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Posts Tagged ‘find a window fitter<’
While replacing glass in a UPVC door (or window) is something professionals usually do, there may be times when you have to do the job yourself – like over the Christmas break.  You could do the job yourself provided you can lay your hands on a suitable pane of glass, but do wear gloves and work carefully. At other times it makes far more sense to Find a Window Fitter on Mr-Skill.
- Examine the door frame around the damaged glass to determine from which side it was fitted. One side will have an unbroken line over a strip of rubber. On the other side there will be four pieces of beading that clip in to hold the glass.
- Take up a sharp putty knife or paint scraper and work it under a bottom or a side piece of bead. Hold your other hand out of the way in case the tool slips. Carefully prise out the bottom and side beads, except the top one which will still be holding the glass in place.
 Have an assistant hold the glass in the door frame while you take out the top bead. Hold the pane on both sides while you gently lower it out. Be careful! Wear gloves. The edges will be razor sharp!
- Install the replacement pane in the reverse order, taking care not to crack the glass by applying too much pressure. London Window Fitters often use the trick of applying a little dishwashing soap to the recess in the window frame, when pressing in the final bead.
Under normal circumstances we would recommend that you get Window Fitting Quotes instead and perhaps on Mr-Skill too. That’s because you run the risk of injuring yourself, if for no other reason than that the job may be a little bit unfamiliar to you.
Tags: bead, beading, bottom, broken, clip, crack, damage, dishwash, door, find a window fitter, fit, frame, glass, harm, injure, install, knife, london window fitter, pane, pressure, prise, quadrant, replace, rubber, scraper, sheet, side, soap, strip, top, uPVC, window, window fitting quote(s)
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Misting or fogging in double-glazed windows is quite common in older homes where the guarantee has expired. Owners often put up this, because it is a cosmetic problem that they feel is not worth the money to repair. As a London Window Fitting Expert I’m often asked what causes this irritating problem, and I thought others might like to know why too.
 Some condensation is natural in the space between two glass panes, because of the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures. In earlier days this drained naturally away. These days another plan is put in place in the interests of thermal efficiency.
- The moisture-absorption material used instead is known an silica – that’s the same stuff as the tiny white balls found in little bags and shipped with electronic goods.
- This silica is in the separation bars that keep the double-glazing panes apart. You’ll find them right up against the inner window frame. The idea is that the silica absorbs the moisture in winter months, and dries out again in summer.
- Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and sometimes the silica becomes water-logged in less
 than five years. Most double-glazing is guaranteed for ten years though. If you are lucky enough to have the original warranty then you may have a claim.
If you are unable to prove the claim and want your unsightly problem solved, then I suggest you Find a Window Fitter to do this for you. Many people prefer to have a drain hole inserted instead, because this is half the price of a complete Replacement Window Fitting Quote.
The window fitter who contributed this advice is listed on Mr-Skill. Like our other skilled artisans in all UK trades, he has a reputation that goes back for years, and he is registered as required by law too. Please contact us in the event that you require Professional Window Fitting Quotes.
Tags: absorb, cause, claim, condensation, cosmetic, double glazing, find a window fitter, fog, frame, glass, guarantee, hole, home, indoor, insert, log, london window fitting, mist, moisture, money, old, outdoor, pane, price, repair, silica, spacer, summer, temperature, thermal, warranty, waterlog, window, window fitting quote, winter
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From time to time there are improvements to the design of windows that both improve their thermal qualities, and make bold aesthetic statements too. If you are living in an older home and are facing high heating bills, then it could be time to consider an upgrade. Of course it’s possible to do  the job yourself if you live downstairs, and have all the time in the world too. If not, here’s a brief description of the process that professional London Window Fitting Services like to follow.
o Measure for the replacement window carefully. Get this wrong and you could end up with an expensive contribution to the Council scrapheap.
o Make sure that the window you order is glazed from the inside for added security and ease of fitment, particularly if you will be working upstairs.
o When the new window arrives and the weather is appropriate, remove the old one carefully, taking care not to damage the surrounds in any way.
o Bed in the outer window cill, making sure that it is level, well sealed against rain and drafts, and firmly fixed.
o Secure the frame on all four sides, again making sure that everything is absolutely square, level and plumb. Fit wedges as necessary and screw firmly into place.
o  Glaze the window, and test that everything works correctly. If you get Window Fitting Quotes on Mr-Skill instead then this should hardly an issue, but insist on testing everything anyway. If you encounter a problem, loosen off the securing screws around the frame and adjust until the out-of-square problem disappears. Re-tighten everything.
o Complete the job by weatherproofing with silicone all round the frame outside.
