either side of the door would be rather nice too.. Will you keep the little "porch" ? Could be nice without it... I like the brick too and would leave that alone.. :))
Jonathan
8 years ago
Quick note that UPVC does not automatically devalue houses. In residential areas they are part of the typical streetscape and therefore do not stand out as a poor choice- indeed they add much needed insulation to many houses that were built without any.
Sash windows may not sit well with this '30s style architecture.
I think painting your tiles on the bay will look much crisper- you could also render it.
Replacing your front door will help personalise your house but I agreed with AJ that you could save the money now and paint it- this does not exclude the possibility of replacing it later but likely the £2k saved now can be put to good use.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/property-market/10168770/Top-10-things-that-devalue-your-home.html?frame=2612911

:))
PRO
Ikonografik Design
8 years ago
Just in case of any misunderstanding re. my previous post I wasn't recommending vertical sliding sash windows but standard side hinged.

A sash is the collective term used to describe the glazed construction of any window. Most windows are side hinged so they are hinged opening sash windows. Vertical sliding sash windows open by sliding up and down. Central pivot are hinged in the middle so rotate inside to out. Fixed sashes don't open.

I may do a future article on windows, explanatory terms, construction, glazed units, associated ironmongery etc. if this hasn't already been done on Houzz...
PRO
Coastal Group
8 years ago
This would be good. It's a very common misunderstanding @Ikonografik Keep in touch :)
Ffion Francis
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks everyone. Thought I'd share some images of other houses on the same street. I think that painting white would make a big difference as would painting the tiles grey or similar.

The other issue is that we need to make our minds up in the next couple of days really as we are having new windows put in the back (new bathroom in loft extension) and so would be silly to not try to match whatever it is we end up doing to windows at the front of the house!
headers13
8 years ago
The white & grey look nice.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Ffion,

The grey tiles are rather nice and if you went down the charcoal matt route for windows this would be rather nice... Add some green plants and nice square slate style metal planters and the whole thing will be lovely I think.. The colour looks like a creamy chalky off white... I think this would be lovely with charcoal and grey. Pure white is rather cold, so look for a creamy white... : ))
taniaglen
8 years ago
Hi, I wouldn't paint the tiles black with the brown Windows, try matching it with the brickwork under the windows as they tone with the windows, paint the house a creamy colour and the woodwork near the roof the same as the tiles.
PRO
Ikonografik Design
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello again, some alternative uPVC companies to look into perhaps, all providing an authentic timber appearance.

R9:

http://www.residence9.co.uk/

Rehau:

http://www.rehauhome.com/uPVC-windows/Casement-Windows

http://rehau.com/gb-en/pvcu-windows-doors--composite-curtain-walling/windows/casement-windows/nordic-design-plus#tab1

Eurocell Modus:

http://www.eurocell.co.uk/homeowners/windows/modus-windows

Ugly UPVC windows

headers13

Comments (16)

Jonathan

Related Discussions

maria galvano

Ikonografik Design

Ffion Francis
Original Author

Ikonografik Design

Amber Jeavons Ltd

Jonathan

Amber Jeavons Ltd

Ikonografik Design

Coastal Group

Ffion Francis
Original Author

headers13

Amber Jeavons Ltd

taniaglen

Ikonografik Design

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Ugly UPVC windows

Comments (16)

Related Discussions

Ffion FrancisOriginal Author

Ffion FrancisOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Ffion Francis
Original Author

Ffion Francis
Original Author