Proper way to secure UPvc winodws in walls?

justaquestion

Hi folks,

I'm a total newbie to Upvc windows and have ordered and booked an installation by a local independent installer.

It was brought to my attention today that there are various ways of installing and bells are starting to ring if the installer are going to use expanding foam only, and not using any other bolts to secure windows to the walls.

Basically what is the right and proper way for an installer to install windows, should he use this foam stuff or not, been reading that the foam breaks down over time, and might lead to a window being dangerous or falling out etc.

I have noticed that around here the installers are usually gone within 2-2 and a half days doing a house.

So what should I settle for when I mention it to installer and if he says foam only?

Thanks so much for any advice to keep me on the right and safe track.

Fat_Walt

I would guess he'll used frame fixings.

Why do you think he's going to bodge it?

Mr.Generous

frame fixings, sometimes called Fisher bolts - basically long screws with long wall plugs. Some fitters use masonry screws and bang them straight in without plugs using an impact driver. Foam is a good supplementary fixing.

justaquestion

Fat_Walt wrote: »

I would guess he'll used frame fixings.

Why do you think he's going to bodge it?[/QUOT


I have absolutely no reason to suspect that he will at all, so far so good, but as I have become just aware that this practice takes place, think it might be sensible just to drop it into conversation as to how he will do it.

But as I don't have a clue myself about the proper way (though I do feel that some sort of fixing should be used to secure windows in walls) just thought I would ask on here as to the proper way to do it.

Thanks a lot for reply, appreciated.

justaquestion

Mr.Generous wrote: »

frame fixings, sometimes called Fisher bolts - basically long screws with long wall plugs. Some fitters use masonry screws and bang them straight in without plugs using an impact driver. Foam is a good supplementary fixing.

Thanks this does seem like the right way to do it, will be running it past installer when I next talk to him.


Thanks again

Mojisola

justaquestion wrote: »

think it might be sensible just to drop it into conversation as to how he will do it.

Don't 'drop it into the conversation' - you are paying a lot of money - before work starts ask him to explain exactly how the windows will be fitted.

PasturesNew

Make sure he's Fensa registered and you get the Fensa certificate - else you'll have big problems when you come to sell as buyers/solicitors will expect the windows to have a Fensa certificate.

Mr.Generous

Mojisola wrote: »

Don't 'drop it into the conversation' - you are paying a lot of money - before work starts ask him to explain exactly how the windows will be fitted.

And he won't mind, people like it when you take an interest in the job and as long as he is doing it properly he'll be happy to show and tell!

Fat_Walt

PasturesNew wrote: »

Make sure he's Fensa registered and you get the Fensa certificate - else you'll have big problems when you come to sell as buyers/solicitors will expect the windows to have a Fensa certificate.

That's not 100% correct.

TheCyclingProgrammer

PasturesNew wrote: »

Make sure he's Fensa registered and you get the Fensa certificate - else you'll have big problems when you come to sell as buyers/solicitors will expect the windows to have a Fensa certificate.

Solicitors do love FENSA certificates but you could just as easily have a CERTASS registered fitter or have building control inspect the work for you. Building regs compliance is what is important.

brightontraveller

Fensa like most certification is a bit of bs? You can get indemnity insurance 30-50 if selling, get a cert by other parties, Yes solicitor/buyer might use it to attempt to get a discount if they think sellers gullible /foolish and bonus for solicitor it adds to buyer expense more paper work

Certs don’t mean an installation is correct etc just that it has a bit of paper? yes if you can get one then do but check what it cost and weigh up the alternatives and don’t believe just because there is a cert everything as it should be ?