When it comes to measuring and fitting PVC-U windows, they’re all the same, right? Well actually, they are not. Quickslide’s Adrian Barraclough explains all.
Quickslide is especially known for pioneering affordable, authentic-looking vertical sliding, box sash windows. They are more complex to design and manufacture due to the style of the window; specialist hardware is required to make them work; and the way that they are installed requires care and attention. Though nothing that you need to attend evening classes to learn!
The problem is that whilst the special touches required are pretty straightforward, not observing them can result in serious problems and quite disproportionate to the care needed.
Crucially, not many people know that. And such is the problem with VS call-outs that earlier this year, Quickslide set about reducing the most common mistakes made by training customers to understand the difference. The results have been spectacular: from up to 80 call outs a month we got it down to 30, a figure that is improving all the time. But what exactly are the differences? These are the key points that our engineers have been talking to our customers about:
Transport and carry them upright! One of the biggest issues we have is the way that VS frames are transported, and carried around on site. Quite simply, carrying VS windows on their side can result in the springs in the counterbalances being dislodged. Which means the windows simply will not open or close properly, if at all. Carry them on their vertical plane – upright if you will – and you will never have that problem.
Remove the sashes when installing! Don’t install VS frames, especially larger windows, without removing the sashes first. All windows come with quick release tilt arms for the benefit of the installer. Don’t risk your health and don’t risk breaking the window: Take ‘em out!
Lift the lift hooks! An amazing number of fitters screw the lift hooks into place without thinking it through, resulting in the hooks being fitted too close to the bottom rail. Refitting them leaves ugly holes in the frame, which will generally leave Mrs Jones a tad upset in my experience. If you’re not sure, refer to the ‘where do I fit the lift hooks?’ In the FAQs on our website.
Careful with the packers but don’t skip them! Over-packing the frame before foaming can result in the sashes being tight in their rails and difficult to tilt and slide, which is after all a key feature of VS windows. My Top Tip: Use a couple of packers on both sides and in either corner on the bottom. Also, temporarily fit packers between the sash and frame and check that the sash tilts and slides freely, before finally foaming.
Follow these simple rules and you will never have a problem!
For further information on Quickslide visit www.rdr.link