If the thought of sealing off an upstairs window while standing on a long ladder puts you off, then why not Find a Window Fitter on our website instead. We monitor our tradespeople carefully for quality, and the competitive environment within which they work could also get you up to 30% off the going rate. How’s that for a good idea?
Tags: adjust, aesthetic, appearance, bed, careful, cill, damage, downstairs, find a window fitter, fitment, fix, frame, glaze, heating, inside, ladder, level, level.seal, london window fitting services, loose, measure, outside, plumb, process, proof, replace, screw, seal, secure, security, silicone, sill, square, surround, thermal, tight, upgrade, upstairs, weathermremove, wedge, window, window fitting quote(s)
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Some say that uPVC Windows are the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I for one do not miss the annual chore of sanding down and sealing wooden window frames. While some suppliers may claim that their uPVC windows are maintenance free, I still believe they need a hand kept to them.
That does not mean that you need to rush off and Find a Window Fitter, provided you perform these simple tasks from time to time.
o Glass – Wash when necessary by hand with a mild detergent solution or proprietary glass cleaner. Remove hand jewellery first and use a soft cloth to avoid scratching. Rub repeatedly to loosen stubborn dirt, and never be tempted to use a scraper.
o Gaskets and Seals – Clean with a mild non-abrasive detergent every three months. Make sure they are correctly located. If damaged, or otherwise in need to replacement Get a Window Fitter Quote to do what is a specialised job.
o Frames – Wash by hand with a mild detergent solution quarterly. Never use abrasives, scrapers or chemicals either. While doing so, make sure that the external drainage slots are clear.
o Moving Parts – Inspect and clean all hinges and locks once a year and lubricate these with light oil. Remove all traces of oil from the glass and uPVC frames immediately.
Specialists in Window Fitting London increase the frequency of inspections because of the grease and grime born by the air pollution. This applies equally to other large cities as well. Look after your uPVC windows as circumstances require, and you should not need to replace them ever. This is just as well, because uPVC windows are expensive to replace.
Tags: chemical, clean, cleaner, damage, detergent, dirt, door fitter quote(s), door fitter(s) london, door fitting london, door fitting quote(s), drain.moving, find a door fitter, find a window fitter, frame, glass, grease, grime, hinge, lock, lubricate, maintain, oil, pollution, replace, rub gasket, seal, service, uPVC, wash, window, window fitter london, window fitter quote quote(s), window fitting london, window fitting quote(s)
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Do you live in a cold arctic climate where double-glazing no longer keeps you warm enough, or are you feeling the effects of climate change? If so, you will be glad to know that letting in the light is no longer the only function of modern windows – modern triple-glazed windows also keep out the cold superbly well too. Before you call Window Fitters London in for quotes, it is time to remind your self of the principles behind multi-glazing.
 o Benefits: The main benefit of the third pane of glass is in thermal insulation. A warmer house needs less energy to heat it, and that is good for everybody on the planet. A secondary advantage is sound insulation – handy if you live in the City but a tad less desirable for rural lovers of Nightingales’ songs.
o Flexibility: You can install triple-glazed panels anywhere you like as windows, rooflights, doors and even viewing walls, although larger expanses will require stronger frames.
o Technology: Double-glazing has a single insulating space, whereas triple-glazing has two. As a result, there is no direct transfer of cold and far better insulation. While there is a slight reduction in transparency and light admission, the larger spreads of glass that are possible compensate for this. Modern multi-glazed windows now have the spaces between the windowpanes filled with argon, krypton or xenon gas for even better insulation.
o Frame Types: The most eco-friendly frames are made of Scandinavian hardwoods such as light oak. Aluminium and wood combinations are popular too, but the old British trad favourite White PVCu is distinctly eco-dated.
Now you know the principles of what you are looking for, why not get window fitter quotes on Mr-Skill, and find a window fitter for the New Year?
Tags: aluminium, argon, door, double, double glazing, find a window fitter, frame, glass, glazing, Insulation, krypton, light, pvcu, rooflight, thermal, treble, triple, uPVC, window, window fitter quotes, window fitters london, window pane, windowpane, wood, xenon
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In some older houses, window frames take up a lot of space and can even end up obscuring views. This is a hangover from days when windows were lintels, and architects were more interested in external impressions than the comfort of the  occupants inside. Why this remained the fashion for so long is more a subject for sociologists, however suffice it so say that modern aluminium windows and sliding doors make bringing views indoors a fairly easy matter.
Houses and apartments occupied by older people who grew conservative as they aged often hang with lacy curtains that have turned them into musty dingy homes. Most potential homebuyers turn around and walk away from these – the smarter ones draw curtains aside and look for views. When they discover spectacular opportunities, it is time for them to get window fitter quotes to find out what may be possible.
