Replacement Windows - how much damage can we expect?

phoenix__

Hi all,

Looking at getting our windows replaced and trying to work out how much damage might be caused by doing so. The current windows are about 10-15 years old at a guess (came with the house) uPVC tilt&turn, We have a mixture of wallpaper, painted plaster and (in the bathroom) tiles around the windows.

We are at the early stage, so haven't spoken to many companies, but always concerned with salesmen - they say "there installers will leave everything looking fine, any damage will be repaired" whereas installers say "yup, you'll need to fix that, we only install the windows"

From the outside, I've seen other places where windows have been replaced and some form of expanding foam is applied - I presume this is normal part of the installation, but it is normal that the installers will just leave it looking messy, or do they usually tidy up so the wall is smooth?

The same goes for inside, is there usually much damage when the windows come out and is it normal for the installers to then smooth over any cracks that might have been caused etc.

Any advise would be much appreciated. Perhaps someone has some pictures that shows before/after windows were replaced?

Cheers,
-Jeff

PasturesNew

When I had mine installed the wallpaper was ripped up the side of the windows .... the furniture had been moved around carelessly and without proper covers, the carpets were messy as hell.

I was told 2 days and I went away, leaving a parent in charge.... in the end it took a week.

The expanding foam wasn't that great, there were draughts round the windows (windows were 10 degrees colder than 2' back from the windows) and the curtains moved if it was windy (heavy/6' long velvet lined curtains).

Then the window company went under.

Windows were fab ... fitting was dire.

missile

It depends on who you use. Some fitters are better than others. Some companies fit a plastic / wooden surround to cover the joint line. All will tell you they guarantee their work, but only after you have paid in full usually in advance of fitting.

Afik with only one company Anglian, pay a deposit and balance after you are completely satisfied.

john.h

A local company to me takes no money until you are happy with the finished job.

John.

cattie

I've used a small independant for new windows in my current & last property & you only pay a deposit & don't have to pay the balance until work is completed & you are absolutely satisfied with the work.

How much damage etc. will depend on the fitter. In my last house the fitter the company tended to use was a bit of a bruiser with a very big mouth (constantly hollering at his poor assistant at the top of his voice). Being so heavy handed he damaged the interior wall underneath the window in a couple of rooms, but it was only after getting a friend to come & do a repair that I realised that the company terms & conditions stated that they would put right any damage caused during fitting.

Using the company again to put some new windows in my current property I was relieved to find that they now use a completely different fitter & there was no damage at all during the fitting.

GwylimT

If they are using expanding foam then they haven't manufactured the windows to fit properly, the only form of sealant should be mastic on the outside.

We had new windows fillet before we sold our old house, there was the odd small crack in the plaster around the windows and a few minor scuffs. One tile fell off in the bathroom and broke, but the fitter cut and replaced the tile with one of our spares.

Torry_Quine

I've always been told never to pay anything until after the job is finished to your satisfaction and haven't.

The company I used recently didn't use foam, the windows should fit snugly without it. They had someone who filled in any plaster needed but it wasn't much really. They even hoovered up all the dust etc.

missprice

Also depends on how old windows fitted.
My old single glazed wood frames were put in with straps embedded in the plaster, so when they came out, a load if plaster came out too. Plus the new Windows were a different width and there was a gap inside around only mm but that had to be plastered too.
The company would have charged, but me and oh are capable of plastering little bits. So not much cost for us.

andycrichton

Internally, all wallpaper can be cut so it doesnt rip when the window comes out, they can use fillets to account for walls out of true, and there are so many power tools nowadays for cutting out without damage to surrounding areas, it should be a seamless operation. That is what is possible, but what you get is down to the fitter and to a degree, the price.

DHFrames

GwylimT wrote: »

If they are using expanding foam then they haven't manufactured the windows to fit properly, the only form of sealant should be mastic on the outside.

Not true, many openings aren't level so the smallest measurement is taken enabling the window/Door to be fitted level and square. This often leaves gaps which is foamed then finished off with trims or rendered/sparred.