New Windows, Part One

Today our first few new windows arrived. Well, three windows and a door.

On a bitterly cold day it’s from ideal leave windows open, even worse to have them removed for a couple of hours. Still, the new ones were gradually fitted.

The day started with the workmen asking me questions I couldn’t answer. As usual. “Is it okay if this window opens the other way round?” “Isn’t this window too small for this room?” “How should the windows be insulated? With triband? Or with foam and stuff?” As if I’d know! At least I didn’t remember discussing any of this…

Fortunately, Mr Loock the boss turned up and we were able to resolve the issues and some other things that needed discussing, like some kind of porch for the front door, shoring up the front door, what kind of design should be stuck on the back door, cellar windows, etc.

More windows are due to come next week. But then Mr Loock got a call saying that the wife of one of his employees had tested positive for COVID-19. So he would have to go to be tested. This is the predicted disaster for businesses as we move towards an endemic status, but haven’t faced up to the reality of it yet. For some perspective: Mr Loock is completely booked out for the next five weeks but is facing having to cancel much of that. We’re lucky enough to be fairly flexible, but others won’t be. And it will me lost turnover for many businesses.

Anyway, mid-afternoon and the guys were finished and I asked them about the gaps around the window frames, particularly the upstairs bathroom. Apparently, the triband will expand over time.

But only if it’s warm enough!

It has expanded a bit since the picture was taken but nothing this evening. I’m a little sceptical and if the cold weather continues we’ll have to take contingency measures to help things along and the house turning into an icebox! First impressions, however, are that the windows will be quieter than the old ones and the back door has fewer draughts than the old one.

So, please, turn your heating up full and open your windows. Or, sign up for the hairdryer relay!

Some of you may also have noticed that there’s nothing to obscure that window. I have to admit that Astrid had to point this out to me. Then again I’m also pretty shameless, but most of you know that already!