Replacing old timber, steel or aluminium windows changes more than the frame. The new design, removal of the existing units, installation, glazing and surrounding finishes need to be planned together. D&G Window Solutions provides made-to-measure aluminium windows and doors for replacement projects across Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Define what you want the replacement to achieve
Start with the problems you want to solve: damaged units, difficult operation, a different opening arrangement or a renovation that needs new windows and doors. Record the existing openings and discuss the proportions, opening direction, glass, hardware and finish before manufacture.
The suitable system depends on the dimensions and site conditions. Casement and fixed windows, sliding doors and stacking or folding doors offer different ways to use an opening. The frame, glass and installation details must be considered together.
What should be included in the quotation?
- Site measurement and the agreed window or door design.
- Manufacture, finish, hardware and glass specification.
- Removal of the old frames and agreed handling of removed materials.
- Protection of the working area and access arrangements.
- Installation, fixing, glazing, waterproofing and perimeter sealing.
- Plaster repairs, priming and painting where included in the agreed scope.
- Final adjustment and checking of the operating parts.
Ask for the surrounding building work to be described explicitly. A supply-only price cannot be compared directly with a complete replacement quotation that includes removal and making good.
Plan the removal and installation sequence
Confirm the manufacture and installation arrangements before the existing units are removed. Discuss access, furniture and floor protection, occupied rooms and how openings will be closed and secured during the work. The sequence depends on the number of units, their condition and the building.
Where an opening will be enlarged or the work needs structural coordination, that scope should be established before the replacement is manufactured.
A completed replacement you can inspect
At Milnerton Lagoon, D&G removed an existing stacking door and replaced it with a white, four-panel heavy-duty Palace system. The replacement was coordinated with a structural engineer for the exposed beachfront apartment and completed with double-glazed clear laminated safety glass.
The case study shows the completed door, panel arrangement, glazing and threshold. It is a specific example of a replacement selected for its opening and location; your project specification will depend on your own site.
What determines the cost?
Opening sizes, system choice, glass, hardware, finish, floor level and site access affect the quotation. Removal and the extent of waterproofing, plaster repair and painting also matter. Send approximate sizes for the initial discussion; final manufacture measurements need to be confirmed on site.
Should original steel windows be repaired first?
If you are replacing original steel because of rust or difficult operation, an assessment may identify repair options. Review the existing condition before deciding. See steel-window repair and mechanical servicing or our heritage restoration guide where retaining original materials is part of the project.
Send the details for an assessment
Provide your suburb, photographs from inside and outside, approximate width and height, the current frame material and the replacement you have in mind. Mention the floor level and any access restrictions.
Send an aluminium replacement enquiry or explore our aluminium window and door systems.