Equipment Required:
As with any home improvement product, the correct equipment must be obtained to ensure the task goes smoothly and the installation as planned. An appropriate tool kit for fitting PVC-U windows is required. If the equipment needed is not owned or available from a colleague or friend the appropriate tools can be hired here.
UPVC windows and doors can be installed into either prepared openings in new buildings or into the existing openings in the walls after removal of the old doors and windows to be replaced. No sub-frames for the new windows are needed. The manufacturers instructions and specification sheets for each window system should be used to ensure that the correct size and style of window / door is purchased. UPVC windows and doors are finished as a complete product and the opening should be finished to the correct size before the new installation takes place. The window's opening should include a lintel if required, and tolerances should be allowed to enable the window to be installed. UPVC windows should not be installed until the aperture is totally complete and should not be used as a template for any building or alteratiopn work necessary.
PVC-U windows are delivered ready to fit, and covered in a protective plastic film to prevent marking and scratching.
Transportation Of The Windows:
Cement, plaster, and sand will not normally affect the UPVC but may scratch the surface of the frames if contact is made during handling. The windows drainage channels and glazing bead openings should be kept clean to prevent blockages and fitting difficulties. Any sand or abrasive materials should also be kept away from moving parts such as hinges and locks to avoid wear and surface marking
Remove any items of furniture away from the window or door opening to avoid possible damage whilst removing the existing windows or installing the new windows.
Using a stanley knife or similar tool, score around the perimeter of the existing door / window frame on the inside, where the plaster meets the frame edge. In most cases this will minimise the damage to the surrounding plasterwork.
Cut through the vertical supports of the main frame - this should be done as far as possible without causing damage to the internal reveals or structure.
Protecting the plaster around the frame with a bearing point (a thin piece of pywood is ideal), use a levering bar or wrecking bar between the structure and the main vertical frame of the window to carefully lever the verticals inwards and then complete the cut. Remove the vertical members completely from the opening.
Clean up the opening and remove any mastic or silicone sealant from the structure.
Remove all debris, nails, fixings from the work area.
Installation:
Fix the window into the aperture using either fixing brackets or by drilling and fixing into the outer frame, screw holes should be no less than 150mm from the corners and at no more than 600mm centres. Modern fixings are available in several types including rawl fixings, fiscer fixings, and hammer type window fixers. If it is necessary to screw through the bottom member of the outer frame, where water could collect, then adequate sealing by the use of a modern silicone sealant should be applied.
Fit the glazing units making sure that they are sitting on the necessary packers / glazing blocks to allow for adequate drainage of water. Refit the glazing beads, according to the manufacturer's instructions and taking care not to damage or scratch the glass.
There should be approximately a 4 to 6mm gap between the outer frame and the building opening. Insert into this gap a flexible silicone sealant, ensuring it is far enough into the gap so as not to interfere with the windows function. Prepare the external surface of the window frame before sealing. Any internal making good and sealing should now be done. As Plaster and cement can damage metal fittings and locks it should be wiped off immediately. Any drainage channels found to be blocked should be cleared. Following this installation the UPVC plastic window frames may be cleaned using warm water containing a mild household detergent. Stubborn marks may be removed using very fine water based creams (such as cif) but it may be necessary to rebuff with a lambs wool mop and a purpose upvc polish to achieve a glossy finish.
MF Hire - stock a wide range of tools to assist in the installation of new windows or doors, as well as equipment to help repair and undertake all home improvement projects. Whether you are changing your windows from wooden to upvc style or perhaps fitting new laminate flooring, they can help, with equipment and tools available at affordable prices.
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