Should A DIYer Fit Windows?

[@smoll.miniatures]

I left my job (long time coming and well needed) after ending furlough in 2020. Decided to move back in with my mom. Her whole house needed work, but mostly her kitchen and windows. Within a few months I’d graduated from the KZbin school of diy! 😂 With your content along with many of the other heavy hitters I’m now Close to restoring her entire house, have fitted a few of my mates kitchens, and I’m now looking to buy my own piece of land to build me own home. I replaced/fixed all her 40 year old mahogany window frames. Even stripped all her windows down to the bare glass, aluminium, replaced the desiccant and they are like new. It’s crazy how videos like yours help people like me. I think I’ve learned more from KZbin in the last 5 years than I did in the 30 year’s previous. My mates watch sports and I watch you fitting windows! 😂

[@sisaktamas]

A smart person never stops learning, be it by watching examples on KZbin. Still, learning by DOING is the hard part, isn’t it?

[@TheCornish123456]

1000 times better than the job done by any window fitter I've ever had to correct the work of. Double glazing installers seem to be on commission with the silicone manufacturers.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Wow, thank you!

[@Sonya_Makepeace]

And the caulking manufacturers. They seem to use Caulking everywhere inside the window.

[@zlamanit]

One the spot. My installer used silicone to "fix" a 5 cm wide hole in plasterboard...

[@nickbell8634]

Great job as always. Ive done 2 windows and 2 doors since moving here. Couldn't believe how easy they were. 1 was an upstairs bathroom window. Quotes from fitters included scaffold which wasnt needed, i did it all from inside.

[@brawksolid6285]

Very impressive, man. I know how much extra effort it takes to film on top of just doing the work. I appreciate what you taught me today!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you!

[@ianvicedomini2648]

Nicely done Keith. It has to be said, there's a lot of cowboys out there who do half a job and forget the lack of security half the time too so fitting them yourself is by far a better plan. Great video mate 👍🏽 👌

[@shannonsell6006]

“Is the client a git” 😂😂 another great job, Keith. So glad I found your channel all those years ago, you are one of my favorite people to see.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you!

[@Erindale]

This was the best, most comprehensive video I've seen on this. Great to see your trials with it as well to learn from

[@philippe9280]

Every episode your videos are getting better and better. Very informative and entertaining. And relatebIe when you show your errors and how to fix them. I really enjoy your videos.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you so much

[@fredsmith6725]

Nice one Keith, you did an awesome detailed and neat job😊. To be honest there are some really bad contractors out there so I would also do them myself. The edit was really outstanding too. Thanks, I look forward to the next project.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you very much!

[@tom314]

About a month ago I put a upvc window & door into the end wall of my garage/workshop (including cutting the hole & putting the lintel), this video would have been very helpful beforehand :) It was a much simpler process than I expected and much much cheaper than having it done "professionally", I keep finding this with building projects. We did buy from modern upvc windows as they're not far from us, it was a very easy experience and I'll happily buy from them again! With the windows in the main house we had a similar experience with the wooden frames and conservatory, I like wood but for windows UPVC is a much better choice!

[@danjason2167]

I did mine a few years back. I found that putting the window beading in at the coners and knocking in toward the centre was easier than going from side to side.

[@rosemarshall1219]

Always a pleasure to see mr Mickey enjoying the sun.

[@allthegear-noidea1264]

Nice job sir, particularly on the troublesome 2nd window. Very strange that the beading was on the outside of both windows as well. Well worth the tool investment too. Classic example of the right tool making a job easier.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

thank you!

[@darrenmackenzie1892]

I love the finger texture effect. It works perfect.

[@geoffreycoan]

Nice job Keith. I’ve fitted a few windows and doors myself and as you say its a straight forward DIY job as long as you take it carefully. With care a crowbar works well for lifting the glass to toe, heel and pack them out. Fitting the internal glazing trim is probably the hardest part of the whole job, I find its easier to fit both ends in first then progressively tap them into position working towards the centre with a soft headed hammer. Mind, fitting the beading to two circular windows was a right nightmare, I ended up trimming a bit off the beading after spending half an hour chasing them round trying to get them all clipped in !

