Non trade purchase of double glazed window

[brianroberts]

Hi - I just want to put in a double glazed unit in my back door (top half). On the internet when I look to purchase such a unit I always seem to be directed to trade installers. Do the manufacturers only sell to trade? Or is there a chance a humble DIYer can source the units directly? If so I would be grateful for some contacts please. Thanks

 

[HERTS P&D]

Go to your local glass shop and ask there.

Andy

 

[crank39]

This is a job you can do yourself but if you were to get a company in then look in your yellow pages under double glazing and find 'double glazing doctor' or repairs, its these one man bands that specialize in the smaller jobs that the big DG firms won't really touch as its not worth their time......unless there was a possible sale of a door in it for them.

 

[Click4]

its directed at trade because replacement windows and exterior doors require building control notification now.

only acceptable way of doing this is via building notification which costs in the region of £150 and has an inspection after installation.

or through a trade installer registered with a trade body like FENSA.

So technically DIY installs which arent notified by building control are illegal now, hence why its aimed at trade mainly... as trade would be FENSA Registered.

Reasons for this are because windows should be a minimum of a C energy rating, and they want to ensure correct installation so no drafts occur.. and they also check that if previous windows had ventilators replacements do also.. and other things like you arent downgrading the windows... which could be things like reducing amount of openings.. removing ventilators that previously existed etc... also check that where required toughened glass is installed... things like that.

They did the same thing with floors and roofs as well, if more than a certain percentage of a floor or roof is changed then expect you to notify it with building control because they want to ensure the roof / floor is insulated to current standards, and if required ventilated properly.

Replacement glass, you should be able to have a panel made up if you speak to a local glazing manufacturer.. they will order you one in the correct dimensions.

 

[maltaron]

Most of the so-called FENSA registered companies use fast trained fitters who stick in the windows with a few frame fixings, pump silicon all round, and walk away. They are rarely properly plumbed and levelled and certainly not draftproof. The only way to get properly fitted windows is to use small local companies who take a pride in their work. As for fitting a double glazed unit in your door, I would not think building control would be interested, you are replacing like for like and improving insulation. Go to your local glass merchant with your measurements and they will get it made for you with toughened glass. If it is a standard 2XG door there will be a standard DG panel for it.

 

[Click4]

Most of the so-called FENSA registered companies use fast trained fitters who stick in the windows with a few frame fixings, pump silicon all round, and walk away. They are rarely properly plumbed and levelled and certainly not draftproof. The only way to get properly fitted windows is to use small local companies who take a pride in their work. As for fitting a double glazed unit in your door, I would not think building control would be interested, you are replacing like for like and improving insulation. Go to your local glass merchant with your measurements and they will get it made for you with toughened glass. If it is a standard 2XG door there will be a standard DG panel for it.

Personally I think FENSA is nothing but a joke, and excuse for them to profiteer.

I always go through building control when changing windows, and as posted previously whenever installing I use Cavity closers where required which close off the cavity and also have a built in Damp proof course.

I undersize the windows by 5mm top and sides.. then I fill with expanding foam. which not only provides an expansion gap, but thermal break so the wall doesnt suck all the heat out of the frame.. which in turn would suck heat out of the room. On the inside, I then use caulking, and on the outside I use silicone.

So effectively you have 3 layers of draft proofing and sealing from the outside.. silicone, foam, caulking.

underneath the frame, I rest it on a thick bead of construction adhesive to foam a seal.. and if its on lead if theres any gap I fill that with a silicone based lead sealant.. or if its on brickwork just do the standard cement.. but because I put a prior thick bead of construction adhesive it means no draft can occur from underneath.

so the windows I fit are pretty much air tight.

building control have never had a problem with it, and often impressed at the standard of installation and that is how it "should" be done.

but FENSA on the other hand... not often have I seen a proper installation, they undersize the windows by the standard 5mm, especially if darker coloured windows to allow for expansion... but they dont fill the gap with foam, just the standard silicone, but problem with that is if by weathering the sealant/caulking cracks and separates water and drafts can go down the side of the frame.. some FENSA installers dont even undersize and fit tight... I have also seen FENSA installers install a door, then sign it off with a gap so big when the door shut that you can see daylight through it, as well as seeing the installers install a door, then run silicone sealant accross the front of the drain effectively sealing off the inbuilt drainage for the frame. They never use cavity closers either that ive seen, nor do most other window fitters, why I dont know... there is a product available for that purpose, it seals off the cavity stopping drafts, it insulates around the frame.. it also maintains the fire proofing integrity of the cavity so smoke cannot enter it when used in combination with a firesock.