Double Glazing?

Author
Discussion

Steve_D

Original Poster:

13,795 posts

265 months

Saturday 5th September 2009
quotequote all
I plan to replace my windows and front door with upvc and do the installation myself.
I plan to use a woodgrain style, internally beaded, trickle vent and possibly some sort of higher rated glass like K glass.

• Can anyone advise the best profile make to go for? I have seen Rehau, Veka, Spectus, Synseal and Eurocell mentioned around the net.
I’m looking for the best overall system of profile, hinges, lock mechanisms etc.

• The windows will mostly be fitted where there is render outside and plaster inside so the current frames are effectively trapped. In some cases the plaster is the largest aperture and in others the render.
Am I right in assuming I have each window made to suit the largest aperture and pack as required?

• Any recommendations on a supplier?
This could be net based or local Portsmouth/South Coast.

• Anything I’ve forgotten?

Many thanks
Steve

Slagathore

5,965 posts

199 months

Saturday 5th September 2009
quotequote all
Steve_D said:
I plan to replace my windows and front door with upvc and do the installation myself.
I plan to use a woodgrain style, internally beaded, trickle vent and possibly some sort of higher rated glass like K glass.

• Can anyone advise the best profile make to go for? I have seen Rehau, Veka, Spectus, Synseal and Eurocell mentioned around the net.
I’m looking for the best overall system of profile, hinges, lock mechanisms etc.

• The windows will mostly be fitted where there is render outside and plaster inside so the current frames are effectively trapped. In some cases the plaster is the largest aperture and in others the render.
Am I right in assuming I have each window made to suit the largest aperture and pack as required?

• Any recommendations on a supplier?
This could be net based or local Portsmouth/South Coast.

• Anything I’ve forgotten?

Many thanks
Steve
Have you looked at the building regs? I know habitable rooms need to have a window that opens at least 90 degrees, or something similar, so you can escape in the event of a fire.
Google has thrown up some more stuff.
http://www.double-glazing-uk.co.uk/Englandwales.as...

Profile 22 are good, but I just looked on their website, and it seems they only supply and fit through a national network. Bit of a shame.

Easier to hack the render off and pull them outwards. Then just mix up a bit of sand and cement to patch it back in. obviously, scaffolding will make it a lot easier for the upstairs windows. Put the sill in and then the new frames should slot in. Might need a bit of packing around the sides. Also, you can get some plastic "trim", this will cover any gaps around the frame, then silicone around it.

That's most of what I can remember off the top of my head. I'm sure others will be able to help about the size of the windows etc.

V12Les

3,985 posts

203 months

Saturday 5th September 2009
quotequote all
Just bear in mind if your fitting yourself that you'll need a ticket from Building Regs, about £120ish depending.
Try "Trade Frames" of Martock, Somerset. Thats where i get all my frames etc from + they deliver nation wide.
Rosewood gives a touch of class.

andy43

10,567 posts

261 months

Saturday 5th September 2009
quotequote all
For building regs, I think it has to be K glass or similar, post 2002.
Rehau were always good, not sure of the other brands you've mentioned. Main difference always used to be uv resistance and steel/ally strengthening inside the plastic... cheap = floppy frames and yellow and brittle appearance after a few years, I'm sure most are decent quality nowadays though?
Point to note with fitting inside rendered areas is always check you'll be able to open the windows ok, without catching the render on the sides of the reveal - frame extenders can be used to reduce the opener width required.
Also, with the building industry on it's arse, the difference between fitting your own and getting someone in to do it may be smaller than you think. Having done 1st floor bay windows off a ladder in the rain, I'd get quotes from small local glazing firms first. NOT Safestyle etc! If your house is rendered, price may be higher due to unknown amounts of render falling off around each window, or they may refuse to reinstate any render as part of the quote/agreement.
Shopping list for DIY - extra chunky fischer type hammer-in fixings, glass packers, cans of expanding foam, silicone, all the plastic trims to finish off around the frames, sand and cement etc. Hardest bit can be getting the old windows out - note if your windows are original, they may well be holding up the walls on an older house - you'll need acrows or a lot of luck if that's the case. Oh, and also order in several spare knuckles and a head for heights.

DrDeAtH

3,618 posts

239 months

Sunday 6th September 2009
quotequote all
Synseal is ok as is Duraflex. Rehau are dearer than both.
Best advice is to fit egress hinges to ALL casements. not only do the open fully (looking like they way a traditional window opens). but also gives the option of a fire escape - even downstairs.

you will find glass will be of a Low 'E' type - not necessarily pilkington 'K' glass.
Also have the trickle vents in the casements and/or fanlights and not in the frame header rail.

if you are buying the frames yourself, then Duraflex and Rehau can be bought from Window Fitters Mate - national company but very good to deal with.

hope this helps

http://www.wfm.co.uk/contact.htm

http://www.synseal.tv

Edited by DrDeAtH on Sunday 6th September 19:34

Steve_D

Original Poster:

13,795 posts

265 months

Friday 11th September 2009
quotequote all
Thanks all for the help.
Went to Window Fitters Mate in Fareham.
The guys there could not have been more helpful. Gave me loads of tips on how to do it.
Bought 8 windows and a front door in rosewood wood grain for £1944 inc. VAT so am well pleased.

Cheers
Steve