Fitting New Wood Windows

The_Biff

How difficult is it to fit new wooden windows? After several quotes for installed windows, I've just noticed that Screwfix sell them at about half the fitted price. £250 vs £550. The width is about 1inch short on the new window. Is this a problem?

Rex_Mundi

Fitting a new window isn't a problem. For the difference in width you can overcome in one of two ways.

A.....Screw on a thin piece of wood to make up the difference. You still need to allow a little bit to get the window in, taking into account that brickwork isn't completely even.Fill the small gap left with frame sealant.

B...... Fix the window as it is. Make sure you put blocks behind where you fit the framefixers so you don't pull the window out of shape when you tighten them, Then fill the gap with expanding foam. Cut the foam level with the window when it's dried. Then use trim or beading to cover this.

Whichever way you use. You need to make sure you use silicone or frame sealant all around the outside to stop water getting in round the sides of the frame.

Now the bad news. All new windows HAVE to comply with part L of the building regs. This means that they have to be glazed with double glazed units using K glass. The minimum space between the two panes in the units has to be 16mm. If it's less than this, they have to use K glass and be argon filled units. You will need to pay for planning permission for this as you wont be registered with FENSA. On one window, this should be around the £50 mark. Different areas charge their own prices according to the overall cost of the windows. This should be maximum approx £100.

Now you can take a chance by not applying. But, if you sell your house and their surveyor notices a new window with no certificate. You will have problems.

FJSRiDER

Rex_Mundi wrote:

Now the bad news. All new windows HAVE to comply with part L of the building regs.

The Screwfix timber windows come factory glazed and are 'compliant with Part L of Building Regulations April 2002.'

They look a bit of a bargain!

Rex_Mundi

The Screwfix timber windows come factory glazed and are 'compliant with Part L of Building Regulations April 2002.'

They look a bit of a bargain!

That's at least part of the regs covered.

You would still have to apply for permission to get the cerificate from the building inspector. This is unavoidable unless a FENSA registered fitter puts them in and gives you the certificate. As I said, if you come to sell, and the new window is noticed without a certificate. You will have problems.