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

Perfect, they look great, proper job. Your taking to this diy like a duck to water mate. I love these style of windows I had these in my house in Germany, the really bring the outside in. 😊

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you mate

[@PhillWyattProjects]

A nice satisfying job and they should be much more energy efficient in winter too.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers Phill

[@davidlarder]

Really enjoyed this one Keith. I remember repairing some wooden mock sash windows on our previous house. It was going to be way too expensive to get someone to build & install replacements, so I decided to buy more unnecessary tools (table saw!) and had a go at chopping out the rotten sill, and even an entire corner on two of the windows, where I had to create profiles to match, slotting in to the frame in situ, before getting replacement glass units to fit (4 in each window, all different sizes of course 🤦‍♂️). Your fun with the mallet brought back memories - tapping in pins to fix wooden beading with a hammer while trying not to smash the glass was not fun. A mammoth job for a total amateur, plus took so much longer than a pro, but the satisfaction of finishing it was immense. Plus I got a new power tool 😆. I certainly won’t hesitate to try what you’ve done with PVC windows if the time comes on our current house though. Thanks for putting the effort into sharing 👍🏻

[@andyc972]

Nice work Keith, those tilt & turn are a good option on ground floor windows where standard casements are restricted opening for safety reasons ! Classic Keith Brown - rips out cr@ppy old window frame "lots of hardwood here I can re-use !" and, I made this trim piece from a UPVC profile I rescued from a skip - you knew that would come in handy one day - Man after my own heart !

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you!

[@EvanDunville]

The Windows look great! I have the same Milwaukee tape measure as you used at the start and i really like it. the finger marks to match the house was a great idea and it really does blend in well.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Solid job Keith! I’ve seen so many ‘professional’ window fitters just rely on expanding foam to fix the windows in! 😯 Great price for tilt & turn too!👍

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers Peter! Yeah I definitely have trust issues now when hiring anyone I don't know to do work at my home, too many chancers out there

[@mandyleeson1]

Very brave Keith, and you did such a good job - they do look great. Great tips here too - especially the masking tape/spray foam control. Brilliant all ‘round. Think Mickie thought so too.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks Mandy

[@waynesinden]

Yep agreeing with Mandy here. That is very brave but a good job all together.

[@jamesduffin9417]

Thank you so much for posting this video! It could not have been more timely. I had a broken gearbox and shoot bolt assembly on the window of my office and the parts to repair arrive today. I was struggling to find a high quality video to help me refit the sash I had just removed. I hadn't removed the glass first and it was so heavy. Your video gave me the idea to remove the sealed unit and fit the sash on its own and refit the glass after! Its now 2130 and after 2 trips to screwfix this evening the window is now refitted an perfect. Thank you so so so much!!!!!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Great!! Glad it was helpful 👍

[@Shaun30-3]

A good video Keith, absolute first class job well done the detailing and repair are brilliant those widows are a good choice for safety knowing in an emergency you can open them like a door once again a good project looking forward to the next one take care

[@ObsidianxAlice]

Nice looking windows, very nice how they can open two ways. Cute little bassinet you've got there, too.

[@mgabbard]

Nice work, Keith! That finger dimpling on the stucco made me raise an eyebrow. But once you had it finished and painted it came out looking really good. You would have to be looking for it to find it. Cheers!

[@tazmaniandevil1503]

I have replaced all of my windows over the last 5 years. We are lucky that we have a local salvage yard selling brand new double glazed windows. These have been wrongly ordered/made or cancelled orders, and come complete with handles, vents, sills, and additional frame extenders if needed. Our windows fit from the inside, as the inside reveal is larger than the outside. I covered the uPVC and glass with the sticky film for covering carpets before spraying the foam because of previously getting foam on frames & glass. My windows are done in excess of British standards & more than meet local building regs. We don't intend ever selling the property, so by the time we snuff it (with luck and a fair wind) it will be time for the new owner to replace them anyway. I would recommend, if the glazing units are already installed, get someone to help lifting them in to place. I did some of mine on my own, and probably shouldn't have as the glass probably doubles the weight. Great video though. I imagine it will help anyone who was considering DIY window replacement make their mind up.

