uPVC Windows Guide

So you have weighed up between timber and uPVC windows and decided on the latter.  There are many advantages to uPVC and only few disadvantages to uPVC windows, but I would suggest that one difficulty with uPVC double glazing windows is self-installation.  DIY double glazing windows? Now I am as fond of a little DIY as the next person, and I don’t mind maintaining my windows, but when it come to installing uPVC windows into a residence, I call a professional.  It may not be that difficult, but I reckon that having paid quite a bit of money for these shiny frames that scratch easily and are not easily repaired if scratched, I don’t want to take too many chances with uPVC window repairs.  Call me gutless if you like and for the more brave-hearted amongst us that want to DIY double glazing units, here are some instructions to give you a flavour of what is involved in installing your own uPVC windows.

How you fix the window frame to the opening may depend on the type and style of window and whether the wall cavity is open or closed. There are 2 main ways to fix a window.  One way is to screw through the frame and into the wall and the other way is called lug fixing and involved attaching a lug to the window frame and this lug is then attached to a block in the interior wall.  The first way is popular when the cavity is closed and the second when it is open.

You may wish to fit the external cill at the same time, but many choose to fit the cill first and as a separate process.  If you are fitting the cill and the frame at the same time set the frame properly in the opening, making sure it is level and central. Likewise ensure that the cill is level and that both cill and window are then attached properly.  Before commencing glazing it is advisable to open all window frames to ensure that they have not become strained in the insertion process.  Remember to leave an expansion gap around the frame, uPVC windows can reach quite high temperatures in hot weather, so the ability to expand is important.

The next step is the insertion of the glazing into the frames.  I should have mentioned that the frames will be arriving without the glazing pre-inserted.  If you want to  the big trick with regard to glazing is ‘Toeing and Heeling’ a phrase used describe the bracing of the window in order to stop the window ‘dropping’ on the handle side in the future. You achieve this by pushing plastic packers into the gap between the glass and the frame, under the beading.  When you are happy that everything is positioned correctly, you can push the glazing beads into position and fit the wedge gasket internally.

When this has been completed to your satisfaction you are ready to finish the job.  Clean and tidy up as best you can before starting to silicone to the external gaps and the filler internally. Clean the glass thoroughly and stand back and enjoy the satisfaction of completing your first uPVC DIY double glazing windows installation.

Another , perhaps less difficukt option for you to consider is DIY secondary double glazing.  This involves installing an inner secondary pane of glass and does not involve the removal of the existing fraome or window units.

So if you want to investigate all of the uPVC window prices on the internet and in your local area, then weigh up the cost of installing these windows, you may find that if you install them yourself, you will end up with quality, but cheap uPVC windows.  Me – I’m calling a window installer.