Green Building Forum - Filling gaps around window frames Sun, 03 May 2026 14:56:20 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199403#Comment_199403 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199403#Comment_199403 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:07:52 +0100 Peter Clark I have just got around to having a builder replace my windows. I asked him to fit the new frames with no gap between the frame and the opening in the house structure, I suggested expanding foam.
He is concerned about expansion of the frames in hot weather and wants to leave a gap.

What is a suitable type of material which will give a bit and allow expansion and contraction of uPVC window frames?

Many thanks for any help anyone can give,

Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199404#Comment_199404 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199404#Comment_199404 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:10:46 +0100 owlman Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199405#Comment_199405 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199405#Comment_199405 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:16:33 +0100 Peter Clark
I am thinking about draughts but also noise because we live beside a railway line, will compression foam help with that? I guess you are thinking of compriband or similar?

Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199406#Comment_199406 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199406#Comment_199406 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:29:39 +0100 tony
Negligible compared this load of fuss!

I would use anything, expanding foam can deform plastic frames as it sets but it is NOT incompressible, I would favour the careful use of filling foam.

Also seal inside and out with aprocriate sealants on all FOUR sides]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199428#Comment_199428 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199428#Comment_199428 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 07:55:59 +0100 DarylP We use it for all windows/doors now, combined with the expanding PU foam tape.
Although i am not sure the PU foam tape is really required, it was specced.]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199429#Comment_199429 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199429#Comment_199429 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 08:45:20 +0100 PeterStarck Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199431#Comment_199431 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199431#Comment_199431 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:00:27 +0100 owlman
Peter,
I don't know Compriband as a brand name but there are similar tapes. I had a look and yes it looks like the sort of stuff I've used and which I had in mind. The tape is compressed in it's storage, roll form, and once you unwind it slowly expands. I've used similar products in the past when installing fitted cabinets and the like.

Mike]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199433#Comment_199433 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199433#Comment_199433 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:50:27 +0100 Paul in Montreal
http://building.dow.com/na/en/products/sealants/gspwindowdoor.htm

Paul in Montreal.]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199438#Comment_199438 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199438#Comment_199438 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 10:27:06 +0100 joe90 Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199465#Comment_199465 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199465#Comment_199465 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 18:30:02 +0100 Peter Clark Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199469#Comment_199469 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199469#Comment_199469 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:13:31 +0100 owlman Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199476#Comment_199476 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199476#Comment_199476 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:57:03 +0100 daserra Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199477#Comment_199477 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199477#Comment_199477 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:57:53 +0100 daserra Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199547#Comment_199547 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199547#Comment_199547 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:32:25 +0100 Peter Clark What do we think:- silicone bead on the outside, expanding foam in the middle between window frame and house, a timber quadrant profile inside??
Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199578#Comment_199578 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199578#Comment_199578 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 14:42:22 +0100 borpin Posted By: Peter ClarkI spoke to my builder - traditional salt of the earth type of guy. He has accepted the sense in using the Soudal or Dow expanding foam products. Make sure he uses the right one! Not all foams are equal. The Flexifoam will not stress frames. If it is not blue, then it is the wrong one. Ironmongery direct used to do it at a good price.]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199579#Comment_199579 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199579#Comment_199579 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:47:27 +0100 DarylP ]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199584#Comment_199584 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=199584#Comment_199584 Sat, 05 Apr 2014 18:24:57 +0100 daserra Posted By: borpin
Posted By: Peter ClarkI spoke to my builder - traditional salt of the earth type of guy. He has accepted the sense in using the Soudal or Dow expanding foam products.
Make sure he uses the right one! Not all foams are equal. The Flexifoam will not stress frames. If it is not blue, then it is the wrong one. Ironmongery direct used to do it at a good price.
I have found you get less, but not zero expansion, so I brace up anyway (after an unhappy experience)]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200485#Comment_200485 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200485#Comment_200485 Fri, 18 Apr 2014 17:07:09 +0100 Peter Clark Thanks, we have not done this yet but will soon. Can you tell us about the unhappy experience?
Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200489#Comment_200489 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200489#Comment_200489 Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:19:20 +0100 daserra Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200538#Comment_200538 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200538#Comment_200538 Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:28:43 +0100 Peter Clark
My thought is that if it is a uPVC window frame with the glass in it, and the Dow product mentioned above is intended for that purpose, then it ought to be OK - if correctly installed! The installation instruction mention wetting, to make sure all the expansion happens at the time of installation, and caution to take account of the expansion.

I suggested this to my builder, so if there is a problem, I will get blamed no doubt.

Any thoughts anyone?

Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200571#Comment_200571 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=200571#Comment_200571 Sat, 19 Apr 2014 15:04:34 +0100 tony Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202981#Comment_202981 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202981#Comment_202981 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:28:38 +0100 Peter Clark Some have been done on the outside only(leaving gaps), some have not been done(leaving gaps), some have been done on the inside only (with gaps).
Fitters are proceeding to plaster board reveals prior to skimming. Plasterers are due tomorrow to skim reveal boards and existing reveals, thus covering all sins.
Salt of the earth type has stopped answering the phone or answering emails
Any advice?

Many thanks,

Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202982#Comment_202982 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202982#Comment_202982 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:03:55 +0100 owlman I'm furious with myself for not supervising more closely, after decades of woodworking, design, construction, and refurb jobs, it just shows you can still get taken for a ride. I've paid them too.
If you haven't paid ,don't, until you are 100% satisfied. If you've paid then welcome.]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202983#Comment_202983 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202983#Comment_202983 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:13:28 +0100 Peter Clark
I have paid instalments fortnightly in arrears, but the bills have not been itemised ( 'I have years of experience in the area, my reputation is my income...blah...blah').

What is the legal and practical position if I refuse to pay the last instalment until I am satisfied?

If the plasterers plaster tomorrow, I will have to bear the disruption of the undoing it, but can I force him to do that, and who must pay the extra?

Can I talk to his fitters and ask them to do things my way, are there insurance implications, or any others?

Thanks for any thoughts,

Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202986#Comment_202986 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=202986#Comment_202986 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:46:03 +0100 owlman Can the plasterers plaster board and plaster just the walls, and omit the reveals for the time being. If you fixed a timber surround to the window opening just on the reveal outer corner that gives you the opportunity to continue into the reveal when the matter is resolved. That is easy to do, even if it means taking a square section timber and machining a decent rebate and planting right on the blockwork corner.]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203005#Comment_203005 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203005#Comment_203005 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 15:20:06 +0100 Peter Clark Peter]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203010#Comment_203010 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203010#Comment_203010 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 15:42:37 +0100 owlman Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203013#Comment_203013 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203013#Comment_203013 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 16:08:00 +0100 willie.macleod Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203029#Comment_203029 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203029#Comment_203029 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 20:20:39 +0100 Gotanewlife Posted By: willie.macleodget yourself a gun and some foam now and make sure it is done tonight
Ditto - goferit and beat the system]]> Filling gaps around window frames https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203032#Comment_203032 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11925&Focus=203032#Comment_203032 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 20:51:41 +0100 Peter Clark Posted By: Gotanewlife
Posted By: willie.macleodget yourself a gun and some foam now and make sure it is done tonight

Ditto - goferit and beat the system

Good advice, but I cannot do it this evening - too many other things in the way.

I will post an update, but really how hard is it to do a simple thing like this a bit differently?

Peter]]>