Victorian Terrace - Thoughts on various window options?

Hi all,

Tempted to replace existing timber window frames with aluminium ... I just think that aluminium seem to work and look better. Thoughts?

Also, wondering if I should remove steel bars in front of them and replace glass with 10.38mm laminated glass. May not be as good a deterrent as the bars but should provide a certain level of security. Again, thoughts please?

Any my most controversial idea window idea ... given that we never open the windows on the front ground floor which practically fronts onto the street, fixed panels seem to make a lot more sense than openable windows. Thought?

 

What's there now - in terms of window style? Also, some photos of the house would help people to give feedback.

 

If you go with the thicker glass then you might not be able to go with standard ali window frames. If you go Aluminium then get one with thick frames so it's more of a match to the existing wood ones.

I would still do windows rather than fixed glass as ventilation is essential even if you don't use it much.

 

Currently wooden windows that don't even close properly. Either way, they need to be replaced

 

You're required to have 5% of the floor space as ventillation & 10% for daylight. So fixed windows won't work unless you're providing fresh air from another source (air cond with fresh air intake).

Why are there bars? Is the area as rough as it was when the bars were installed?

Do they just require maintenance? Ie new sash cords and adjust weights or are the sills and sashes worn/rotten?

 

Wood has expanded/rotted and I think would benefit with new replacement.
House is actually quite well ventilated.
Re bars, its just standard for inner city terraces as windows are only set back 1mt from busy street.
Gotta say, I've found them very effective as a deterrent, its just that they are so unattractive

 

Aluminum may cheapen the look of the house. Especially if all surrounding houses have timber. Bars are hard to make look good its true

 

hi wylie,
are these internal or external shutters? any pics please?