Question 1

What to put over a broken window?

Accepted Answer

A broken window is a nuisance and an unwanted expense, and it can often happen at the worst times, like overnight when installers aren’t available or when the weather is very bad. So you might need to put something over your broken window as a temporary measure before someone can come and replace it – but what should you use? If you’ve got a small crack, you could try using some masking tape. Cover the entire crack with the tape making sure that there is extra tape at each end of the crack. This will help to prevent the crack from growing further. However, this isn’t going to work on large impact cracks or shattered windows. For a shattered window, you need to make sure you remove all the remaining glass as the shards could easily cut someone. To make a broken window like this safe, you’ll need: Thick gloves A hammer A broom A vacuum cleaner Thick-soled shoes Safety goggles Put your gloves on and use the hammer to remove the rest of the glass. Make sure you hit the glass away from you. Using the broom, sweep away any loose glass from the area, making sure you do both inside and outside. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any small pieces of glass that you might not have been able to see. Once you’ve cleared up the mess, you’ll want to cover your broken window with plastic and tape. It’s only a temporary measure so make sure you get in touch with a professional as soon as possible. Cut some heavy-duty plastic to fit the entire window. Using duct tape, secure the plastic over the window and make sure all the sides are sealed properly. It’s best to ensure that the plastic stays taught over the frame so it doesn’t get caught by the wind. Make sure you get in touch with a glazier or window installer as soon as you can – you'll notice a draught very quickly and someone could easily come and rip the plastic off. If you’re very worried about this you might want to add a chipboard over the top to make it more secure.

Question 2

Why aluminium windows?

Accepted Answer

Aluminium windows have a range of benefits that make them a great alternative to uPVC windows. Developments in technology have meant that modern aluminium windows now have the same energy efficiency levels as uPVC. Plus, their strength and flexibility make them a more attractive choice to many homeowners, particularly for more modern buildings.

Aluminium frames are typically much thinner than uPVC frames, allowing more light in and wider views. The metal can also be moulded to suit custom shapes, making it ideal for unusually shaped windows. Aluminium windows are available in lots of different colours, so can be designed to suit a wide range of interiors and exteriors.

Question 3

how to fit a double glazed window?

Accepted Answer

Did you just purchase a double glazed window and confused about how to have it installed? Fitting the window yourself can be quite easy with the help of this step by step guide. However, if you lack proper training or experience, we’d recommend you reach out to a trustworthy professional who can guarantee the best results for help. That said, now let’s take a look at the process.

• Remove the old windows by detaching the old beading and glass window safely. Then make some interval cuts using a hand saw before using a crowbar to pry it out.

• Cut the external double glazed window seal. Once done, take a measurement of the window area’s width once empty. Then transfer the measurement to the window sil to face outside and cut using a handsaw.

• Seal the window sil. Add a bead of clear silicone along both inside lip as well as the centre to seal the sil.

• Screw the double glazed window to the sil. Position the window on the top of the lipped section that was siliconed. Then pre-drill them together and screw in three places. You should make sure the screws do not go totally to the sil’s bottom.

• Install the double glazed window. After successfully screwing the double glazed window to the sil, you can now fit in the double glazing. Make use of packers to make sure it’s even in the slot.

• Screw the uPVC window to the wall. If you’re happy and satisfied with the position of the window, you can then pre-drill through the frame of the window and the brick wall. Once done, simply screw it in place using masonry screws or Spax screw as they do not require crawl plugs in bricks.

• Seal around the window. To do this, simply fill any gaps with expanding foam, wipe out the excess and seal with silicone.

Question 4

What is uPVC?

Accepted Answer

uPVC is unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. It is a favourite amongst homeowners and manufacturers for its cheap production cost and excellent benefits. uPVC is used for window frames, conservatories and doors. In fact, uPVC can be three times cheaper than wooden frames and is also the most energy efficient option.As well as this, uPVC is now available in a range of colours other than the typically seen bright white finish. It can also be recycled, is durable and resistant to changing weather conditions.

Question 5

Can the glass in a double glazed window be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the glass in a double glazed window can be replaced. The glass in a window, or sealed unit to use its proper name, is not permanently attached to your window frames so if it gets damaged but your frames are still intact, there’s no need to replace the whole window. The glass in your double glazed window might need to be replaced due to: Impact from a stone or other object smashing the glass in a ‘bullseye’ effect The result of a break-in Extreme weather or changes in pressure causing a crack The sealed unit being ‘blown’, meaning that it’s no longer energy efficient due to air leaking out A lot of window installers will replace the glass in your double glazing for you, but you might need to get quotes from specialist glaziers too. Glaziers deal purely with the glass in windows rather than installing entire frames. It won’t take a professional very long to replace the glass in your window. They will remove the beading from around the window with a pallet knife or chisel, leaving the top one until last to keep the sealed unit stable. Then, they simply lift out the glass carefully and will discuss with you whether the removal of the old sealed unit is included in their quote. Next, they will brush away any dust and debris that’s made its way into the frame and place spacers at the bottom. They will then lift the new glass into the frame, making sure it’s completely square. When they’re happy, they’ll remove the spacers and replace the beading back in reverse order. You’ll notice the replacement glass in your new window straight away as draughts should be eliminated and you’ll be able to see clearly again!

Question 6

How much is a single window?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes accidents happen, and that leads to you needing to replace just a single window. Luckily, most window fitters are happy to replace just one window if you need to. But how much a single window costs will depend on a few factors. Firstly, do you need the entire window, including the frame, replaced, or just the sealed unit? If the frame is still in good condition, glaziers and some window installers can replace the sealed unit and this will set you back around £250. If your window frame is damaged, don’t try to get away with not replacing it. Having a broken window frame can let heat escape your home, increasing your energy bills, and you’re likely to hear more traffic noise. Plus, if the frame is broken you might have trouble closing the window properly, stopping you from keeping your home secure. So how much is a single window if you need the whole thing replaced? You should expect it to cost between £400-£550, but it could cost more or less than this depending on your location, the size of the window and how tricky it is to replace. There are other factors that will impact the cost of replacing a single window. Do you want the window to have plain, leaded or Georgian bar glass? Maybe it will be a casement window, or a bay, bow or sash? The cost will increase if you want more than one opener if it’s a large window, and if you want it to have locks. Also, the standard white uPVC frame colour will probably be included in the price, but if you want a woodgrain look or a different colour uPVC this will cost more.

Question 7

how to fit a double glazed window?

Accepted Answer