There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

"SuzySue" wrote in message
om...
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?
I did mine - I'd never done any glazing before - it was just common sense
from what I remember - in fact the hardest part of the job by a long way was
getting the old (metal!) frames out with the minimum of disruption to the
surroundings. - don't forget that if you diy you need building regs approval
once you've finished these days.

In message , SuzySue
writes
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?


I've installed a couple of windows. It's not a difficult task.

Basically.

Remove old window - remove glass with a hammer, saw through the frame in
a few places, prise out of opening.

Put new frame in hole, pack it out with scraps of wood etc. to hold it
in place, ensuring it is in square. Drill through frame into brickwork.
Insert frame fixings to hold frame. Seal with expanding foam, sealant
etc.

Put in glazing (if we are talking about UPVC this is easy enough)

It's not a task really for a novice dIY-er IMO, but someone with a
modicum of experience should manage ok.

I'd be wary of buying mailorder, sight unseen. The quality of UPVC (and
wood for that matter) windows varies greatly. I'd look out for a local
place that does 'fit your own) most places should have factories doing
this,.
--
Chris French, Leeds

In article ,
SuzySue wrote:
I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

I fitted a window and patio doors from Screwfix. Being stock sizes, I had
to modify the wall openings somewhat - although they were replacing
relatively modern units. Suppose it would have been easier with custom
made units, but the couple of quotes I got suggested rather more
expensive. The actual fitting was pretty straightforward with reasonable
instructions provided, and the resulting job is rather better than many of
the pro ones I've seen - mainly due to more careful finishing of the
internal decorations which is probably the major part of the job.

--
*Proofread carefully to see if you any words out or mispeld something *

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

(SuzySue) wrote in message . com...
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

About 20 years ago, with much help from a much more competent diyer,
so I may have forgotten much.

1. (Obviously) measurement is crucial -- especially considering 2.

2. We appeared to be able to install them with much less disruption to
the surrounds than we observed in the work of most 'professionals',
i.e. almost a matter of ripping out the old (wooden) ones and slotting
in the new into the space vacated. Very little plastering required --
IMHO important for diy. That foam stuff (that hardens) (name?) was a
godsend.

Best regards,

Jon C.

I've double glazed 2 houses so far. My tips a

If you're dealing with large panes then get one or two of those glass
suction cups (especially if you're working above the ground floor!) to
hold the glass as you position it in.

When fitting the glass into an openable frame make sure the frame is
closed and totally square because without glass in them they shift out
of square easily.

If you're not too hot on using a silicone gun then practice a little
or use masking tape - getting excess silicone off the frame may be
easy but not off brick! You can also use plastic beading to cover up
large gaps (or dodgy silicone work!)

SuzySue wrote:
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

When we got ours, we were going to DIY. But the (very nice) glasing
company quoted £350 to fit all 8 windows. It took 4 of them just under a
day to do it, all for £350. They even cleaned up afterwards, and fixed
any render that fell off on the outside.

At that price, I would've been mad to do it myself.

--
Grunff

"John W" wrote in message news:bIoQb.9733
I did mine - I'd never done any glazing before - it was just common sense
from what I remember - in fact the hardest part of the job by a long way was
getting the old (metal!) frames out with the minimum of disruption to the
surroundings. - don't forget that if you diy you need building regs approval
once you've finished these days.

Thanks! I didn't know you need building regs approval if you install
them yourself. Do they have a look *before* all the plasterwork is
done so they can see in properly, or do they come out after the
plastering and everything is completed?

On 24 Jan 2004 04:21:55 -0800, a particular chimpanzee named
(SuzySue) randomly hit the keyboard and
produced:

Thanks! I didn't know you need building regs approval if you install
them yourself. Do they have a look *before* all the plasterwork is
done so they can see in properly, or do they come out after the
plastering and everything is completed?

Often before the work starts and after. Befo to check that you
aren't adversely affecting any means of escape, ventilation and/or
structure. After: to check that what went in was what you said was
going in.
(http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/buildingco...entWindows.htm)
--
Hugo Nebula
"The fact that no-one on the internet wants a piece of this
shows you just how far you've strayed from the pack".

Mike wrote:

Amazing price for that lot. Quality presumably ok? (How does one tell how good
the quality anyway I wonder). Oh - and who are they :-)

You know when you watch someone do something, and it becomes obvious to
you that they have been doing the same thing day after day for years?
That's what it was like. They were pros in the truest sense of the word.

The new frames went in with between 6 and 10 fixings per frame
(depending on size), and large amounts of foam. Very nicely done.

