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Phil L

wrote:
bob wrote:
Firstly thanks for your replies to my other recent posts; I now have1
SDS driil and frame fixings on order. Now on to the project itself -
replacing a side hung timber casement window. I have the process
down as:

1. Remove glass
2. Remove old frame*
3. Offer up new frame
4. Wedge frame in place ensuring it is square
5. Fix frame through sides with frame fixings
6. Glaze
7. Seal around frame
8. Make good inside

* My question is looking at the frame on the outside it is resting on
the layer of mortar above the soldier bricks - how do I remove the
frame without pulling soldier bricks away with it - how do the double
glazing guys do it?

As always any advice greatly appreciated.

hate to say this Bob but you dont really need the drill.
a few steel nails would have done anyway because you will be sealing
the new frame on the inside and outside with cement. if you take the

That's a strange thing to say.
How do you know it will be sealed outside with cement? - inside, yes there's
a possibility (it could be boxed in) but if it's sitting on the outside skin
(or the inside for that matter) and the house isn't externaly rendered then
there's no cement involved outside.

old frame out and the new one is measured correctly it will fit in
that space and screws are unnecessary.
when you put in the new frame, use timber wedges to secure it and
plaster it up all round.

And the wedges shrink or rot then the frame falls out, worse still if it's a
PVC frame (which is highly likely these days) once winter comes, the frame
itself will contract slightly and the wedges will be loose, this is why foam
is used, given that it's strong and flexible.

To the OP:
Throw the frame fixings away, they are not required unless they are quite
small (3 inch or less) - anything larger tends to pull PVC frames out of
square.
Wedge, then use foam (sparingly) and leave to set for a few hours, two small
fixings on each side is all that is required, although a lot of window
fitters don't use any.
Plaster inside and finish outside after glazing.