[@Jako-fh8zg]

Loved the install, loved the commentary too. Thank you for taking the time to make, edit and upload this. It was interesting to hear about the laws etc when selling too 🙏🙏👍

[@WobblycogsUk]

Nice job. A few years ago I made and fitted my own sash windows. It's a DIY'able job but certainly shouldn't be one of the first someone tries to tackle.

[@martinshrosbree7739]

If you have more windows to do have a look out for Soudal flexifoam, it’s a lower expansion foam specifically designed for window installation and a lot more flexible than regular foam. It’s blue in colour (my son nicknamed it Smurf Sh!t) and is generally a lot easier to handle due to its lower expansion rate.

[@darrenmackenzie1892]

Great explanation and taking the challenges on the spot and making it easy for us to try ourselves.

[@robertbamford8266]

Interesting window type. Learned something new. And - they are available in the US.

[@Handleyman]

We’ve just had most of our windows converted to UPVC double glazing. Not very common in Australia! 6 large 3m x 2m windows for a cost of $35k (£18). They were made in the UK and shipped over. It took 6 months! Very expensive but the change to heating and cooling bills and outside sound deadening is amazing. Great video Keith.

[@BetweenTwoFernsWV]

Windows look fantastic. Nice clean, professional work.

[@jamiehamilton9970]

Good effort 👌. I fit plastic windows and doors for a living and that was good to watch, Youd be suprised the amount of "fitters" that dont put silicone on the cill and on the edge of the frame. Good to see you do that

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you!

[@andljoy]

Nice job , i would fix windows myself ( new glass new hinge etc ) but i have never fitted them, they look good. Good call on getting the right tools , the correct tool turns a nasty job into a pleasure.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks Andrew

[@ccrjason]

Nice one Keith, I've always fancied having a crack at fitting my own windows. I think I will now. The proper foam guns are worth investing in. They aren't expensive but make foaming so much easier. Just remember, do your best - foam the rest 👌

[@paulmaryon9088]

Very nice and tidy job there dude, thanks for posting

[@Smithb83]

Brilliant job Keith!

[@MCsCreations]

Excellent work, Keith! It turned out great! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Tools and Materials Used In This Video: Glazing Packers: amzn.to/3IkvYTB (Amazon UK) geni.us/lNo89H (Amazon Worldwide) Builders Silicone: amzn.to/3oaa3aT (Amazon UK) geni.us/RsBBi (Amazon Worldwide) Suction cups: amzn.to/3MvP1g9 (Amazon UK) geni.us/ubz7M (Amazon Worldwide) Window fitting tool set: amzn.to/45iMUE7 (Amazon UK) geni.us/8pGCI (Amazon Worldwide) Expanding Foam amzn.to/3pGbsX3 (Amazon UK) geni.us/uabl (Amazon Worldwide) Concrete Screws amzn.to/3M21bvK (Amazon UK) geni.us/SrvEOA (Amazon Worldwide) The Aiden Project on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/uhwDJ7olVHbV6tYzpVmIVg 0:00 Intro 0:28 How to measure for windows 2:00 Removing old windows 3:14 Attaching window sills 4:03 Does it fit?? 5:11 Installation 6:19 Glazing a window frame 6:35 Why toe & heel a window? 7:21 Installing the glass 8:55 Glazing beads 9:36 Cutting away the render 9:57 Bought some glazing tools 10:42 Rotten sill and render damage 11:04 No lintel? 11:24 Does the second window fit? 11:37 Toe and heeling close up! 11:55 Sealing with expanding foam 12:33 Render & brick repairs 13:38 Making some uPVC trim 14:27 Painting 14:42 Sealing with silicone 14:58 Inside finishing 15:16 Should a DIYer fit windows? Regulations! 16:14 How to order windows 16:50 Pricing 🔨 MY TOOLS 🔨 For links to the tools I use, plus some of my favourite consumables, finishes and more see links below. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases UK affiliate store: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/ragnbonebrown US affiliate store: www.amazon.com/shop/ragnbonebrown 🤝 HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🤝 Support with KZbin channel membership: kzbin.info/door/VyE_6jEtVZGmYGXtUOL5FQjoin Support with Patreon: www.patreon.com/ragnbonebrown Support with PayPal paypal.me/ragnbonebrown Shop With Amazon using my affiliate link: geni.us/iWD3K 💰 SHOP 💰 Etsy: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KeithBrownMaker teespring.com/stores/rag-n-bone-brown-merch 🎧 WORKSHOP BANTER PODCAST 🎧 kzbin.info Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google and most other podcast platforms 🔗 LINKS: 🔗 Website: www.ragnbonebrown.com Facebook: facebook.com/ragnbonebrown Instagram: @ragnbonebrown Twitter: twitter.com/ragnbonebrown Email: [e-mail] Second KZbin Channel (non woodwork videos): kzbin.info

