I've seen this topic elsewhere, but no replies, so hoping I might get better luck!
I have classic steel Crittal windows in the main bays of my 1921-built house. As we all know, they look lovely, but they are now slightly warped and in cold weather with recent energy prices have probably bankrupted me.
Thing is, it's quite a well built house, and the frames are gorgeous solid English oak. They are in perfect condition, miraculously having been well looked after by previous owners (unlike the rest of the house). I really don't want to change the frames as it will not only spoil the look of the windows, but they are probably load-bearing too and it could massively increase the scope of the job - last bays I did required jacks while the frames were changed.
My though was to find a glazer/joiner to construct me some compliant triple-glazed panels with leading on the outside for effect, and have them fitted to the existing frames, presumably by cutting a channel in the right way to allow them to be fitted, sealed and fixed in place. The existing frames are deep enough that I think they would accommodate a pane without any difficulty.
Any thoughts on who would do this work or if this is the best approach? My plan was to first of all call the company I've used in the past, but they really are window manufacturers who make custom frames - they just buy the panels in from a specialist. I'm hoping in the current environment they would welcome the work, but then I'm often surprised on that front.
Thanks for any thoughts/comments.
Jock
I have classic steel Crittal windows in the main bays of my 1921-built house. As we all know, they look lovely, but they are now slightly warped and in cold weather with recent energy prices have probably bankrupted me.
Thing is, it's quite a well built house, and the frames are gorgeous solid English oak. They are in perfect condition, miraculously having been well looked after by previous owners (unlike the rest of the house). I really don't want to change the frames as it will not only spoil the look of the windows, but they are probably load-bearing too and it could massively increase the scope of the job - last bays I did required jacks while the frames were changed.
My though was to find a glazer/joiner to construct me some compliant triple-glazed panels with leading on the outside for effect, and have them fitted to the existing frames, presumably by cutting a channel in the right way to allow them to be fitted, sealed and fixed in place. The existing frames are deep enough that I think they would accommodate a pane without any difficulty.
Any thoughts on who would do this work or if this is the best approach? My plan was to first of all call the company I've used in the past, but they really are window manufacturers who make custom frames - they just buy the panels in from a specialist. I'm hoping in the current environment they would welcome the work, but then I'm often surprised on that front.
Thanks for any thoughts/comments.
Jock