Window pain

Our plan was to have anthracite grey coloured powder-coated aluminium windows. We knew that the windows would be a major expense but were shocked to receive quotes amounting to 25 - 40% of our budget! uPVC windows would be a cheaper option. However uPVC cannot be used for the arched gable end windows as it does not have sufficient strength. Timber, btw, would be more expensive. Our options therefore are to go with powder-coated aluminium or to change the design so that we can use uPVC. The later option would require the drawings to be amended and resubmitted to the planning department for approval.

We have decided on a compromise. The large windows will be in aluminium, the windows and doors on the ground floor will be uPVC and we will have a composite front door. This solution was put forward by IPC Windows, Newbury.

Matt from IPC Windows has been on site to measure up and we await his drawings for our approval. The are differences in the radii of the four rib beams comprising the end cruck frames. IPC will size the windows to the smallest radii rather than making them to fit the voids. This will keep the cost down but means that there will be a gap of between 25 and 75mm around the sub-frames which will have to be filled later.

Delivery is estimated to be 3 to 4 months from the order being placed. So we are looking to the late autumn before the building will be sealed. It looks like we will be in the grunglow for at least another winter.

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