The topic of windows is still on our minds.
The existing windows are 22 years old, double-glazed, and there are no anti-burglary measures in place. The house has a lot of windows, so retrofitting security features would be quite expensive.
Because of this, we are now quite unsure whether installing new windows might make more sense in terms of cost-benefit, heat loss, insulation, and overall value enhancement of the house.
All the windows have a U-value of 1.3. This refers to the value related to the entire window surface.
We know there are windows with a U-value of 0.6. Can it be assumed that this would roughly halve the heat loss? We have two children, so we also heat bathrooms, children’s rooms, etc. The house has a lot of windows, and we would have the costs for upgrading locking mechanisms anyway.
Or are new windows, with values approaching Passive House standards, so expensive that they won’t pay off within the next 20 years? Is this energy-saving aspect overrated?
There are 20 total window sashes... three of them are floor-to-ceiling windows. For at least 11 sashes, we would retrofit multipoint locks, and we received a quote that amounts to nearly 300 euros per window. So the retrofitting would cost about 3500 euros, but the windows would remain 22 years old and double-glazed with a U-value of 1.3.
The existing windows are 22 years old, double-glazed, and there are no anti-burglary measures in place. The house has a lot of windows, so retrofitting security features would be quite expensive.
Because of this, we are now quite unsure whether installing new windows might make more sense in terms of cost-benefit, heat loss, insulation, and overall value enhancement of the house.
All the windows have a U-value of 1.3. This refers to the value related to the entire window surface.
We know there are windows with a U-value of 0.6. Can it be assumed that this would roughly halve the heat loss? We have two children, so we also heat bathrooms, children’s rooms, etc. The house has a lot of windows, and we would have the costs for upgrading locking mechanisms anyway.
Or are new windows, with values approaching Passive House standards, so expensive that they won’t pay off within the next 20 years? Is this energy-saving aspect overrated?
There are 20 total window sashes... three of them are floor-to-ceiling windows. For at least 11 sashes, we would retrofit multipoint locks, and we received a quote that amounts to nearly 300 euros per window. So the retrofitting would cost about 3500 euros, but the windows would remain 22 years old and double-glazed with a U-value of 1.3.
ypg schrieb:
By the way, my source is my professional experience in the field known as Spusi. It’s not just about swinging a paintbrushWhy, do you also do Spube? 😉 😀
Nordlys schrieb:
aha, you lead a scout group!Those times are over, Karsten.
So what... I wouldn’t make major investments in replacing the locking mechanisms on 22-year-old windows for around 300 per window.
The money is spent, and then sooner or later someone (one of many) just breaks the glass.
I have also seen high-quality windows with mushroom-head locks being forced open, although that’s less common.
I checked out some upgrade videos on YouTube: for some people, these might be suitable. Still, these are all promotional videos from companies selling security products.
@Mizit, you should get advice from the local police first, then later consult an energy advisor about new windows.
Best regards, Yvonne
I had also assumed that these resistance classes are standardized and that a mushroom-head lock would hold for more than 10 seconds...
In general, my opinion is: if a professional criminal really wants to break in somewhere, they will succeed. A typical single-family home won’t be able to fully protect against that, and we don’t have the budget to turn our house into a high-security facility. However, I also believe that neither the house nor we give the impression that wealthy millionaires live here or that there is anything valuable enough to make a professional burglary worthwhile. I just don’t think so. But living in a quiet suburban area with the possibility to approach the back of the house fairly unnoticed—that exists...
Still, I’m quite shocked by the retrofit costs. Spending over 3000 euros solely on upgrades doesn’t seem very reasonable to me. For over 3000 euros, I might be able to get five new, really good windows instead?
In general, my opinion is: if a professional criminal really wants to break in somewhere, they will succeed. A typical single-family home won’t be able to fully protect against that, and we don’t have the budget to turn our house into a high-security facility. However, I also believe that neither the house nor we give the impression that wealthy millionaires live here or that there is anything valuable enough to make a professional burglary worthwhile. I just don’t think so. But living in a quiet suburban area with the possibility to approach the back of the house fairly unnoticed—that exists...
Still, I’m quite shocked by the retrofit costs. Spending over 3000 euros solely on upgrades doesn’t seem very reasonable to me. For over 3000 euros, I might be able to get five new, really good windows instead?
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