So much for 'professionals' ..?

[T i m]

Hi All,

I mentioned on here a few weeks ago about the mother in law wanting to change the lower panes in the big uPVC window in the lounge and balcony door in her first floor flat, from obscured to clear glass (so she could see her plants easier).

I spoke to my 'builder' brother in law and he suggested 'we' use a local glazing Co that he had an account with as if 'we' broke a large pane during fitting we would not be covered to replace it etc.

So, we got the professionals (long established in the area) in....

First, I did some rough measurements and got them to give me a quote.

The MIL gave us to go ahead and they came and did their own measurements and got the units cut, toughned etc. The installed them while we were on holiday.

We popped in to do some chores for her today and I was first drawn to the bad fit of the internal glazing beads on the new lower door pane. The untouched top half looked neat enough..

Then I looked at the floor level 1750 mm W x 730 mm H pane and noted the following ...

1) There was a 3mm gap between the glass and the frame / ds tape in many places

2) The double sided tape was white whereas it was black on all the other panes (and I know you can get suitable d/s tape in black / white and different thicknesses and widths as I recently bought a selection).

3) They hadn't removed the backing on the glass side of the tape to there was no security to the pane (eg if you removed the external glazing beads the pane would just fall out?)

4) They had 'chivved' up the edge of the frame whislt removing the old black ds tape (not that they had removed it in all places) leaving a less than sharp edge.

5) It 'looked' (not measured as yet) that the d/g panel was actually thinner than the original one (If you pushed the glass in then out it would actually flop about in the frame!)

So, I rang the BIL who popped round and agreed all was not well (I wanted a 'tradesmans' opinion as *I* could have been too 'picky')

Anyway, I think he's going to give them a ring tomorrow and see what they say and or do about it ...

My fear is that they have fitted a narrower d/g unit (won't get rhe correct one made) and just fill the gap with some silicone or summat?

Are there any genuine 'reasons' this may have happened (new regs re d/g unit gaps etc)?

All the best ..

T i m

[jacob]

Your problem here is plastic windows. They do not lend themselves to alteration, maintenance, repair etc. except for replacement of some components (if they are still available) and a small amount of adjustment. Change or repair usually means replacement. People doing plastic work are not professionals - they are all cowboys selling crap without exception. If you get back to them tell them the job must be absolutely perfect or you won't pay and will take them to court if necessary. This would probably mean that they won't come back because they can't do it. Try wood next time.

cheers

Jacob

[T i m]

Hi Jacob.

I'm not sure if that is the complete problem. I believe *I* could have made a better job of it by just using my eyes, some common sense, the right equipment and some care (the latter rarely seen these days?)

Em, well this assembly is one entire end of her flat so a rather big job! As an asside, I'd rather refit the pane myself (properly) than be out there with a paintbrush anyday!

I get yer drift ;-)

This should be what my BIL is doing today .. luckily they havent sent the bill as yet ...

This would

I think they will do *something* in this case (they are long established and may have just sent the 'boy' round this time and he's screwed up?) I'll report back to the list exactly what they do to 'sort it' though.

If it was mine, I'd re-fit uPVC (but that's another thread eh )

All the best and thanks again ..

T i m