Problem with new double glazing/fascia board........help!

kelly1234

I had a new double glazed window fitted about 3 weeks ago, (2 open out with fanlight in middle) noticed when fitted that the 2 main ones that open out were a bit stiff to open, the company are doing some additional windows for me, so thought i'd mention it to them when they were next round. The boss came round the other day to measure up for something, told him that windows were stiff, they might need adjusting? He had a look and said that it wasn't window, but that the window was fouling on fascia board, which is under a flat roof (directly above new window), meaning that windows won't open properly. He said that the fascia board must have 'dropped' at some stage. To my knowledge the fascia hasn't dropped (not something I notice on reg basis!) and would think that if it has dropped it would have been as a result of the old window coming out and new one going in? He said they could make a cut in the fascia directly above the windows so that the windows can be opened....not incredibly happy with this idea so am going to speak to company again tomorrow. In a nutshell, i've got a new window that cannot be opened, don't think that fascia board has actually dropped, am thinking that maybe they didn't do their measurements properly - ie checking that windows would not foul on fascia board. Have already paid for this window (by credit card), any comments/anyone else had this sort of situation?

Greg6721

kelly1234 wrote: »

I had a new double glazed window fitted about 3 weeks ago, (2 open out with fanlight in middle) noticed when fitted that the 2 main ones that open out were a bit stiff to open, the company are doing some additional windows for me, so thought i'd mention it to them when they were next round. The boss came round the other day to measure up for something, told him that windows were stiff, they might need adjusting? He had a look and said that it wasn't window, but that the window was fouling on fascia board, which is under a flat roof (directly above new window), meaning that windows won't open properly. He said that the fascia board must have 'dropped' at some stage. To my knowledge the fascia hasn't dropped (not something I notice on reg basis!) and would think that if it has dropped it would have been as a result of the old window coming out and new one going in? He said they could make a cut in the fascia directly above the windows so that the windows can be opened....not incredibly happy with this idea so am going to speak to company again tomorrow. In a nutshell, i've got a new window that cannot be opened, don't think that fascia board has actually dropped, am thinking that maybe they didn't do their measurements properly - ie checking that windows would not foul on fascia board. Have already paid for this window (by credit card), any comments/anyone else had this sort of situation?

is this an upstairs window yes?

if so then im pretty sure its law that it has to open to at least 90 degrees as a fire escape. if the company you bought the window from fitted it for you then you should have cause for complaint.

im in scotland btw so im not sure if the laws regarding windows opening are the same.

incidently i cant see the fascia dropping due to the window being fitted, the 2 should not be connected in any way. if it has falled then it should be easy to lift and reaffix. it sounds to me like the new window is sitting higher than the old window was and thats why it is fouling on the fascia.

it will be very apparent to the eye that the fascia had fallen if that was the case so i would check myself.

kelly1234

Its a downstairs window (converted garage). the new window openings are outward opening side (openings) whereas the old window was a top hung window (hope that makes sense, just googled the 'technical terms for the openings!), so am thinking that as there was a change in style, they have overlooked the fascia and didn't take that into account. If the window was about 1cm or so shorter I think the window would open fine and there'd be no problem with fouling. I am so worried about speaking to them tomorrow as I really feel that they are not going to take responsibility for the problem although as i am having more work done by them would hope they would sort it out

Greg6721

kelly1234 wrote: »

Its a downstairs window (converted garage). the new window openings are outward opening side (openings) whereas the old window was a top hung window (hope that makes sense, just googled the 'technical terms for the openings!), so am thinking that as there was a change in style, they have overlooked the fascia and didn't take that into account. If the window was about 1cm or so shorter I think the window would open fine and there'd be no problem with fouling. I am so worried about speaking to them tomorrow as I really feel that they are not going to take responsibility for the problem although as i am having more work done by them would hope they would sort it out

i understand the problem yeah, the fact the style of window changed meant someone hasnt properly thought through how the new window style would open!

i would suspect taking 10mm/1cm off of the fascia wouldnt be that big a deal- infact if it was me i would take it off the length of the fascia board so you didnt notice it.

did a surveyor come out from the glazing company and measure up the windows? if so i think technically he is responsible for the window size and fitting so i wouldnt have thought you would have any problems with them fixing the problem. as i said the solution is easy to fix i just hope the company do the right thing for you!

and remember hold the future work over them- tell them you intended to give them £x amount in business but not unless they fix that problem!

Tucker

The fascia won't have moved. It's nailed in place. They have failed to account for it with sufficient clearance and are now fobbing you off with an excuse.

Tell them the problem lies with the window and you want it correcting without a bodge job of trimming your fascia. If that means they need a new window, then quite simply, that is what they should do.

I had a similar problem, just the other way around. My new fascia was slightly lower and fouled one of the existing windows.

27col

It happened to me. They took a bit off the fascia so the windows could open. It was probably due to the company miss-measuring. But I cannot say that it has ever bothered me much. I hardly ever open the windows anyway.