[@rorymakesstuff]

Nice job! Hoping to replace mine myself at some point, details in here were a great help.

[@jpkalishek4586]

My house is "Stucco". Some time back someone musta had a Stucco Biz in this area or came through like an Aluminum Siding scammer, as many houses have similar looks. The stucco is shaped to look like cut stone. BUT, they did this by nailing the angled tinwork for openings and metal lath over the existing siding AND trim. Been a nightmare when I have had to replace some of the trim, a sill, and a few windows.

[@chrishard7616]

Nicely presented video. Well done and thanks. I’m just looking into to changing some old UPVC windows and this is a great insight. 👍

[@enemyofthestatewearein7945]

Nice vid. Fitting windows is not very difficult and it's definitely worth doing it yourself if you are a bit handy, you can save a fortune. I did an A-energy rated bay widow for £700, and the cheapest quote I've seen for that fitted is £3k. If you are getting windows signed off by building control I'd suggest discusing it with the inspector first, and sending them the quotation spec for checking before ordering the frames. That way you can be sure there won't be any issues. Also most window fitters I've watched set the sill on it's own first, using packers stuck with blobs of silicone, then when you drop the frame in on top of the (already level) sill it should be plumb all round. Then simply fix the frame to the walls and fix to the sill from the top.

[@VoodooMike]

As a window manufacturer you did a good job there Keith. A lot of DIYers would miss the toe-and-heeling, meaning that the sashes could end up dropping.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@dominikfratczak8710]

don't use any soap while fitting the bead and you won't need any more shimms apart from the bottom ones. Block of wood makes it way easier to fit that bead too. Said by a diy handyman with over 100 new windows fitted in 10 years and twice as much fitted by someone elsa that i had to correct.

[@james-jq8sk]

I made window frames and windows (oversize) out of old Jarrah I had, (Australian hardwood). Used my Dewalt Table saw to mill the timber, turned out very well. Not a fan of inward opening windows, but the cost seems reasonable though...

[@johnthresher259]

Great job Keith.

[@alonso9248]

Congratulations for use the metrical system.

[@tellthemborissentyou]

You don't appear to have pan flashings in the UK. In New Zealand we would put a galvanised pan flashing under the window to stop water penetrating the house or these days we use heavy sticker flashings and use silicon to create a pan shape so any water that penetrates is caught and directed out. It would have protected the house as the wooden frame gave up.

[@cazee100]

Great job Keith. Stay safe x

[@SpringRubber]

Beautiful job, sir! That style of window isn't readily available in the US which is too bad because I love the versatility of how they open. The price you paid for those, less than a $1,000 USD, seems like a great deal. I recently installed 3 casement-style windows into brick openings on the ground floor and it took me way longer than your job. But when I did the the upper story I had the manufacturer install them. The crew completed 5 windows in exactly 6 hours and left no mess.

