INSTALLATION OF UPV-C WINDOWS AND DOORS:
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.
Planning:
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.
Window Manufacture:
PVC-U windows are delivered ready to fit, and covered in a protective plastic film to prevent marking and scratching.
Transportation Of The Windows:
Glazed or unglazed window and door frames should be transported in an upright position on clean resilient packing. This will minimise transport damage and prevent twisting of the frames. For long distance transport cardboard wrapping or packers are recommended.
Storage Prior To Fitting:
All materials used in the manufacture of quality UPVC windows have a high resistance to weather corrosion and also common materials found on a building site.
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
Removal of Existing Windows:
Check Points:
Check the external and internal structure for any damage and repair any damage found before commencing installation.
Check that the new windows have not been damaged in transit and that they have been manufactured in accordance with the original order - special attention should be given to the sizing.
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.
Cover all carpets and soft furnishings with protective sheets so as to minimise the possibility of damage and to facilitate the `cleaning up operation'.
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.
Remove all opening window sashes and glass from the main windows frame.
Saw through any frame mullions or transoms and remove them from the window frame.
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.
Next, remove the horizontal frame members of the outer frame 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:
Frame Preparation
If installation of the new windows or doors is to be by screwing through the main outer frame into the opening, then the glass in the appropriate fixed light must be removed and placed aside. If a door sill or window sill is required then it must now be attached in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. If the sill is to be fixed to the window frame with screws, always screw from the underside into the new frame. It is important that fixing systems do not penetrate drainage channels, otherwise internal leaks will develop.
Next, Offer the new window into the opening, bedding in the manner recommended by the systems supplier(usually using plastic window packers), temporarily holding or clamping it into position to make sure it is level and plum.
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.
Installation Of The Glass:
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.
Next, Check the window units for correct operation before proceeding with the final sealing and making good around the windows or new doors opening.
Making Good:
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.
