Hi all, hoping someone can help. One of the PVC tilt and turn units in my 7 year old, 1st floor leasehold flat is cracked all the way through the frame from the outside to the inside, in one of the corners on which the tilting panel sits. This occurred during cold weather in February 2022 and might have been the result of the building settling or as a result of poor installation originally.
My opinion is that as plastic is moulded it cannot be repaired, meaning the frame itself at least will need replacing even if the part that opens can be reused in any new panel. I've chatted briefly with a local window installer on the phone who believes that at a height and width of 2340 mm x 1130 mm the units themselves are probably too big to be single pane tilt and turn without any internal reinforcement, and as such are poorly designed.
The window is still covered by the initial installation warranty, however I've spent two years being led a merry dance by the building managers, who initially took the advice of the original contractors that declared it beyond repair and promised they would replace the entire unit, before going completely silent for long periods, sending new contractors around when my original repair request 'couldn't be located', and even dispatching workmen one Saturday to my flat with an incorrect panel meant for a balcony window that they'd either found in storage or taken from a replacement job elsewhere.
They’re now saying they’ll only repair not replace the window, which I believe would leave the unit structurally compromised and prone to further cracking and warping when it's used, and as temperature changes cause it to expand and contract. I also believe this might be identified in any property survey and hamper efforts by myself to sell the flat in the future. I'm hoping I can push back if I have testimony that confirms my suspicion that the window is irreparable, and if this were to fall through it would still allow me to make the case for a claim on the NHBC warranty.
Pictures of the window and damage attached. All advice gratefully received.
My opinion is that as plastic is moulded it cannot be repaired, meaning the frame itself at least will need replacing even if the part that opens can be reused in any new panel. I've chatted briefly with a local window installer on the phone who believes that at a height and width of 2340 mm x 1130 mm the units themselves are probably too big to be single pane tilt and turn without any internal reinforcement, and as such are poorly designed.
The window is still covered by the initial installation warranty, however I've spent two years being led a merry dance by the building managers, who initially took the advice of the original contractors that declared it beyond repair and promised they would replace the entire unit, before going completely silent for long periods, sending new contractors around when my original repair request 'couldn't be located', and even dispatching workmen one Saturday to my flat with an incorrect panel meant for a balcony window that they'd either found in storage or taken from a replacement job elsewhere.
They’re now saying they’ll only repair not replace the window, which I believe would leave the unit structurally compromised and prone to further cracking and warping when it's used, and as temperature changes cause it to expand and contract. I also believe this might be identified in any property survey and hamper efforts by myself to sell the flat in the future. I'm hoping I can push back if I have testimony that confirms my suspicion that the window is irreparable, and if this were to fall through it would still allow me to make the case for a claim on the NHBC warranty.
Pictures of the window and damage attached. All advice gratefully received.
