Installing uPVC windows

[Pragmatic]

I finally had enough of Thai wooden windows. They are, my opinion, total shit. They leak during the rain season something terrible. So 9 years of mopping up after down pours I decided to act. I decided uPVC is/was the way forward. My missus asked a Thai guy about uPVC windows 2 years ago. 'Them no good, them leak said he. He wanted us to install aluminum. Thai aluminum windows are also shit IMO.

Anyways a few months back I did a few alterations to my outbuilding and I installed uPVC. I did it all myself. A total of 5 windows. My missus was over the moon with them. So I put me foot down and told her I was going to do the whole house.

Off to 'HomePro' and we ordered 9 windows measuring 2.4m x 1.10m. The maker was 'Hoffen'. They're just over half the price of 'Windsor' windows sold by other DIY stores. Quality was about equal. Price for the 9 windows plus 700 Baht delivery was a fraction over 50,000 Baht.

The windows are too big for me to undertake the job myself so I got a builder to help.He brought two other men and I was to be part of the team. To fit he wanted 12,000 Baht. A bargain IMO as there was no way I could do it on my own. Anyway we're 2 days into the job and 5 windows fitted. It's hard work but all's good so far.

The old windows.



Window, nearly all removed.



One installed but snagging not been done yet.



Windows awaiting installation.




Another window fitted. Waiting on being pointed up. To fit all 9 windows I expect job completion to be 5 days tops.

[Dillinger]

Looks like a couple of chimps have got in there mate

[baldrick]

I have been thinking about something like this to replace the aluminium framed sliding windows that need to have install deficiencies rectified because they were installed by blind amputees

upvc sliding windows with security and insect mesh

Bedroom Upvc Sliding Window With Mesh Net And Grids On 5mm Safety Glass - Buy Window With Grill Design And Mosquito Net,Pvc Sliding Window,Office Sliding Window Product on Alibaba.com

[boloa]

How are you going to finish them off ??

Those gaps look a bit big for a nice mastic Joint

[Pragmatic]

Fook mastic. I rarely use it and never as a large gap filler. According to the window fitting instructions they say make the finished cut size 10mm bigger all around. I do mine double of that and point up with mortar. A more secure and easier fitting.

[boloa]

Fook mastic. I rarely use it and never as a large gap filler. According to the window fitting instructions they say make the finished cut size 10mm bigger all around. I do mine double of that and point up with mortar. A more secure and easier fitting.

I've fitted 100's of DG units and the reason most people use a company that make windows " Made-to -measure " in the West is they are much more easily installed and only a small mastic joint is needed to finish off a nice clean install.
Those pre-made windows you have brought are ideal for a new build where a template can be made to suite the windows size but not so good to replace old windows

But I'm sure you will do a good with the materials you have

[boloa]

He wanted us to install aluminum. Thai aluminum windows are also shit IMO.

I've had the brown aluminum windows fitted in my/our house and they have been fine now for over 12 years.I think there are 3 quality grades and I went for the middle grade with the built in mosquito screens.This means we can keep the windows open day or night without the bugs coming in ,also the screens can be easily removed for cleaning .

[Dapper]

Price for the 9 windows plus 700 Baht delivery was a fraction over 50,000 Baht.

Bargain....RRP was 99,990bt TM


Good info from Prag and Boloa on this one.

Cheers.

[Dragonfly94]

Are these double glazed?

[Dapper]

uPVC

DG

Are these double glazed

[boloa]

uPVC

DG

Are these double glazed

I would have thought for the price they are only single glazed....I only said " I've fitted 100's of DG units" but didn't say these were

[nigelandjan]

Same windows we put in our build Prag , no probs with them , not really high security but ok

Only downside I have found is the deep channels the windows run in get full of gheko shit everyday , the best way I have found is to use a cylinder hoover every day , don't take long

[Pragmatic]

The windows are single glazed being as they'll be left open during the day. No point in double glazing IMO. The widows come with fly screens.

no probs with them , not really high security but ok

As I said in the opening post 'I'm happy with quality'. But I don't want others to rush out and buy on my recommendation. Many options out there.
As for security, a little more about that later, I'm having my old security grills modified to suit these new windows.

the reason most people use a company that make windows " Made-to -measure " in the West is they are much more easily installed and only a small mastic joint is needed to finish off a nice clean install.

For some strange reason these windows cannot be dismantled so they have to be fitted as a completed unit. Making the cut out size 25mm ish larger than the actual window size makes them easier to install due to their size. A 10mm gap doesn't allow much room for fingers and positioning.

[Pragmatic]

Security whilst instillation was/is paramount with my missus. Due to having our security grills being modified she was bricking herself at the thought of getting burgled again. So she calls up one of the locals coppers. Down he comes 30 minutes later with this little corker. It's a Sig Sauer 9mm. Missus nerves are calmed down.

