replacing the kitchen window

downshifted

We want to replace our kitchen window with a double glazed one (previous owner seems to have shot pellets through the current frame and glass!)

The opening, brick to brick, as instructed by the Wickes leaflet, measures 1235 mm by 1070 mm

Wickes do a frame 1190 by 1040 and Screwfix do one 1200 by 1050. Will it be ok to buy one of these (the Screwfix one is closest) and use some kind of packing material to infill? Or do we have to go to the expense of made to measure?

DH is good at diy but we have never done windows before

Many thanks for any advice

downshifted

ukwoody

The wickes one is too small. The Screwfix one might just do it, but you're pushing it a bit and you will end up with a big bead around it. It will also of course reduce the light into that window by making it that small. You can use various different plastic packers and fillers with beading on the outside to cover them, but by the time you've done that, it might be chaper - and certainly look nicer - to get a cheap one from a local independant window company.
Idealy you dont want a gap any bigger than about 20mm maximum really, which would give you 10mm each side/top, bottom.

They are very simple to fit, and I suppose you could use expanding foam to fill the gap with, and then put a 40mm bullnose around it all, but I'd be inclined to look at a slighter better fit if available.

woody

phill99

A customer asked me for a quote on a similar sized window and a local independent window company will do a supply and fit for £190. And that made to measure.

southernscouser

Wickes windows aren't the best of quality.

Have you got an independant local glazer who can make you one to fit?

o_t_e

There is no need to buy a pre-sized window; you should be able to buy a upvc double glazed window, made to size, for about £100 from a local double glazing company. Look out for frames that include 'ovolo' detailing ie the upvc is shaped to look like the beading you would get on wooden frames.

One thing to consider is weather the wooden frame is providing any structural support - upvc frames don't have anything like the strengh of wood.

woodbutcher_2

Are you including the cill in the height measurements you have given.Most cills add 30 to 40mm to the height.You can also get what are called "knock on's" which are flat extenders which literally knock on to the frame with a hammer.They come in different thicknesses to extend window widths and heights.

downshifted

Thanks for the replies so far. No need to guess who the professionals are on here!

The current window is UVPC so no worries about changing from wood

The measurements are just the window opening, not the sill as well. The window has 3 parts, one side opens and the transom opens too. If phill99 can get someone to come to Harlow and supply and fit the same window for £190 he's on :-)

We'll have a look at the local double glazing company idea - but we ran an online quote today and it came out at £220 as against screwfix £169

The "knock-ons" sound as though they would work - will Wickes or Screwfix do them?

Thanks for all your replies so far

downshifted

woodbutcher_2

Never fitted a Wickes or Screwfix window so don't know if they do knock-ons.Try a search for them or frame extenders.

ukwoody

Downshifted, I would try the local small guys as a couple of us have said. You should come in well under £200 fitted for that size.

woody