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Posts Tagged ‘window fitter quotes<’
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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Are the sliding doors to your patio becoming difficult to close or open? If you cleaned the rails but this did not make a difference, then it could be time to replace the roller sets. This is actually quite easy, although the doors are heavy and you may prefer to find a window fitter at Mr-Skill.
 o Remove the sliding panel or panels by lifting these into the upper recess and taking them out at the bottom first. If they do not come free readily then the rollers are adjusted to prevent burglars getting in (window fitters in London often use this trick, although your local fitter may not have thought that this was necessary). This is easy to achieve. Shine a flashlight into the hole at the bottom of each side of the sliding panel, determine the type of screw in there and turn it all the way anti-clockwise. The panel will now come out easily.
o Lay the sliding panel carefully down avoiding scratching and examine the two roller sets. These fit into a groove at the bottom of the door. Lever them out using an old flat screwdriver.
o Fit new roller sets following the reverse process, remembering to screw the adjusters all the way anti-clockwise.
o Re-install the repaired door in the same way that you removed it. Adjust the rollers fully clockwise – if the door is sticky turn them back a bit, but only just enough to release the panel all the way across the run. Invite a family member or friend to test the door, while you enjoy the feel-good feeling.
If you decide that this is too difficult for you to do, then why not request window fitter quotes. The job will not be that expensive on Mr-Skill.
Tags: adjust, adjuster, adjustor, anti clockwise, anti theft, door, find a window fitter, fit, lever, panel, patio door, press, recess, remove, roller sets, rollers, screw clockwise, sliding door, sliding panel, sticking, sticky, upper recess, wheels, window fitter quotes, window fitters london
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