Double glazing in old cittage

northwest1965

We are currently having windows fitted in an old cottage.

How should they be finished?

Should they be plastered or filled before trim is put on?

EssexExile

Yes they should be filled and plastered, may not need trim if done well.

It rained on us in Death Valley.

FreeBear

Third picture - Looks like a spot of light getting through. If that is true, he needs to come back and seal the gap a lot better.

If you plaster right up to the frames, be mindful that the plastic will expand & contract due to the effects of temperature. This will make the plaster crack (hopefully, just limited to 3mm or so surrounding the frame). If you are happy for plastic trims to be fitted, these will hide the worst of any cracks.

WIAWSNB

Is foam the best thing to fill the gap betwixt the frame and aperture so as to add insulation in there?

Anyhoo, I wouldn't assume they'll be filled, and I wouldn't assume that the plaster will be made good to acceptable decorative standards either. Some, perhaps most, will try and glue suitably-wide flat trim over all of that, which can look cheap or acceptable depending on the style, and how well finished it is.

Personally, I would want that filled and sanded perfectly smooth, ready for paint. And then stepped quadrant beading - to match the window beading profile - around the sides and top - I think that would look best, and the beading would seal the join. But, good luck if they haven't included for doing it to that standard.

Boohoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6674858/double-glazing-in-old-cittage

It maybe too late now but is the cottage in a conservation area or planning permission needed for new windows or doors?

Agree with others that work needs to done to fill the holes.

What are outside finished work look like?

stuart45

Foam is standard, as it holds the frame in place, adds thermal and sound insulation. There's 2 main ways fitters leave the job. Fitted without finish is cheaper and leaves the making good to you. Fitted with finish is plaster made good, but not decorated, and costs a bit more.

northwest1965

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82056813#Comment_82056813

No to conservation area

Externally they look good

stuart45

It's quite an easy job to make good with plaster and filler.

WIAWSNB

Just checked our bedroom window that was done around 10 years ago - it has flat trim covering that area, but it's only around 50mm wide. Done neatly - I never gave it a second's thought.

I think, in your case, using flat trim may be a bit more obvious as the damage may go 100mm or more? But, have that chat and ask what the options are.

Albermarle

We had a new UPVC sliding patio door fitted recently - as it was replacing an old one, they fitted it without damaging the plaster. They put a sealant around the edges and IIRC they used decorators caulk as it would be easier to paint, next time we painted the walls.

Not sure if this was bulls**t or not. In general they did a very good job, so maybe not.

stuart45

It also depends whether they are replacing UPVC window frames, or timber ones that were built in.