New Window, Existing Frame
A new double-glazed unit fitted into your existing frame, less mess, less time, and the surrounding finish stays intact.
What Goes Wrong
The method is straightforward, but skipping the frame check or rushing the fit creates problems that outlast the new glass.
Fitting into a frame with hidden rot or movement means the new unit will shift, gap, and let in draughts within months.
The installer checks jambs, sill, and head for rot and movement before the new unit is ordered or removed.
A unit set without shimming sits out of square, causing the sash to bind, stick, or fail to lock correctly.
Shims are set to bring the unit to level, plumb, and square, then checked before the fixing screws go in.
Gaps between the new unit and old frame that are left without sealant allow cold air and moisture to track inside the wall.
Weatherproofing sealant is applied around the full perimeter, and trim stops close the gap between old frame and new unit.
Using a pocket fit on a frame that is already rotten or badly out of shape delays the real problem and wastes the cost of the new unit.
Where the frame fails the check, the quote sets out the full-frame alternative alongside the pocket-fit cost before any work starts.
What’s Covered
The scope varies by window type and frame condition, here is what the service includes.
One misted, draughty, or sticking window replaced in the existing frame, minimal disruption to the rest of the property.
Several windows done together in one visit, reducing the total time on site and keeping the property tidy throughout.
Pocket fitting into bay or angled openings where removing the full frame would disturb the surrounding structure and internal finish.
On-site check of jambs, sill, and head before any unit is ordered.
Shims set the unit to level, plumb, and square.
Trim stops close the gap between old frame and new unit.
Weatherproofing sealant applied around the full opening.
New Window, Existing Frame
The frame condition check comes first, that single step determines whether a pocket fit is the right approach.
Havering has a large stock of 1960s to 1980s housing where original frames are often structurally intact but the glazing units have failed or the sashes no longer seal. In those cases, removing the old sashes and fitting a new double-glazed unit into the existing frame opening is faster and less disruptive than a full frame replacement. Bay windows and shaped openings common across Romford, Hornchurch, and Upminster are particularly well suited to this approach.
The installer removes the existing sashes or glazing unit and checks the frame jambs, sill, and head for rot, movement, and whether the opening is still plumb and square. If the frame passes that check, the new unit is set in, shimmed to level and square, and fixed through the jambs into the existing frame. Trim stops close the gap between old frame and new unit, and sealant is applied to the full perimeter.
Where the frame inspection reveals rot, significant movement, or a sill that has deteriorated, the installer will set out the full-frame alternative in the written quote alongside the pocket-fit cost. Nothing is removed until you have agreed which approach to take and confirmed the written price. The itemised quote covers the glazing unit, shims, sealant, trim, and labour as separate line items.
Why Choose Us
The process is set up so you know exactly what you are agreeing to before a single sash is removed.
A local installer visits the property to record frame condition and glazing state before a price is given.
The quote shows the pocket-fit cost and the full-frame alternative side by side, so you can compare before deciding.
Nothing is ordered or removed until you have agreed the written price and chosen the approach that suits you.
Glass, shims, sealant, trim, labour, and waste removal are listed separately, no bundled totals to unpick.
The installer is familiar with the older housing stock across Havering and the frame types common in the area.
How It Works
01
Tell us the symptoms and property type, and we arrange a local installer to visit and assess the existing frames.
02
You receive an itemised quote covering the glazing unit, shims, sealant, trim, and labour before anything is ordered.
03
Once you confirm the price, the installer schedules the work and fits the new unit with the surrounding finish left intact.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket window installation | £500-£1,200 | Half day |
| Pocket replacement for standard window | £600-£1,400 | Half day |
| Pocket replacement for larger opening | £900-£1,800 | Half day to 1 day |
Tell us the symptoms and the property type. We arrange a local installer to survey the windows and return a written quote before anything is ordered. There is no charge for the survey or the quote.