DIY Double Glazing

There are several reasons why you may wish to fit double glazing to your property yourself. The most obvious reason is to save money, although the satisfaction of knowing you can admire your own handiwork is also important. DIY double glazing is definitely worth it. However, it is necessary to do your homework and find a suitable and sympathetic supplier as well as finding out if there are any regulations that you need to comply with. The advantage of inviting a sales representative to your house to give you advice is that they can see first hand exactly what is required and advise you on every consideration that you will need to make such as :-

• choosing the design to suit your particular property,
• the positioning of vents and openings,
• whether safety glass or fixed open trickle ventilation for gas appliances is required,
• ensuring that the design incorporates enough openings for your requirements.

You will need to ensure that delivery to your home is possible and if a 10 year guarantee is offered. In addition, you should expect telephone or online access to an advice or support team and you will need to make sure that all fixings and sealants come as standard as part of the deal.

There is no mystery to fitting double glazing units in your own property. The most important skill that you probably require is the ability to measure accurately. You will need to measure between the brickwork of the gap to get the width, and take the measurement from the top of the current frame to the underside of the sill. The manufacturer will guide you as to what measurements are required.

The next stage is to decide what material you wish to purchase. uPVC is sturdy, economic and easily maintained, requiring no painting, and does not warp or rot. Aluminium is also sturdy, and wooden window frames are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It is important to note whether your manufactured frame will be supplied with sill included or separate. In addition, it is necessary to specify what inner glaze panel gap size you require. There is a great deal of choice of glass types available. For example not only is there clear or frosted glass, but reinforced, toughened, laminated, tinted, Pilkington K or Pilkington Activ

Tools required for fitting a double glazed unit are:-

• hammer
• crowbar
• bow saw or electric reciprocating saw
• masonry bolster and chisel
• protective goggles and work gloves.

Removing a frame is fairly straight forward. The old window will need to be crowbarred away or removed by unscrewing the sashes. An old bucket is handy for putting any pieces of glazing into. By cutting out the mullions you will be left with the bare frame. By tapping the curved end of a crow bar between the brickwork and frame you can then lever out the old frame. Scaffolding may need to be hired, particularly for an upper floor fitting.

Before making your final decision on what type of double glazing unit you will choose, it is a good idea to take a look at similar properties and the way that their external image is altered according to the style and materials chosen. That way you can get a good idea of how your own property will look.