I've mentioned them before, they are Vector Windows in Holsworthy
(Devon). They only really cover Devon/Cornwall.

--
Grunff

derek wrote:

I think that's just for fixing them. 8-)

Yes, it was - sorry, I did say "quoted £350 to fit all 8 windows", not
"to supply and fit".

The windows themselves were an additional ~£1300, also extremely good
value.

--
Grunff

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 16:48:20 +0000, Mike wrote:

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 11:56:11 +0000, Grunff wrote:

SuzySue wrote:
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

When we got ours, we were going to DIY. But the (very nice) glasing
company quoted £350 to fit all 8 windows. It took 4 of them just under a
day to do it, all for £350. They even cleaned up afterwards, and fixed
any render that fell off on the outside.

At that price, I would've been mad to do it myself.

Amazing price for that lot. Quality presumably ok? (How does one tell how good
the quality anyway I wonder). Oh - and who are they :-)



Mike,

I think that's just for fixing them. 8-)

They were billing their time at about £11/hour. wages probably £6 or
£7. So definitely do-able.

DG

"SuzySue" wrote in message
om...
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

There was a thread on this about six days ago ...

Mary

"SuzySue" wrote in message
om...
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

Also, choose internal glazing.
If the windows are on the first floor, it saves some one from climbing up a
ladder with a mate, trying to get the double glazing unit into the frame.
Much easier from the comfort of the room that is getting the new window.
Also, the ground floor glazing can't be removed from the outside by the
local scallies.

Dave

Who did all his own windows.

"Dave" wrote in message ...

"SuzySue" wrote in message
om...
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?

Also, choose internal glazing.
If the windows are on the first floor, it saves some one from climbing up a
ladder with a mate, trying to get the double glazing unit into the frame.
Much easier from the comfort of the room that is getting the new window.
Also, the ground floor glazing can't be removed from the outside by the
local scallies.

I though that under the new regs, internally glazed was compulsory
BICBW?

tim


Dave

Who did all his own windows.

In article ,
"Dave" writes:

Also, choose internal glazing.
If the windows are on the first floor, it saves some one from climbing up a
ladder with a mate, trying to get the double glazing unit into the frame.
Much easier from the comfort of the room that is getting the new window.
Also, the ground floor glazing can't be removed from the outside by the
local scallies.

Neither can externally glazed windows done in last few years -- the
glazing units are held in place by window tapes and can't be removed
from the outside.

Internally glazed windows have larger section PVC, which most people
find rather distasteful. In the case of windows with openers, the
PVC sections have to be much bigger, making the window area much
smaller.

--
Andrew Gabriel

(Andrew Gabriel) wrote in message ...
In article ,
"Dave" writes:

Also, choose internal glazing.
If the windows are on the first floor, it saves some one from climbing up a
ladder with a mate, trying to get the double glazing unit into the frame.
Much easier from the comfort of the room that is getting the new window.
Also, the ground floor glazing can't be removed from the outside by the
local scallies.

Neither can externally glazed windows done in last few years -- the
glazing units are held in place by window tapes and can't be removed
from the outside.

Internally glazed windows have larger section PVC, which most people
find rather distasteful. In the case of windows with openers, the
PVC sections have to be much bigger, making the window area much
smaller.

Hi All,

Just finished this job on my house. 10 windows, new front door and new
french doors.

I chose to install PVC everything and probably saved £2k+ over getting
a firm in to do the work. I know some people question the aesthetics
but I like 'em.

I was advised by an ex-window installer to buy good quality units and
ignore the cheap stuff. I bought all my windows from a fensa
registered company - that way I knew that I was doing everything to
the correct standard. I still read the regs thought just to be on the
safe side.

I had to apply to my local council for permission (cost of
£100+VAT!!). One visit by them before I fitted the windows and one
after. Very straight forward and I got the precious certificate of
approval quite easily.

Overall it wasn't as difficult a job as I though it would be.

Martin.

Hugo Nebula wrote in message . ..
On 24 Jan 2004 04:21:55 -0800, a particular chimpanzee named
(SuzySue) randomly hit the keyboard and
produced:

Thanks! I didn't know you need building regs approval if you install
them yourself. Do they have a look *before* all the plasterwork is
done so they can see in properly, or do they come out after the
plastering and everything is completed?

Often before the work starts and after. Befo to check that you
aren't adversely affecting any means of escape, ventilation and/or
structure. After: to check that what went in was what you said was
going in.
(http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/buildingco...entWindows.htm)

Basically you submit your plans to them, and they will then advise you
at want point(s) they want to inspect. IME they are normally very
happy to talk to you informally before you submit, and point you in
the right direction; they are pretty helpful even to clueless people
like me, if you are showing you are doing your best to comply with the
rules etc and need info. (Where they may get stroppy is when you
start doing stuff behind their back or without their knowledge.
That's when you find yourself having to re-expose the foundations of
your new build for inspection (and that's not IME!)

