double glazed window - not installed correctly - condensation

anotherday1

I have had a new double glazed window installed and I don't think it has been installed properly. I say this given what I observed during installation and now that I get condensation on the glass every morning. The other windows have not been replaced and they don't have condensation. I reckon they have been installed incorrectly because the window has been fixed to the outside cavity and not in between the cavity like the other windows. The installer didn't do anything fancy in between the cavity, since he just filled it with expanding foam and put a piece of plastic over the foam to fill the gap.

What should I do? The firm appears to be run by rogues and getting the window fitted in its existing form was a nightmare!

Should I get a survey to say the window has been fitted incorrectly? If so, how much does this cost?

I got the firm via Checkatrade and on the website it states they are registered with FENSA. I have checked the FENSA website since and this is not true. I've been told since that the firm is run by a criminal who opens double glazing shops and closes them down after a few years!

InsideInsurance

In the first instance speak to the company in a reasonable way rather than spending more money when it may not be necessary.

You may also want to ask on the DIY forum here about how windows should be installed as I've no idea if how you say they installed them is considered acceptable practice or not etc

How did you pay for them?

shaun_from_Africa

Have you contacted the installers to voice your concerns?

How did you pay for the work?
If it was with by a credit card then providing you can prove that the company is not FENSA registered as advertised, then you should have a valid claim against the credit card issuer (Under Section 75 of the consumer credit act".
It is the same case if you are able to prove that the window has not been fitted correctly.

anotherday1

InsideInsurance wrote: »

In the first instance speak to the company in a reasonable way rather than spending more money when it may not be necessary.

You may also want to ask on the DIY forum here about how windows should be installed as I've no idea if how you say they installed them is considered acceptable practice or not etc

How did you pay for them?

Luckily I paid on my credit card. On closer inspection, the company is FENSA registered as well. The company were really nasty to deal with, so I think they will claim the windows were installed correctly. They won't take me seriously unless I have proof to say they weren't installed correctly I think!

What would be cheapest and easiest way for someone to tell me if they were installed correctly? Can I ask the council to come round and check?

InsideInsurance

anotherday1 wrote: »

Can I ask the council to come round and check?

No, council doesnt offer free engineer support for private disputes.

If you report them to trading standards there is a tiny chance they'd want to see the work for themselves but more likely theyd ask you to send a copy of the report you've had done or most likely they just would just take your word for it and say they'll look into/ make a note of it (and you never hear anything again)

If you are expecting to have to take things further then an actual engineers report is going to be more useful than just the opinion of another window company as with the later there is always the argument that they are just trying to drum up business for themselves and so have a vested interest in finding fault

anotherday1

I've just spoken to someone in FENSA and they have offered no help. I have said that I don't think they have installed them properly and I think this is causing the condensation problem that didn't exist before the installation. They said we don't get involved with condensation and that I should live with it. I asked how I check if they have followed building regs and they said I have to go to GFF and pay for a £250+VAT survey!

Personally, I thought FENSA were like an Ombudsman service, so they would arbitrate any disagreement!

societys_child

I'm not sure, from what you've described how the window could cause the condensation. All my windows are fitted to the outer wall. You do sometimes get condensation for a time after fitting new windows if any re-plastering and painting was necessary. How long ago was it fitted? Have you tried leaving the window open slightly to allow any moisture to dry out?

Personally, I thought FENSA were like an Ombudsman service, so they would arbitrate any disagreement!

Oh heck no, it's just extra cost, a sort of window tax.

shaun_from_Africa

societys_child wrote: »

I'm not sure, from what you've described how the window could cause the condensation.

As the window has been fitted to the outer wall, condensation could well be a problem if the cavity had not been sealed up correctly. The best way to do this is with an insulated cavity closer and there are guidelines to ensure that new or replacement windows meet energy efficiency requirements, something that might not be the case if the cavity isn't properly sealed.
There are often damp areas in cavities, and this dampness could easily condense on a cold window due to poor fitting.

hollydays

I remember a thread on here about a company called Phoenix upvc who operated around Runcorn , Ellesmere Port , Warrington . Sounds similar

harrys_dad

Is the condensation on the inside, the outside or between the glass?