Are these trickle vents too high for plastering?

[r_c]

Our builder has told us that the placement of a number of trickle vents will cause problems for the plasterer. He says they are not centred, too close to the top, and too close to the lintel resulting in not enough room for plasterboard.

Below are some photos. Do the windows need replacing or can they be remedied? (We already have a long snag list regarding the windows and have withheld final payment.)

Thank you.

Here are some photos of one window's trickle vent, including one with a bit of plasterboard to show how much of a gap there is.
[GALLERY=media, 99154]Rear Window - Is Trickle Vent Too High To Fit Plasterboard? by r_c posted 22 Jan 2017 at 4:30 PM[/GALLERY][GALLERY=media, 99155]Rear Window Showing With Plasterboard by r_c posted 22 Jan 2017 at 4:30 PM[/GALLERY]

This photo (I couldn't get my damn flash to work) shows one window without enough space for plasterboard. Click on it to see a bigger version.
[GALLERY=media, 99156]trickle vent too high for plastering by r_c posted 22 Jan 2017 at 4:30 PM[/GALLERY]

 

[crank39]

Ideally the windows should of been surveyed to include something like a 15mm add-on to the head to allow room for the vent, some companies even fit the vent in the add-on. I think you'll be OK to remove the vent, tape over the slot and get it plastered, once dry you can put the vents back on, a few mm lower won't hurt

 

[foxhole]

We did exactly as Crank suggests, had no option on one window which was a replacement the original head had a step in it which was not apparent until removed leaving zero space for trickle vents, just routed a slot lower down and refitted.

 

[r_c]

(It may not have been clear that I am the customer.)

Thank you both. So it sounds like trickle vents can be moved down a few mm. But I think this one will require the vents to be moved about 10mm down. I guess the trickle vents cut into the window will then be visible?

This is a better photo of the window in the dark photo above.
[GALLERY=media, 99159]Trickle Vent Too High by r_c posted 23 Jan 2017 at 10:28 PM[/GALLERY]

He did all measurements, he knew the structure of the window openings (and these two window openings have not changed since he installed his windows), and he installed them all. It sounds to me like he did cut corners by a) not ordering the windows with trickle vents and b) not ordering a 15mm head.

I feel a bit annoyed that I have to pay for these windows, installed by a professional. Am I being unreasonable to ask for new windows before payment?

 

[Gerrydelasel]

If you run into trouble moving the vents you could alternatively use a bit of thin ply to board above the windows, instead of plasterboard.

 

[r_c]

use a bit of thin ply

That sounds like a good idea. I'll pass on the suggestion.

 

[crank39]

If your builder measured them why is he coming to you to tell you of problems the plasterer will encounter when trying to plaster, it's his problem now to fix not yours, I know you've come here asking if they can be salvaged and yes they can but if he's being an arse then tell him to reorder new windows at his cost and measure them properly this time

 

[r_c]

If your builder measured them

We are on our second builder, who is brilliant. The first one did not follow specs, put beams, walls, windows and doorways in the wrong place, had an unqualified person installing gas pipes (that were less then 150mm from 2 sockets), the list goes on. The window man came via the architect/project manager. Hindsight has taught me that in future (although I wont do this again) just use the builder's window man.

I thought the vent cover was centered over the vent meaning it could not move down much. On closer inspection the cover was in fact very high in relation to the vent, and the vent is located in the right place. So it can come down a lot more than I expected and the builder now says it will be fine.

Thank you all for explaining trickle vents and frames and what to look for. It was very helpful.

 

[crank39]

Been a pleasure