[@alext8828]

I like those windows. Great color too. I'm at 2:46 and I bet 25 cents that the new windows won't look that nice.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great job on the windows Keith! they turned out great :) Thanks for sharing the video with us!😎👍💖JP

[@dan.w.hoover2556]

The windows look great!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers Dan, they're nothing special, but for us a massive improvement!

[@cliffcarlo180]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Proper job. Well done Keith.

[@Ianmundo]

you made it look simple, well done

[@DavePawson]

Very neat finished job. Tks.

[@essexbarnworkshop8578]

Nice work, and you earned Aiden a subscription before I've even watched one of his videos!

[@bartbug1]

Nice work.

[@Sean006]

Aiden from 'The Aiden Project' is one of my favourite sites (formerly 'Building Acer View').....he's not afraid of tackling much. Has had lots of issues with his self-build but seems to be on the home stretch now.....although could still take a few years. Bit of a perfectionist is Aiden! 👍

[@andrewknots]

Nice job, well done!

[@1987pagey]

And always measure new unit before ripping out just incase there's any mistakes with the new windows

[@TheWardagh]

Super job 👍🏼

[@pbarnfield]

Funny as you mention about fixing into brick..... my windows were installed a few years back when we rented the house, and one window was causing cracks in wall and internal sill.... inspected and they'd put concrete screws into the mortar. Idiots!! Refixed and now it's much better. Also done my own composite door - getting sick of tradies who are crap and are meant to be experts in their field. FENSA can get lost!!! I'll do a better and more secure job myself just like you have Keith. Also thanks for the food safe wax - my new kitchen drawer units look nice even if I haven't fitted them into the unit yet!! 🤣

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks Phil. Yes, I agree with you on FENSA, and HETAS, and all those other organisations that are set up pretending to help the consumer when actually they're all about making money. HATE them!

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Fair job. A pair of safety glasses and gloves would have been nice👍Well done for making people aware of FENSA nonsense.

[@chris_hertford]

On the indemnity policy I sold a house 3 years ago the indemnity on windows was £90, it was £180 to have building control come out. If you go the building control route make sure the stickers are left on the glass for them to see. Also use common sense if a window opens fully and can be a fire escape don't change it for a fixed panel!

[@chrisstewart2279]

100% agree about Aidan and he's channel The Aidan Project criminally undersubscribed Great entertainment and great content

[@markdyballuk]

thanks for the tips and great work, thank you for sharing

[@iamyourfuture808]

Lovely job

[@PabloBD]

Great job! Love this type of windows, i hope they last you long. Do you know about the windows that can be installed in an existing frame? Maybe not if rotted but a normal one, and you dont need to brake the wall. Any upcoming projects for the catio?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Hi Pablo no I'm not aware of those? Yeah I've been working on the catio for the past week, video coming soon!! ♥️

[@magill4046]

Brilliant job 👌

[@yoshii793]

I was looking for sealant for upvc window frames as some of the well known brands do say in small writing that can only be used internally on upvc windows which is no good to me, I need something for externally to seal to upvc window frame. I was going to ask for upvc external window frame sealants, so you have helped me in that respect.Great vid. I have subscribed

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks! Yeah it's usually branded builders silicone 👍

[@MarcusT86]

Beautiful work!

[@gpanizzolo6090]

Excelente trabajo y opción! Felicitaciones! Germán, desde Lomas de Solymar, Uruguay

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@swivvy3037]

Really good video and you clearly did your homework before you tackled it. But I'll say it... You definitely dont need a certificate for your windows being fitted. My father has been a window fitter for 30 years and never once had to deal with the any sort of sogn off. Having also bought 3 properties, not a single solicitor has mentioned a certificate regarding windows either

[@tdimccullough]

the window glass will probably need to be repacked after a while as they can settle depending on how often you open the windows. also, you don't need to put masking tape on the window frame and wall jambs don't overfill the gap with expanding foam and don't touch it until it dries then it will scrape the excess foam easily and cleanly

[@usaf4dbt]

Thank you

[@Quaker521]

Nice job and they look great in situ.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

thank you

[@opentrail]

fantastic informative video - thanks

[@wendycoady5519]

I have two pvc windows that need replacing. Upstairs. Been quoted £5k for both which I thought was ridiculous! Wish I wasn't disabled, I'd give it a go myself!

