Velux window story

cornishcath

I've had the same problem! The inner pane of our bathroom velux window spontaneously shattered last night sending tiny shards of glass everywhere.

I have e-mailed Velux and waiting a reply. I am rather concerned that the product code is not identified as a problem one on their website. The window was installed in 2003 or 2004.

I'll let you know Velux' response.

David555

I've just had the same problem aswell, just the inner glass has broken. I am a tenant who handed my notice in only a few days ago so I was thinking there goes most of my deposit that I need for my new place! hopefully be able to get Velux to replace the broken Glass by March 1st without the LL finding out as my he isn't the most understanding of people and won't believe it just broke it self.

Seems like quite a few people have had this problem during the cold uk weather that's just hit us.

bristolrocket

Just had a call from my partner saying we've had same issue. Fortunately no one hurt and kids out of the house, but gets you thinking 'what if...'.

EDIT - Just seen info below available earlier in thread . Will leave it up in case anyone does as I did and jumps straight to the end

After a bit of digging, Velux are well aware. Quoted from their website;

Risk of spontaneous glass breakage

We have registered a level of spontaneous glass breakage in a specific type of small pane produced and sold between 1997 and 2003. Under specific conditions, generally experienced in the winter, there is a minor risk that the inner glass may break spontaneously, with the possibility of glass fragments falling.

We take the quality of our products seriously and have decided to issue a product warning to inform our customers.

Seems like issue only affects smaller windows (39cm max width, but please check this yourself!), and looks like they will replace affected windows free of charge - go to velux dash pw dot co dot uk for details (I'm not allowed to post a link because as a new user I'm probably trying to spam the site?). They have also supplied a number to call them on - 0800 980 7030.

link2serena

We are so grateful for this thread. We had just finished supper this evening and my husband walked over to the kitchen doors (under one of two Velux roof windows) and the glass imploded and showered him in shards, quite upsetting. This is one of two so we are now concerned the other will go.

Have finished clearing up the glass and it is only the inner glass that has exploded. Will keep everyone posted as to outcome of contacting Velux on Monday as its outside of normal hours now. I'm hopeful as from collective experience it seems as though they are provideing a sterling service and response.

FYI we think the windows went in 1996/7.

Thank you all again.

Jacqueline_Dalziel

I am sorry to hear that you had such an experience with a VELUX Product. Please contact VELUX directly on telephone on 0800 980 7030 or by e-mail at [EMAIL="pw@velux.co.uk"]pw@velux.co.uk[/EMAIL] We will arrange to check if your windows are part of the product warning issued in June 2011 and do our very best to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.

VELUX monitor product performance and noticed that we had registered a level of spontaneous glass breakage in a specific type of small pane width 39cm (15.5") or less produced and sold between 1997 and 2003. Under specific conditions, generally experienced in the winter, there is a minor risk that the inner glass may break spontaneously, with the possibility of glass fragments falling. We take the quality of our products seriously and after thorough investigation decided to issue a product warning in June 2011 to inform our customers.

More information can be obtain by visiting the VELUX website (sorry I am unable to post the web link please search for velux-pw).

The occurrence of double glazed sealed units breaking in this way is very rare but it is a known and understood occurrence within all such products using double glazed units. Thermal cracking of the inner pane can be caused by a variety of factors. It is usually associated with a large temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the pane due to a cold snap of weather. Atmospheric pressure differences between the outside and the inside of the pane; gas leaking from between the panes through the silicone seal which can contribute to pressure differences; microscopic defects that naturally occur during the manufacturing process of the glass or any surface tension damage to the float glass such as scratches or chips - can all also contribute to the unit failing. A further factor that should be taken into consideration is that the smaller the glazing unit, the less tolerance it has to the movement caused by one or a combination of these factors. If you wish to gain further information on spontaneous glass breakage you may wish to visit wikipedia spontaneous breakage or the windowman site (again sorry I am unable to post the actual link).

paulcourtyard

If the Glass falls out in large pieces then it is not Toughened, this used to be the case with Velux some years ago (I am a Glazier with over 30 years experience) they just used to use 3mm Glass that I always thought was dangerous, as kids do throw things and play in rooms. More modern tend to have Toughened Glass, this should shatter into thousands of small pieces like old car windscreens. If these are spontaneously exploding it is 90% down to nickel inclusions in the Glass. Most high level Toughened Glass is now heat soaked, which cycles the Glass through Heat and cold to make any nickel inclusions cause the Glass to explode, it is then obviously discarded.
So in answer to one of the earlier posts where a Landlord accused his tenants of breaking the Glass, it can happen without anyone touching it.
Paul

Gallimh15

I've had the same exploding velux experience but want to comment on the superb service I got from velux. My windows were fitted in 2008 however there was no question about no replacing them. Guys arrived within a week replaced all our windows. Very impressed

mikee_j

Good thread and seems like a problem that Velux are on top of.

One of my velux shattered this morning, thankfully no one hurt or in the room at the time. I have another 4 velux's in the house and they are coming out to replace all 5 velux's over the bank holiday weekend.

vade04

Have just discovered that my loft velux window had shattered. Contacted the helpline and new window fixed within 24 hrs. Well impressed with the customer service

fluffymuffy

Love Velux. Unfortunately we can't use their products as they don't come with the option of no vent. In a Passivehaus you don't need and mustn't have window vents. Velux is a bit slow at entering this market.