[nigelandjan]

Didn't get one of them with my windows ^ gonna fill in a claim form lol

Na TBH one of my BIL's who is a police chief in the area lives on the same plot so he's always armed there , infact when he goes out sometimes and he don't wanna take his gun he uses our place to keep it safe

[Kurgen]

why are the sliders on the outside?

surely they would be much more secure on the inside?

[boloa]

the reason most people use a company that make windows " Made-to -measure " in the West is they are much more easily installed and only a small mastic joint is needed to finish off a nice clean install.

For some strange reason these windows cannot be dismantled so they have to be fitted as a completed unit. Making the cut out size 25mm ish larger than the actual window size makes them easier to install due to their size. A 10mm gap doesn't allow much room for fingers and positioning.

Of course they can't be taken apart as they are made a standard size.A replacement window company would come and measure your old windows so the new windows would fit perfectly. You are doing the budget option of finding pre-made windows that roughly fit the openings you have...hence the extra work of rendering your large gaps.

When most houses are built in Isaan unless they use wooden frames then the windows are normally an after thought ..
Most of the Big DIY/Home Stores sell windows in uPVC and aluminum . A great way to save money is to buy your windows first instead of getting them made to measure afterwards to suit the opening ....which requires someone to come and measure your opening and make windows to measure ...which is why they will cost you more .

[Pragmatic]

why are the sliders on the outside? surely they would be much more secure on the inside?

The locking latches are on the inside. Once the security grills are fitted the windows can be left open as long as rain isn't expected. They have a double sliding fly screen.
Anyway it looks like the builder will take 6 days and not the 5 I'd predicted. This morning he turns up with the one guy to carry on the pointing up. That left just me to rip out 2 windows. Couldn't fit any as it takes 4 to lift and place the windows before securing. I find Thais always start off well when they get a job but soon get fed up and lose interest.

[boloa]

Once the security grills are fitted the windows can be left open as long as rain isn't expected.

My old friend Eric said " There is no way I would have Bar's on my windows,it would be like living in a prison. "

I would concur 100%

[Dragonfly94]

Bar on the windows is OK actually, you don't notice after a while

[Pragmatic]

My old friend Eric said " There is no way I would have Bar's on my windows,it would be like living in a prison. " I would concur 100%

If you don't have where I live then there's a high chance you'll get turned over. The area gets visited about every 4 years and many houses get burgled.
We first got burgled in 2006. My wife woke up in the night to say there was a man in the room. He was shit off a shovel and went out the same window he came in by. Two weeks later me and the missus went to Singapore for a weeks holiday. The gang returned and had poisoned my 2 Spaniels and stole my safe. Nothing in it of any worth. It was found 60km away with the back peeled open and contents intact. That's why I have bars.
In 2010 I had another attempted break in. It's not just farangs that they hit. In fact all police house owners have security bars on their doors and windows. It's normal.

[Dragonfly94]

Even the water meters on our moo baan have cages over them. well some. 2 years ago 30+ got stolen overnight, think there was brass or copper in them. New ones seem more plastic. Nobody heard any dog bark, amazing as normally they never shut the f up!

[boloa]

Bar on the windows is OK actually, you don't notice after a while

Is that a quote from Nelson Mandela's books "The Long Walk to Freedom "

My old friend Eric said " There is no way I would have Bar's on my windows,it would be like living in a prison. " I would concur 100%

If you don't have where I live then there's a high chance you'll get turned over. The area gets visited about every 4 years and many houses get burgled.
We first got burgled in 2006. My wife woke up in the night to say there was a man in the room. He was shit off a shovel and went out the same window he came in by. Two weeks later me and the missus went to Singapore for a weeks holiday. The gang returned and had poisoned my 2 Spaniels and stole my safe. Nothing in it of any worth. It was found 60km away with the back peeled open and contents intact. That's why I have bars.
In 2010 I had another attempted break in. It's not just farangs that they hit. In fact all police house owners have security bars on their doors and windows. It's normal.

Each to their own I guess but after 13 years in our Village I have never heard of a break-in. A few of the old dears have said their gold has been stolen but I'm 100% sure it could be found down the local Gold Pawn Shop to pay of gambling debts
I have a friend that live on the outskirts of a biggish town and he has bars on his windows and the burglars cut around the locks on his door.If they want to get in they will and IMO bars will not stop them .....but if it makes you feel more secure then have them .

It will be nice to see a few photos of the finished job once its all been painted

[JohnG]

why are the sliders on the outside?

surely they would be much more secure on the inside?

Got to agree. The sliding windows should always be on the inside for security.

[terry57]

Bar on the windows is OK actually, you don't notice after a while

Bars on windows are fine...........

Until one has a fire. Then you die.