[@user-te1le7ck6b]

Keith seriously is there anything you don’t get A1 😂 most importantly again mickie signed off so all is good , will be get getting some windows priced soon so this video is a big help , thank you 🙏

[@ianpearse4480]

Cool advice. Cheers.

[@dangkolache]

6:16 that was satisfying!

[@ookoro]

Really comprehensive video. Where did you order your windows from?

[@Psychlist1972]

Nice job on the windows

[@cdafonseca1]

Thanks for the video. I have one question if anyone can answer do cill add length to the height of the window?

[@rastarabbit1470]

In future you could do with an expanding foam gun, can use one can of foam for tiny bits without wasting the whole can and so much easier to control.

[@markh2134]

Thank you, great video.

[@Jryee]

Awesome job! I’ve just bought the same liniar windows, unfortunately mine haven’t come with the bridging packers. Did you buy yours separately, if so where from as I can’t find them anywhere on the internet! Thanks

[@c.a.g.1977]

15:44 Did the 'inspector' also check that last box, Keith?? 😄 Good job, mate, well done!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

🤣

[@ivanolsen7966]

please explain the vent (?) in the top of the moving portion of the window .....

[@RagnBoneBrown]

It's a trickle vent for ventilation

[@otilyjuju]

How comes that the window opens inwards? I thought that in UK windows open outside

[@Latbirget]

Nice job. When I looked into it I think they were just side hung?

[@zeroy]

Good job!

[@AdrianSams]

Enjoyed the video. Also worth noting you don't have to have trickle vents in replacment windows. Building control "Like to see them" on replacement windows if the existing windows have them but notice the word "Like". Trickle vents are pointless and Building regs changed a few years ago from when they were compulsory. No logic in having thermally efficient double glazing,draught excluders and then cutting a whole through the frame for a trickle vent which lets draughts in.......... Also toughened safety glazing in windows within 300mm of a door and up to 1500mm from finished floor level in doors. 🙂

[@VoodooMike]

The Part F rules changed in June 2022. Now trickle vents are required on replacements unless they're exempt or you have alternate ventilation in place. 8000 sq mm per habitable room.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks! I disagree, I think trickle vents are vital

[@AdrianSams]

@@RagnBoneBrown That's fine, As Building regulations finally saw sense a few years ago and ceased making them compulsory.For centuries people have opened their windows to air their houses but for some obscure reason a few people can't seem to grasp the notion of moisture and houses. As a qualified Joiner ,making windows and doors for 35yrs+ years I do have a fair amount of experience in the subject. Lastly, word of advice for next time you take out a window with storm proof sashes, 99x out of 100 the fixed sashes are just nailed in so you don't need to take the glazing beads off and take the sealed units out, just tap the sashes out.. Far quicker and cleaner job but no doubt you'll disagree. Have a lovely weekend. 🙂

[@AdrianSams]

@@RagnBoneBrown Question for you. If Trickle vents are essential why can a person close them off?. They all have the ability to be shut ,which the vast majority of people do.

[@AdrianSams]

@@VoodooMikeAs a Joinery Business I deal with Wealden ,Rother District,Hastings and Ashford councils building control and not one of them insist on trickle vents being fitted as long as there are openiong sashes. Question : If trickle vents are essential why do they allow them to be shut off rather than permanently open?. Logic,common sense?.

[@monkeeyme]

Hi great job... where did you purchase your windows from?

[@bosse641]

Nice. Good job. 💪

[@geraldrees7846]

Which silicone did you use? Random second question, what table saw do you have in the video? Thanks, great content by the way👍

[@iowaboy9361]

The book provides clear illustrations kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO diagrams that cover many of the essential topics. The projects at the end of the book are valuable for enhancing your skills and creating your own furniture. A digital platform linked to the book that could offer the plans for other woodworking projects with the cut sheets would have been a nice addition, but overall, the book is excellent.