Double glazing installed with just foam

lukesheffield

Hi

We are currently having double glazing fitted and I have noticed they are installing the windows with just the expanding foam rather than phyiscally getting a fixing (screw / bolt) into the walls....

I asked them and they said they tried to get a screw fixing with the first few windows but couldnt get a decent fixing to the walls and so are just using the foam, which they say is strong enough??

We have some very large windows and im worried about the security aspect with the ground floor windows... you could just run a knife round and pop one of the windows out??

Is this ok / what should i do....

Thanks

Luke

missile

I would not be happy either. Who is the company? I would ask window manufacturer to comment.

maninthestreet

If they ain't screwed in, anyone can come along and remove the entire window with the rights tools just a few minutes. I would be asking the fitters why they are unable to get a decent screwed-fixing to the walls.

bigblackdog

another thing i think you will find is that foam is not totally weather proof , may not even be suitable for the job due to deteriation over the years , a valid worry

lukesheffield

The company is west yorkshire windows. I will speak to them this afternoon.

Thanks

ninky_2

personally i'd be concerned about the use of expanding spray foam anyway. there is no longterm evidence for the effects this stuff can have to health when it degrades and dust particles from it become airborne in sufficient numbers. it is possible to develop hypersensitivity to the stuff.

have a look here at the health implications of these foams that are often 50 percent isocyanates.

http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/spray_polyurethane_foam.html


Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a widely used and highly-effective insulator and sealant; however, eye, skin, and inhalation exposures to its key ingredient, isocyanates, and other chemicals in SPF products of concern in vapors, aerosols, and dusts during SPF installation can cause:

• Asthma, a potentially life-threatening disease
• Lung damage
• Respiratory problems and other breathing difficulties
• Skin and eye irritation
• Other potential adverse health effects

A.Penny.Saved

No no no! That breaks the terms of their Fensa registration to provide safe and competent fitting! Do no accept this, the windows are not secure enough and could fall out seriously injuring someone.

Report the company to Fensa and they will face being re-assessed and having their registration withdrawn. Don't allow cowboys like this to continue.

You could also report them to building controls as this will not be satisfactory.

I am considering replacing 3 of my double glazed windows with ones which include a small opening from Wickes to provide better ventilation and security. I would never consider fitting them using expanding foam and my building is made of no fines concrete which is terrible to attach anything to.

BOBS

Oh no - just noticed this thread - this is how the window was fitted in our extension!! - five years ago ......... no leaks or anything ---- suppose no point panicing now!! ~Used the same company that put original windows into house when it was build c1996 - not sure how these were fitted but can see some expanding foam - kinda assumed this was just as an extra measure.

ormus

whilst i would not accept no proper fixings,, speaking of foam only windows falling out is way off the mark. as is cutting the foam.
that foam sets like concrete.

MAPBuild

I would certainly be concerned about windows not being fitted using some kind of mechanical fixing (bolts). As someone above mentioned the quickest way to deal with this is speak to your local building control and they will normally send someone to inspect it within a day or two.

The only reason they are allowed to fit windows without informing B.C is because of there FENSA registration, if their work is substandard then Building control have the power to get it fitted correctly.

Expanding foam will hold it fairly tight, but it isn't a substitute for a mechanical fitting.

Also they will highly likely use large D-strips to cover over the bodge fit, there aren't uncommon but are unslightly. A neat bead of silicone indicates a well fitted (measured) window.

Phill

gooner63_2

If they can't get a fix........use hardwood wedges gently tapped in .....be careful not to twist the plastic.......and then foam......Ive heard it is pretty standard these days.......sometimes u just can't get a proper fix with screws......I'm not saying it's right but some blockwork/ bricks are quite hard to get a fix into........old houses with wooden windows only used wedges......try getting them out .....it's hard work !!!!