Fitting a UPVC window with just Foam?

[DaveyD]

Hi,

I'm in the process of fitting a new UPVC window, I have it wedged in position and is absolutely spot on, but when I try drilling the frame it is moving slightly out of true. And on one side the drill was just touching the edge of the brickwork so slipped off into the cavety part moving the window massively.

As I dont think I'm going to get it bolted into solid brickwork, would it be ok just to true it back up and spray expanding foan around it to fix in in place?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[chappers]

That seems to be the favoured method of most window fitters nowadays, but a better way would be to fit metal straps to the outside of the frames and fix these to the brickwork , then use foam to just fill the gaps.

 

[DaveyD]

Thanks Chappers thats a great idea, I could dig the plaster out and then plaster over the metal strap. Its a bit late for the window I did today, I did just foam it in, but the foam has fully cured and the window won't budge, it feels solid.

But thanks for that.
Dave

 

[chappers]

yeah as I said fitters do that a lot and to be honest I have on occasion too. but straps are your best bet. don't need to be anything special. I generally use this sort of stuff. wedge your windows as before, then the strapping will bend tight against the brickwork, if you have any gaps around the frame. You can foam either before you fix the straps or after, choice is yours. If you have any frames which are fairly tight in the holes, then you might not get foam in anyway.

 

[ronniecabers]

That seems to be the favoured method of most window fitters nowadays,

I'm sorry , but part owning a Double Glazing firm , if our fitters just foamed it in they would be out of a job! That is such a sweeping statement and very unfair on the vast majority of good fitters. Part of the governments MTC card is to stop this practice and ensure fitters are aware that fixings and foam are used

If you are having issues getting a fixing , yes, metal straps can be an option , but what about simply angling your drill more to hit the wall. As said wedge the frame , yes it may move a little , but screw in the side that is easily hitting the blockwork , and then wedge the other side, and then drill...

 

[chappers]

Sorry if I have offended you Ronnie and it wasn't a slight on decent fitters, but I'm afraid I have seen foam only used on far too many installations for it to be dismissed as just a sweeping statement. I use a gang of fitters who also fit diligently, but have seen and removed god knows how many installations over the years where windows are wedged and then just foamed.