New window shattered itself!

little_lass

Hi all MSE's.
Wondering if there are any window fitters who could offer me some advice?

We had brand new windows fitted this time last year, with a 10 year guarantee.
Last week, one window inexplicably shattered, nothing has hit it.
The glass was still in the window but it looked like the shatter originated from the pins as all cracks were exactly the same distance apart.

Window company said its a faulty piece of glass (which guarantee doesn't cover) and we have to pay for it!

I don't want to go through house ins as our premiums will increase.

Any similar experiences/advice?

Thanks.

Atelier

Your insurance would not cover accidental breakage of the glass but it whould cover defective goods (i.e. a faulty piece of glass). Therefore the window should be repaired.

If the glass was purchased by them from another supplier then it is up to them to chase up recompense from the other party. You purchased from them so go to them when problems arise.

State politely that you know your rights, how the "Sale of Goods and Services Act" works and they are legally obliged to sort out defective matierals.

little_lass wrote: »

Hi all MSE's.
Wondering if there are any window fitters who could offer me some advice?

We had brand new windows fitted this time last year, with a 10 year guarantee.
Last week, one window inexplicably shattered, nothing has hit it.
The glass was still in the window but it looked like the shatter originated from the pins as all cracks were exactly the same distance apart.

Window company said its a faulty piece of glass (which guarantee doesn't cover) and we have to pay for it!

I don't want to go through house ins as our premiums will increase.

Any similar experiences/advice?

Thanks.

Meepster

Erm, am I missing something? How can a faulty piece of glass not be included by a guarantee? If they have admitted it is faulty, then it is their responsibility to replace it...

ormus

tell them to replace it now or you will seek legal advice. dont take no for an answer.
their T&Cs dont matter. they cannot circumvent the law.

tbw

When I had a conservatory fitted a couple of years ago 3 of the large windows (out of a total of 8) quite suddenly shattered - looked just like a car windscreen when it shatters. This happened over a 2 day period while the builders were still working on the conservatory and they said the glass was faulty. Obviously, they were all replaced without any argument.

I fail to see how any double glazing firm can say that faulty glass is not included in their warranty - its only the glass or the seals which will fail! Load of old codswallup !

little_lass

Thank you all for your advice.
I've spoken to Consumer Advice this afternoon and they said the same thing - that the company is in breach of the Supply of good and services.

Thanks again!

markie1980

Sometimes, in the small print it will mention that small defects in the glass are not covered, but this means tiny air bubles in the surface or little specs that you can hardly see - Definatly not the whole unit shattering.

sashman

Often the T&C's say guaranteed for 10 years (then glass units for 5years in small print).

If they are still going, then it has clearly failed and they are liable, however they may claim it was hit by something falling from above. IE was it the room side that shattered or the outer glass?

any problems see if they are members of the gGF glass & Glazing Federation, if so report them if they fail to honour the guarantee, may that will save the legal battle, but like others, dont be afraid to sue them under their guarantee.

sahsman