Fitting new windows - tips please & supplier in Suffolk / Essex

[Otter]

We are going to replace the windows. they're fitted on the outside and screwed & bolted through. 1. Which sealant should we use on the windows and when reseating the screws & bolts?
2. What material would you use?
3. It's a very dark colour now, how light would you recommend?

Any specific suppliers you would recommend in Suffolk or Essex - we're based in Woodbridge.

Thanks,

Simon

 

[MrCramp]

Re: Fitting new windows - tips please & supplier in Suffolk / Essex

I did this job 5 years ago on my Macwester. I would use clear windows as it lets more light in and I cannot see any reason for making the inside dark. Wouldn't clear windows let more of the sun's heat in as well? My boat was never ever damp inside and I put it down to the clear big windows and some doredo vents.

I use neoprene strip to seal the windows (no sealant). I bought the perspex/acrylic sheet (cannot remember which it was but it was the one that is not as strong but dosn't scratch) from a sign maker. Took my old windows and they cut them whilst I waited.

Bought my materials in Nottingham, the neoprene from Arco rubber who have branches nationaly.

I think there is a firm that can supply the windows up near Melton. If you go from Woodbridge to the Melton traffic lights and turn right towards Melton bridge there are some industrial units on the right. Might be wrong but might be worth a look. I am not back in Woodbridge until the 12th but I will look then if you are not there before me.

 

[MrCramp]

Re: Fitting new windows - tips please & supplier in Suffolk / Essex

PS. Reckon your size windows would cost about £30/35 each.

 

[Otter]

Re: Fitting new windows - tips please & supplier in Suffolk / Essex

We're there on the 3rd and I'll look for them and pm you if we can't find them!

I hadn't thought of rubber - any suggestions about thickness and specific type? Thanks for the detailed post.

 

[snowleopard]

Re: Fitting new windows - tips please & supplier in Suffolk / Essex

I'd recommend bronze tinted windows. They give a more cheerful light than the usual grey. Green is even worse.

I haven't yet solved the leak problem. First time round I used Sikaflex special window adhesive which was incredibly expensive (would you believe £100 for one window?) and started to fail after 3 years. I then went on to 3mm neoprene and that is just as bad. Everything gets wet when it rains. The latest is to fix the leaks with Capt. Tolley's creeping crack cure which has put a stop to the drips. It remains to be seen how long it lasts.

 

[mikemacdonald]

Re: Fitting new windows - tips please & supplier in Suffolk / Essex

We had an HT 'Doneta' for 12 years, loved her, don't know where she is now. HT owners assoc used to have some articles about window replacement , or try http://www.michaelbriant.com/
and go to Prout Owners assoc , there are several good ideas there.
We refitted all our windows using light bronze perspex, drilled out the holes 1mm oversize, used flat head screws and nuts through-bolted, acid etch primer on the perspex where the sealant will go, clean everything with degreaser, acetone or similiar, use Sikaflex or an equivalent ( Marine & Industrial +44 (0)1692406822 ) and put it on at least 8mm thick, gently screw down to make sure the sealant is in contact everywhere but don't squeeze it all out,, no air gaps, leave for 24 hrs or so then carefully tighten down but not too tight, periodically go round and tighten down if necessary.
Its expensive and time consuming, the problem is the different coefficients of expansion of perspex and f/glass and the flexing you get with a cat.
I'm seriusly considering metal framed with toughened glass on our Snowgoose, then its a once and for all job.
Good luck, hope it works /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[davidwf]

project plastics in Colchester are reputed to be very good. I plan to get some washboards made this year by them.

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Simon.
I am about to do the same job on mine this winter, and intend using 8mm thick Perspex which is arcrylic, Lexan is polycarbonate which is virtually unbreakable but softer and scratches easier and is a lot more expensive, aprox £490 for a sheet of 8mm blue tint.
I done my shetland a few years ago, and used a 1" wide neoprene foam strip apros 3-4mm thick and self adhesive on one side which made it easy to work with, stick it on window then a very light smear of clear silicone on the fact that will be mating with grp, once bolted up, easy to trim off excess.
The other option is to use 1" wide rolls of butyl sealer which I am trying to locate for mine, but in black as opposed to grey, again easier to work with than tube sealants.
The other thing to bear in mind is, if you use too thin a perspex/lexan, when you tighten up the screws/bolts the window will pull in like stitching at each fastening and look very unsightly, so the thicker the window the better.
C_W