I have 2 pairs of casement windows in matching rooms at each end of the house. They are timber, each opening approx 1630 x 1410 (inside the window frame, therefore each window is itself approx 780 x1430, allowing for the central post and frame overlap). The top of the sill is only 680mm from floor. The windows are approx 4-5 metres off the ground.

Additionally each window is very light construction, 50x40 on 3 sides and 95x40 bottom frame. Timber looks to be softwood, but not cedar. Not sure what it is, maybe meranti.

All glazing is 1970s 3mm glass. Or is it 4mm, can't remember.

Window opening is enabled by top and bottom (ie horizontal) friction stays. I have added safety chains to prevent the windows being opened more than about 100mm.

So .... they are both low and light. They are also in need of renovation, being 40 years old.

So I think my options, in terms of decreasing effort are:
a) Take out the whole lot, add 2 courses of brickwork to increase the floor clearance, and get new, smaller windows made and fitted. Matching bricks will be a real BBBB, and this is major surgery;
b) Take out the windows, replace with heavier frames and 4mm (?) safety glass. This will probably mean converting from friction stays to 3 x hinges each window;
c) Re-glue the frames, convert to safety glass and hope the load isn't excessive for friction stays and safety chains;
d) Re-paint them only, leave friction stays and safety chais in place.

What to do?


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