One of the great benefits of extruded aluminium doors and windows is that they can be made to  absolutely any size down to the nearest millimeter (if doing the job yourself do as window fitters in London do, and leave a little leeway all way round for the window to slide in when you measure).
The results of window replacements can be spectacular to say the least. Plate glass is at least as robust as even wooden window frames once were, and provides intrusion protection in itself. This means that it is possible to revel in sheer expanses of strong glass, instead of peering through lace curtains.
Although in theory any skilled person can replace a window, most homeowners prefer to find a window fitter to do the job for them. This is because disaster looms when the old window is out, the new one does not fit, and cold rainy weather comes.
Tags: find a window fitter, fit, frame, mddern aluminium window, measure, modern aluminum window, older house, opportunity, replace, replacement, size, slide in, spectacular, view, window, window fitter quotes, window fitters london, window frame
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Posted in Building A-Z on Oct 09
 Whenever considering replacement windows, you should always try to replace an existing window with one that maintains or enhances the character and kerb appeal of your property. A tip offered by local window fitters in London is to look at the window that is to be replaced from both the inside and outside before deciding on how many openings and fixed panels you require – remembering that a window can be a means of escape in the event of a fire which prevents you leaving the room via the door. New replacement windows can also improve the appeal and value of your home and save you money!
When measuring up for a replacement window, measure the width and breadth of the old window at a number of points. Windows – especially wooden ones – tend to warp and loose their shape over the 20-30 years they usually spend in people´s houses, and finding any discrepancies before you start will help when it comes to fitting a replacement window.
Types of Replacement Window
Wooden Replacement Windows
Standard sized wooden windows are often treated with preservative to meet NHBC (National House Building Council) requirements and are available in both hardwood and softwood finishes. Many are already double-glazed and weather sealed, meaning that you can have your replacement windows installed by a window fitter in London without the need to paint them afterwards.
Metal Replacement Windows
Old metal windows may rust, but modern replacement windows are galvanised to prevent the aging effects of the elements. They are strong and slim and often fit into existing wooden frames. Metal replacement windows are available in various styles and sizes, and should be painted with coats of primer, undercoat and gloss paint.
Aluminium Replacement Windows
Aluminium windows are available in various styles and sizes, and usually double glazed ready to install. Like metal windows, they are they are rigid and stylish, and also often fit into existing wooden frames. Replacement windows with aluminium frames only usually require washing down, but wooden sub frames surrounding them will require preserving and varnishing or painting.
uPVC Replacement Windows
uPVC replacement windows have become popular because of their economy, low maintenance and good insulation. Available in various styles and sizes, double glazed and ready to install, uPVC replacement windows can have their energy saving qualities enhanced with low emissivity (Low-E) glass – further details of which can be found on our post about Energy Efficient Windows .
As well as offering instructions on how to install a replacement window, Mr Skill suggests that you ask a local window fitter in London to give you advice on which is the best replacement window to suit your property´s appearance and your pocket. Remember that replacing like-for-like windows does not need permission from Building Control, but does have to conform to Building Regulations Part N.
Tags: add value to your property, aluminium, Building Control, Building Regulations Part N, energy efficiency, find a window fitter, glass, Home Improvements, Kerb Appeal, metal, paint, replacement windows, uPVC, Window & Door Fitting, window fitter quotes, wood
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 Replacing an existing window is a fairly specialist job and best done with the assistance of a local window fitter in London. However, if you are a keen DIY-er, it may be a project that you would like to take on yourself to improve the appeal and value of your home.
As with most major home improvement projects, good preparation is the key to a successful conclusion, and we have divided our project advice on installing a replacement window into three parts to distinguish between the tasks that need to be performed before you remove your old window and the installation of the replacement window.
Part 3 Installing the Window
After measuring up and preparing the frame for your replacement window, it is time to complete the installation. The first stage for doing this is to caulk the exposed inner face of the exterior casing with a elastomeric caulk. You should also apply two continuous beads of caulk along the window sill.
Working from inside the room, place the bottom of the replacement window horizontally onto the sill and tip it upwards into the exposed casing. Fasten the window loosely in place with a few nails or screws into the side jamb and adjust the replacement window by inserting shims under the sill and behind the side jambs until it is perfectly centred and opens closes and locks smoothly.
When the window is square, secure it place by screwing through the predrilled holes made when preparing the frame – ideally with a shim behind each screw hole to avoid bowing the frame. You can screw through the shims and then cut then flush afterwards with a Stanley knife.
Starting from the outside, fill gaps around the window up to ¼ inch wide with elastomeric caulk (anything wider should first be filled with foam –allowed to dry and sanded flush) and finish up by replacing any stops you took away from the interior when removing the old window, and then prime and paint as required.
