How To Fit An Aluminium Window - Complete DIY Guide UK (from purchase to install)

Learn how to install an aluminium window with me start to finish with helpful hints and tips. In this full installation I use direct fixing through the frame and also use expanding foam tape around the perimeter of the frame. I'll also cover how to install triple glazing and beads along with security measures you should consider.

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About me:

I'm Aiden and I'm documenting what was supposed to be my barn conversion, which has now ended up being a new build. I don't have a trade, I just have a go and I'll be doing lots of work myself. This is the boring bit in grand designs that you don't get to see. Subscribe and follow along to find out how our future home turns out.

[poacher]

What a genuine down to earth bloke. Only came here to see about fitting an extra window into the house but have subscribed to follow on your amazing journey instead!

[versi]

It's amazing how good they look when they're finished, great job.

[danesiw]

Hi Aiden, just fitted the first of our ali windows in our renovation project. Your video was 100 times more useful than the manuals from the supplier/manufacturer - thanks so much for the video. Your project looks amazing - just subscribed. Cheers!

[CelestineGirly]

Im an ex builder - now lawyer! I really like your content which shows your experience at installation and problem solving! Good advice - I agree on your consumer law knowledge 🙌

[debbiebrindley]

Great job! On the wonk - might be my new favourite expression.

[peterwalton]

First time I’ve watched your video and I am well impressed with your focus on quality 👍👍👍

[ElemennoP]

Senior.. good choice.. used to fabricate them.. they're quality..👍

[balonsolos]

To help with the vinyl rubber bead gasket spray a mist of glass cleaner into the gap first unless you are applying the caulk bead spots. We always cut them longer before you start as you mentioned since they will shrink over time and you start at the ends and work the loop at the center down to constantly push the vinyl toward the ends equally. If you stretch the vinyl while only pushing in one direction from one end then cut the excess off and after a few months the vinyl will shrink back and give gaps at that end creating a poor look.

To save on shims pre cut them and run the same direction as the straps to just cut them once as you cut off the excess strap.

On the exterior here in Florida in the US we caulk the exterior with a silicone hybrid type over that expandable foam or we use a closed cell backer rod. Due to wind loads and water we have to seal them that way. If you use that flat strap dress metal put your double sided tape on one side to temporarily apply it to the frame. I also run a bead under the strap to the frame behind the tape since after a few years it will release. Caulk under each corner where they meet to 'marry" the corners. Run a bead along the flat strap edge and frame as well as the entire length around the perimeter at the brick or whatever substrate that is applied. Corrugated steel, stucco, hardy board or painted pressure treat wood etc. We also bed the sill pan in caulking as well as the back line and sides in the "pan" to keep the wind from whistling thru on stormy days and to prevent water from bubbling at the inside back.

[billfred]

Another incredibly helpful video. Thank you and great job!

[ww]

Great video. I need to replace a blown double glazed window from its aluminium frame. Is it easy to remove the gasket and bead? Do I need to use the orange plastic window shovel tool to remove the beads?

[polsiddhi]

They look amazing! Can I please ask if you don’t mind answering, what bricks and brand of windows you used?

[brundle]

Thanks, awesome video for a job I'll be tackling myself soon. Can I ask why you choose ally frames over UPVC?

[stuglover]

Really good video Aiden. You got your version of the process down now. What's happening with the faulty windows?

[GeorgeVieru]

I really like you dedication and attention to details.
Could you please recommend a place where I can buy the foam insulation insert inside the frame and the expanding foam tape. A recently bought 2 aluminium windows but mine did not come with all these . Thank you

[handle]

I'm also wanting to set my UPVC frames back by 25mm into the cavity but I didnt realise you can use the metal window straps under the cill too, I thought they were just for the sides.

Why did you choose expanding foam tape around the frame over insulating expanding foam from a gun like illbruck 330?

When the inner and outer walls are the same height at window openings, then you add the cill to the outer leaf, an off cut I got has the cill at 35mm high where the window frame sits on it, so I'd need a really thick internal timber window board. How have you got round this issue?

[justinf]

Thanks Aiden. I am just about to embark on our self-build, and I want to avoid using as many trades as possible. Had some real bodgers on a refurb that I did many years ago. Can I ask where you got your windows from?

[yoshii]

great video . Can you recommend an external upvc window frame sealant as the original sealant has come away from the upvc frame. I did not realise but some frame sealants do say " when used internally, it will stick to upvc, " but I need one to stick to upvc window frame externally.

Thank you

[ChrisDummett]

Hey, brilliant channel…. I’m getting loads of tips here for my project!
where did you get the expanding insulation foam strip with the weather seal?

[abdulhakim-ali]

Hello i see that your aluminium windows have some black foam looking stuff in the channels (not the expanding foam tape), did you install this, the channels on my window are hollow?

[thomasshackford]

Great video, very informative! Just to ask, did your aluminium cills come already cut to size or did you cut them yourself? Just asked the manufacturer and they said they will come 100mm larger as standard but I dont want to be cutting matt black aluminium 😅 cheers