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Whether you’re hiring a professional to replace your double glazing or are considering DIY, it’s a good idea to know how to fit a double glazed window.

You need to start by assembling your window. Fit any handles and cut the outer sill to size by measuring the outer wall depth. Then, screw the outer sill to the window frame and attach the frame fixers. Screw the ventilation grilles onto the inside of the frame and fix the vents on.

Next, you need put the window into place, using spacers to wedge it in. Use a spirit level to check it’s level horizontally and vertically, adding extra spacers if needed. Then, fix the frame into place at each fixing point using a drill, wall plugs and screws. Measure and cut the interior sill, and check that it’s level, adding spacers if needed. Then fix it using screws, masonry nails or adhesive.

Finally, fill in any wide gaps with foam filler and small gaps with sealant. You can get interior and exterior trims to cover these up, making your window look neat and professional.

Windows, being a very crucial feature in every home, are one of the things you simply can’t afford to ignore in your home. Having a good understanding and solid knowledge of your windows’ components like the window sash will help you stay up to date with them and able to identify any minor mishaps early on before it leads to a much bigger problem. So what exactly is a window sash?

Well without much fuss, a window sash is simply that part of your windows that’s able to open and close. And there could as well be more than one window sash that’s operable depending on your window’s type. Window sash usually possess a very basic design as well as structure. What’s more? This section of a window happens to be a frame that’s designed in such a way to make for easy placement inside the whole window casement. You’ll discover inside the sash frame, the window glass alongside any framework possessed by your window which includes grids.

Usually, the sash is fitted into the frame of the window on a runners’ set in such a way that allows for both upward and downward movements. And finally, the window sash’s frame typically comes with a locking system which provided for extra safety and security.

The window sash is a vital feature that can determine the durability and overall performance of the windows. In the event whereby your window sash is malfunctioning, it can result to numerous problems which includes both drafts as well as leaks. As a result, it’s very important to keep your window sashes in a great working condition as failure to do so will make opening and closing your windows a really difficult task.

• Washing up liquid
• Glass cleaner
• A lint-free cloth or rag
• A putty knife
• A paper plate
• Acetone

There are so many benefits that comes with building a porch in your home premises. It’s an extra space where a lot can be achieved such as drying a dripping wet dog, taking off your dirty shoes or boot and lots more. So if you’re considering to construct a porch, it’s definitely going to be a wise decision. However, before you get started, there’s a need to determine if you’ll need planning permission for a porch. It’s important to take note that planning laws are dynamic and can be updated at any point, so be sure only to use trusted sources only as your guide. If you’re the homeowner or landlord, it’s entirely your responsibility to obtain the right approval for any development project you wish to carry out within your premises.

A Porch can not be termed as an extension and neither is it a conservatory, they’re basically built to the home’s front covering the main entrance using a stone base or a brick. As a result, a porch does not need planning permission due to the fact that it’s covered by the permitted development rights if the specific guidelines for porches are complied with. Below are the instances where you WILL need planning permission for a porch.

✓ If the floor space is more than 3sqm (the wall inclusive).

✓ The highest point has a height of more than 3 metres.

✓ If the porch is situated within 2 metres of a boundary directly facing on to the road.

You may need planning permission if the house is a listed building, designated area or falls under an Article 4 Direction.

In order to build a porch without planning permission, you need to consider all the criteria stated above. You can also visit the Planning Portal website to get more detailed information before getting started.

The energy efficiency of windows is measured using ratings, varying from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient. This scheme is run by the British Fenestration Council (BFRC). To comply with Building Regulations you’ll need windows of energy efficiency at least level C.

Double glazing is made up of two layers of glass, with a layer of argon gas in between. This type of glass can be used in Aluminium windows. The gas is a poor insulator, helping heat to stay in your home and making your windows more efficient. As well as trapping the argon gas, the second layer of glass reduces the amount of noise that enters your property, and helps to make your windows stronger and more secure.

You don’t have to, especially if you’re on a budget. If you’re only replacing some, it’s a good idea to get all the windows on one side of your property replaced at the same time, so they all look the same. Be aware, obviously, huge savings could be had by having a number of windows replaced at the same time.

It depends on a few factors whether a new double glazed window will look different to existing ones. If your existing windows are very old, perhaps 10 years or more, then it’s likely that there will be some small differences.

The first thing to remember is that your double glazing is exposed to the elements as soon as it’s installed. So over time, unless you’re very good at cleaning and maintaining your windows, they’re likely to look a bit dirty. Window frames that are south-facing may also become slightly discoloured from the sun, so if you install a new window right next to it you might notice a difference.

Also, there have been lots of technical advances in windows over the years. If your existing windows are significantly older, you might notice a difference in the handles on openers, and if your existing windows were installed before 2010 they might not have trickle vents, which is an extra strip on the inside of your window to keep air flowing through your home. While it’s not a legal requirement for replacement windows to have trickle vents if the original one didn’t, it’s a good idea to have them installed as they help prevent condensation and mould.

The only truly noticeably different elements to a new double glazed window compared with existing ones are likely to be on the inside, which might not be a problem for you if you only have one window in a room. However, if you know the brand of your existing windows, you can ask your window installer if they can source the same ones. Even if they’ve been updated slightly, the difference should be minimal.