OCTOBER 2019 | 31
Installer Support
Installer Support is
sponsored by Kayflow
FENSA TIPS FOR INSTALLING
WINDOWS AND DOORS
FENSA is the largest Competents Persons scheme
in the glazing industry and its community
of Approved Installers fit over 2 million
windows per year. When it comes to windows
and doors, they really can make or break the
look and feel of a home so getting the design,
material and finish right can turn a good
looking job into a great one. Here are just
some of FENSA’s tips to ensure homeowners
are left delighted with the end product.
Go Easy On Removal
If you’re taking existing frames
out then take time with the first
one as many horrors can lurk
under the plaster. If it’s been lug
fixed or attached to a cavity
closer then you don’t want to
find out by losing a whole reveal.
Take your time and use the cor-
rect removal technique, it could
save you a whole load of hassle
down the line.
Don’t Overtighten
Those Fixings
Direct masonry fixings are the
norm these days, they’re quick
and easy and you don’t bend any
or hit the frame when hammer-
ing them in. However, the frame
should still be packed at the
fixing points to stop the frame
distorting. Installation packers
will also remove any twist that
these less forgiving fixings may
impart on the jambs.
Clean It Properly
If they’re not spotless before
you seal, it won’t stick and you’ll
end up having to go back to re-
seal, which is no fun for anyone.
Use the right sealant for the job.
In most cases it’s a good neutral
cure silicone on the outside, a
small gap sealer between frames
and trims, then decorators caulk
to the plaster. Oh, and it’s always
advisable to mask up before
sealing, especially if you’re using
a coloured sealant.
FENSA – All
The Proof
You Need
Take your time
‘ and
use the
correct removal
technique, it could
save you a whole
load of hassle
’
Measure Again Toe And Heel
You should already have
measured at three points across
both width and height, using the
smallest. If it’s a refurbishment
job, then measure the openings
again. Then measure the new
frames. Don’t rely on your survey.
Many slip ups have been made
on the factory floor and the sur-
vey won’t tell you that. Glazing seems easy. To be fair it
is when you do it every day. How-
ever, if you don’t pack around a
glass unit correctly then chances
are that sashes will drop and units
will blow. Getting the right size
packers will help. Make sure they
fit under the glass unit and carry
both panes and don’t let them slip
when knocking those beads in.
The Bonus Tip –
Protect Your Work
If the job is part of a new build
project then make sure you
protect the frames and glass as
both are very easily scratched
and damaged. Plastic film will
help protect against damage
from rendering and plastering
but also make sure that there is
access elsewhere for other ma-
terials. If there isn’t then consider
an alternative to fitting that
particular window or door until
after the other work has been
carried out.
www.fensa.org.uk
Don’t rely on your
‘ survey.
Many slip
ups have been
made on the
factory floor and
the survey won’t
tell you that
’