David

"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Dave" writes:

Also, choose internal glazing.
If the windows are on the first floor, it saves some one from climbing
up a
ladder with a mate, trying to get the double glazing unit into the
frame.
Much easier from the comfort of the room that is getting the new window.
Also, the ground floor glazing can't be removed from the outside by the
local scallies.

Neither can externally glazed windows done in last few years -- the
glazing units are held in place by window tapes and can't be removed
from the outside.

Internally glazed windows have larger section PVC, which most people
find rather distasteful. In the case of windows with openers, the
PVC sections have to be much bigger, making the window area much
smaller.

Thanks for that info Andrew. Its been a few years since I did mine, but when
the first window fails in the upstairs, I will elect to remove the frame and
fit internal glazing. Reason being, I'm 58 this year and I don't fancy
balancing on a ladder again while I fit an external glazing unit :-((((

As to the larger section of PVC frame, I can stand that, as the windows are
not that small to have much effect on this aspect.

Dave

In article ,
"Dave" writes:
Thanks for that info Andrew. Its been a few years since I did mine, but when
the first window fails in the upstairs, I will elect to remove the frame and
fit internal glazing. Reason being, I'm 58 this year and I don't fancy
balancing on a ladder again while I fit an external glazing unit :-((((

As to the larger section of PVC frame, I can stand that, as the windows are
not that small to have much effect on this aspect.

If internally glazed windows also use window tapes (I don't know
if they do, but I suspect so), then you will need access to the
outside to cut it out. Of course, one way to get access to the
outside from the inside would be to smash the window and work
through the opening ;-)

--
Andrew Gabriel

"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Dave" writes:
Thanks for that info Andrew. Its been a few years since I did mine, but
when
the first window fails in the upstairs, I will elect to remove the frame
and
fit internal glazing. Reason being, I'm 58 this year and I don't fancy
balancing on a ladder again while I fit an external glazing unit :-((((

As to the larger section of PVC frame, I can stand that, as the windows
are
not that small to have much effect on this aspect.

If internally glazed windows also use window tapes (I don't know
if they do, but I suspect so), then you will need access to the
outside to cut it out. Of course, one way to get access to the
outside from the inside would be to smash the window and work
through the opening ;-)

LOL

I don't mind going up the ladder, if it is without a large double glazing
unit in my hand.
Last time I did this, my son helped me. He was on one ladder and I was on
another. Not something to look forward to :-(
I have never felt so vulnerable in all my life, hence the internal glazing
when they fail. Windows are cheap when considering your life.

Dave

--
Andrew Gabriel

"Dave" wrote in message news:bvhilu$eg1

I don't mind going up the ladder, if it is without a large double glazing
unit in my hand.
Last time I did this, my son helped me. He was on one ladder and I was on
another. Not something to look forward to :-(
I have never felt so vulnerable in all my life, hence the internal glazing
when they fail. Windows are cheap when considering your life.

Dave

If you get two or more suction glass holders and there are two of you
then you can fit it from the inside. Pump some iron a day prior.

I installed my own.

I found the local REHAU factory, and went in direct, paid cash, got the windows *MUCH* cheeper than anywhare else.

Its a simple job, just smach out the old one, and use frame fixers and spray foam to hold in the new. You will need soma plastic trim, to go round the edge, find your
local plastics shop, not B&Q, mine offer 50% off for "collect and pay cash".

On the upper floors you can do it all from the inside. Its a one man job.

ISSUES:
sometines the frame is "in the cavity",
sometimes the brickwork is different sizes in & out
measuring !!!!!!!

I allways work some of the mortar out round the old frame, so I can see where it is and measure it easier. I order slightly (5mm) smaller that I think I need. Filling
in 5mm with spray foam is easy, carving off 5mm or brick is a pain.

If you don't have lintels, or you have bays, its a *BIG* job. What you can do is get the local quailty company round to check the job out, then tell them you have
gone with someone else. Some old windows actually hold the house up. You can generally tell these, as they have very thick woodwork.

Rick


On 23 Jan 2004 17:52:47 -0800, (SuzySue) wrote:
There are websites where someone can purchase double glazing. You take
the measurements, send them on and they despatch the windows.

You then install the windows yourself, with a friend or two for help!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever installed their own double
glazing? If so, how did you get on doing so, and what experience did
you have before doing so?