UPVC replacement window in Comptons Concrete Garage

MouldyOldDough

We have a 25 year old concrete garage with a single non opening window with wooden frame that has rotted

Is it going to be possible to fit a replacement UPVC sealed unit - the outside of the garage is pebble dashed the "hole" is a simple square hole with no "lip"…..

You cannot drill in to the Concrete as far as I am aware - will glue suffice ?

WIAWSNB

Yes, expanding adhesive foam will do this.

But, yes, you can also screw into this concrete, but not so stupid-deep that might reach any steel reinforcing bars.

When you consider how a window sits in a wall, the screws fitted through the frame sides on all four sides only need to go into the surrounding wall an 'inch' to be able to prevent the window from being removed once the glass is in place. You would go deeper, but I'm just pointing out it doesn't have to be much.

If it's a decent fit in the aperture, then short screws and a nice bead of sealant - squeezed nicely in - will secure it fully.

If you wish to use adhesive only, then there are foams designed for this purpose - tho' I have no idea how effective they are. I guess in theory the window could be removed by 'sawing' out the foam!

Is decent security an issue?

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6655152/upvc-replacement-window-in-comptons-concrete-garage

How is the existing wooden frame fixed? Typically the concrete panels have pre-formed* holes which allow the panels to be bolted together, with additional holes for adding windows or personnel doors.

Expanding foam should be more than adequate to hold the window in position, and cutting/sawing the foam from outside to remove the window can be prevented with strips of metal or wood covering the gap on the inside. A photo of the inside of the window would allow us to give you a better idea of the best way to do this.

If the existing window is fitted using pre-formed holes and you want a high security result then consider using timber around the opening which the uPVC window is screwed into. Although this will further reduce the glass area and the amount of light let in.

Don't even think about attempting to drill the concrete (or allowing anyone else to). It is almost always exceptionally hard, and using sufficient 'hammer' to make a hole is likely to cause cracking of the concrete which will allow water to get in and start corroding the reinforcement. *This is why the original holes are 'formed', not drilled.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6655152/upvc-replacement-window-in-comptons-concrete-garage

You can as I have a gate post drilled into a concrete panel garage.

Takes a bit of work & need to be careful, when drilling into a side.

MouldyOldDough

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81882647#Comment_81882647

No not really - as long as the window stays in place and is watertight !

MouldyOldDough

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81882719#Comment_81882719

I am not sure how the wooden frame is fitted - it is just THERE !

So if I measure the "hole" and buy a frame to fit - it should be a simple job to fit a new window

No photos - there's a MATTRESS in the way

under £40 from easyfitwindow.com for example

or is it worth contacting my local double glazing firm ?

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81883234#Comment_81883234

Yes. Peasy. There are easy ways.

When you remove the old wooden frame, you'll see if there are any screws going into the wall aperture. If there are, you can reuse these holes for the PVC window. But, no real need.