Portobello Town Scheme (was: double glazing)

[Sandra]

can anyone recommend double glazing/window company?

[seashell]

I had all my windows and doors replaced by CR Smith a couple of years ago. Great service and superb workmen who even hoovered up after themselves!

[Bob Jefferson]

What kind of windows do you have at present? Original wooden sash and case or old double glazing? We had our 30 + year old double glazed units replaced with traditional sash and case a few years ago. We successfully applied for a grant of £3000 under the Town Conservation Scheme, which paid for half the work. I wouldn't recommend the company we used, although I'm very happy with the windows. PM me if you want more info.

[Bob Jefferson]

You may also find this of interest:

The Portobello Town Scheme funds restoration and reinstatement work in the Portobello Conservation Area using traditional methods and materials. The Scheme is jointly run by Historic Scotland. The principles under which the Portobello Town Scheme operates were agreed at the outset by the City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Scotland. Each application received is assessed on its own merits and the list below indicates some examples of work that is eligible for funding. This list is not exhaustive.

* Timber sash and case windows with the original astragal pattern;

* Correctly detailed panelled doors;

* Cast iron railings; and gates to the original pattern;

* Removal of render/paint applied to original stone or brick frontages;

* Masonry repairs.

and this, in particular:

It is now agreed with Historic Scotland that in Town Schemes, double glazing is acceptable where it is replacing inappropriate windows such as UPVC windows subject to the following parameters:

* Timber windows are constructed to a tradition pattern.
* Glazing bars/astragals are part of the sash construction.
* Glazing elements are fitted/mounted with putty or modern equivalent. Dry glazing would not be supported
* Moulding detail reflects local patterns or examples from buildings.

Standard 6.2 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended, states that every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that an insulation envelope is provided which reduces heat loss. This effectively means that double glazing which provides a maximum U-value (U-value is a measure of thermal transmittance) of at least 1.8 W/m2K is a mandatory requirement. The exception to this is in situations when the work does not involve complete replacement. In cases which involve repair, rather than complete replacement, it is acceptable to carry out work which does not make the standard any worse than that which currently exists - the replacement of single glazing on a like for like basis would, therefore, be acceptable in this situation.

[Epykat]

In the last house we used Custom Joinery and they were great. They do wooden sash and case windows which are also double glazed.

[foxy]

Hi Sandra

I used a company called Alba Glass & Glazing in Wallyford to replace a couple of double glazed panels that had gone faulty

They were excellent

They have a website

[Sandra]

Hi Sandra

I used a company called Alba Glass & Glazing in Wallyford to replace a couple of double glazed panels that had gone faulty

They were excellent

They have a website

Foxy, two other people recommended Alba and they are coming up to give a quote at the beginning of the week. The power of word of mouth

Thanks for the other recommendations folks!

[SoupDragon]

Did you get the windows done, Sandra.
We want to renew a couple of windows at the back of the house, due to it being a B listed building looks like we need to go for timber frames to replace the old ( leaky draughty ill fitting ) pvc ones we currently have.
Anybody got any recommendations

[Puerto bella]

Illingworth Brothers are v good for handmade timber sash and case windows.

[Sandra]

hi soupy, we used Alba Glass and Glazing for double glazed sash and case, would recommend. Makes the house a lot warmer. (just need to save up to get the back of the house done )

[Lones]

We used Ventrolla earlier in the year - they were very professional, not too expensive and did a great job:

http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/?gclid=CNCXw ... 4wod1TPihQ

[Epykat]

We just had a new double glazed back door done by EBS glass opposite Craigmillar Police Station. Fantastic service, great price and no complaints at all!

[SoupDragon]

As we're in a B listed building we need to go with timber sash and case
A very nice man came from Alba glass to measure up for a quote, seemed to know all thats involved.
Does anyone know if there are still grants available to replace pvc with timber sash and case?
or at least point me in the direction of what i should google to find out

[Maria]

I think you should be investigating the 'Portobello Town Scheme' SD, but I fear the pot is empty.

[wangi]

This is an interesting FOI response: http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... _statistic

[SoupDragon]

I cant find any info on the Portobello Town Scheme, seems Leith has a scheme going according to Edinburgh Council website but nothing mentioned about Portobello

I did have a chat with the planning help desk the other week, very helpful, they advised on the sort of windows we'd need, upvc replacement was not something they'd support, timber was an improvement and likey to be supported and they didn't think there was a grant available.

Was just being hopeful, the windows need replaced no matter what, we have towels along them in wet weather, in fact in the bad storms we didn't have enough towels to soak up the water coming in

New windows might give us more soundproofing so the plink plink plink on the masts of the boats outside won't be as annoying

[wangi]

I cant find any info on the Portobello Town Scheme

Ah well, i've just fliped over the edge and submitted a FOI; see: http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... tatistic_2

...
I would like to request some information regarding the operation of the Portobello Town Scheme, specifically: 1: Is this scheme still in operation, or has it been cancelled, superseded or otherwise suspended?
...

L/

[wangi]

See attached response

The Portobello Town Scheme ceased to run at the end of the financial year 2008-09. This is because there was no continuing Council funding for Town Schemes beyond this date. There is no existing or proposed successor scheme.

[Sandra]

Soupy your new windows look great, noticed you'd had them done when walking past today. Bet you feel a difference.

[SoupDragon]

Its been so cosy, no draughts. We really notice the diffrence in the boy's bedroom.

What quick neat workmen Alba Glass has!

We went ahead in spite of there being no grants as the old pvc windows were so ill fitting
Had a few firms down but mostly they wanted to fit replacement upvc, oh and one firm wouldnt come out unless Mr Soupy was there " for insurance purposes "

We've even got planning permission through.

[Porty]

Sounds great!

Did you get a bit of magnification added in to enhance the nebbing experience?

[SoupDragon]

Who needs magnification when you can look out the window and see a penguin running along the beach like we did last weekend?

When I saw the wind and the rain yesterday I was half way to getting the towels out, then realised we wouldn't need them