Any element of this three-part guide can be done by yourself, or you can use the services of a local window fitter in London for specific areas in which you could benefit from the experience of a professional London tradesman. You may also wish to review our Guide to Replacement Windows before you start or read how installing replacement windows can improve the appeal and value of your home.
Tags: add value to your property, caulk, doors and window, find a window fitter, Home Improvements, jamb, Kerb Appeal, paint, project advice, replacement windows, window fitter quotes, window frames, windows
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 Replacing an existing window is a fairly specialist job and best done with the assistance of a local window fitter in London. However, if you are a keen DIY-er, it may be a project that you would like to take on yourself to improve the appeal and value of your home.
As with most major home improvement projects, good preparation is the key to a successful conclusion, and we have divided our project advice on installing a replacement window into three parts to distinguish between the tasks that need to be performed before you remove your old window and the installation of the replacement window.
Part 2 Preparing the Frame
Once you have measured up for your replacement window, the next step is to remove the old window from the window frame. In most cases this will involve prising off or unscrewing the stops and beads from your old window – unless your existing window was fitted with a sash-replacement kit, in which case there will not be any beads.
If the window frame was fitted with vinyl or aluminium jamb liners, use a crowbar to prise them free – removing any remaining stops from the window frame but leaving the interior and exterior casings intact. Scrape off any loose or blistered paint and patch any holes or dents in the frame casing with exterior-grade wood putty. Then sand the jambs smooth and prime and paint the surfaces.
If you are replacing old sash windows, now is the time to remove the old sash weights and insulate behind the window frame. First unscrew the access panels on each side jamb and remove the weights and any excess fibreglass that exists from the original installation. Then drill three equally distanced 10mm (3/8”) holes in the sill and head jamb before filling the area behind the casing with minimally expanding polyurethane foam. It is important that you use the minimally expanding type because you may damage the remaining window frame with anything stronger.
Once you have given the insulating foam time to dry (usually about 6 hours), cut off any protruding foam and sand down to a smooth finish. Now the frame is prepared, you are ready to install your replacement window.
Any element of this three-part guide can be done by yourself, or you can use the services of a local window fitter in London for specific areas in which you could benefit from the experience of a professional London tradesman. You may also wish to review our Guide to Replacement Windows before you start or once you have prepared the frame for your replacement windows jump ahead to our project advice on “How to Install a Replacement Window”.
Tags: add value to your property, caulk, doors and windows, find a window fitter, Home Improvements, jamb, Kerb Appeal, paint, project advice, replacement windows, window fitter quotes, window frames, windows
Posted in Window & Door Fitting | Comments Off
 Replacing an existing window is a fairly specialist job and best done with the assistance of a local window fitter in London. However, if you are a keen DIY-er, it may be a project that you would like to take on yourself to improve the appeal and value of your home.
As with most major home improvement projects, good preparation is the key to a successful conclusion, and we have divided our project advice on installing a replacement window into three parts to distinguish between the tasks that need to be performed before you remove your old window and the installation of the replacement window.
Part 1 Measuring Up
Measuring the dimensions of an old window is not quite as straightforward as it may seem. Some windows will have been in a property for more than thirty years, and in that time the frames may have warped or bowed due to the elements.
Start by measuring the inside width of the old window frame, jamb to jamb, in three places: across the top, middle, and bottom. Write down the smallest of the three measurements. Note: It is important that the smallest measurement is recorded because if you purchase a replacement window which is too wide for the frame at a certain point, it will create more work for you later when you have to adjust the frame. Next, measure the frame’s height from the top of the sill to the underside of the head jamb in three places: at the left jamb, in the middle, and at the right. Again, record the smallest measurement.
Check that the length and breadth of the frame is actually parallel by measuring the diagonals from corner to corner – the two dimensions should be the same, but if the frame is out of square by ¼ inch or so the replacement window can be shimmed to fit. Any larger discrepancies may require adjustments to the frame, or if the frame is so bowed that a square replacement would not look right and you will need a full-frame replacement.
Any element of this three-part guide can be done by yourself, or you can use the services of a local window fitter in London for specific areas in which you could benefit from the experience of a professional London tradesman. You may also wish to review our Guide to Replacement Windows before you start or once you have measured up your replacement windows jump ahead to our project advice on “How to Prepare a Frame for Replacement Windows” or “How to Install a Replacement Window”.
Tags: add value to your property, caulk, doors and windows, find a window fitter, Home Improvements, jamb, Kerb Appeal, paint, project advice, replacement windows, window fitter quotes, window frames, windows
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