New Windows/Doors current install problem

bery_451

Hi,

Starting today we getting new windows and doors fitted. Fitters fitted 6 windows so far with lots left remaining however 5 of those 6 windows have like huge gaps between the frames and the brick work. The fitters filled the gaps with expanding foam. Theres gaps on top, bottom and sides.

In mm what is the acceptable max gap size tolerance standards approved by the windows industry regulators such as Fensa etc.? Over what size in mm for a gap that becomes unacceptable? Also if there's gaps on all sides including top and bottom then what does it mean?

If a bad survey caused this then what are my consumer rights?

I asked the fitters and they typically said its normal and they do it all the time.

It is a Fensa Registered company and is backed by QANW insurance guarantee. I already paid 1/5 by deposit on my credit card.

As a consumer what are rights and liabilities when it comes to final balance payment? Do I pay them in full and claim off my credit card via section 75 consumer right or do I refuse payment to them until they make the windows again? However they already took few of our old existing windows away for recycling.

If I refuse payment and the company refuses to make windows again does the company have the right to take off the windows? However they took a few of our old existing windows away for recycling so if they want their windows back then how will we get our old windows back.

I am still waiting from the office response.

Please advise.

Furts

The gap depends on various factors - size of window, profile colour, accuracy of the opening and so on. A typical gap would be 5mm.

You need to get the technical data/fitting instructions for your profile if you are looking for exact figures.

Post some pictures and folks may be able to help further. Saying gaps are "huge" is meaningless.

bery_451

Yes the upvc windows frames are manufactured by a belgium company called Deceuninck:

http://www.deceuninck.com/uk/

Size of windows are normal size windows for residential homes instead of commercial. Of course they were suppose to be tailored made to measure windows.

Colour is Irish Oak in and out.

Regarding the accuracy of the openings nothing is out of the ordinary. The window surveyor suppose to take the smallest measurements out of the 3 measurement along vertical and horizontal of the window. Generally in mm what are industry tolerance guidelines that is acceptable?

Ok I will try to upload the pictures soon, in the meantime is there a governing body online that shows what max size gaps are acceptable in mm? And is it acceptable only on 1 side or up to 4 sides total?

Finally generally speaking what are my rights and liabilities as a consumer?

TheCyclingProgrammer

I’d expect around a 5mm gap. Anything bigger than 10mm and I’d be concerned.

Did they use low expansion foam? Normal expanding foam risks over expanding and warping the frames.

bery_451

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

I’d expect around a 5mm gap. Anything bigger than 10mm and I’d be concerned.

Did they use low expansion foam? Normal expanding foam risks over expanding and warping the frames.

Ok you mean a 5mm gap allowed each on all 4 sides or permissible only at 1 side?

Ok how do I complain to my window company and show that 5mm is the standard and anything over 10mm is not permissible? Is there a online governing window regulators websites that shows what size gaps are permitted? To present my argument to my window company I must show this otherwise they might reply saying there is no governing standard to gap sizes hence any size gap is allowed you know what I mean.

Im not sure what foam they used I find out soon.

TheCyclingProgrammer

It’s completely normal to subtract 5mm all around when measuring windows.

bery_451

Ok I will tell them that fact. I can't seem to find a approved website stating this 5mm as I like to show them the link to back up my complaint otherwise I believe they will remain ignorant about it.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Advice from one manufacturer:

http://www.jeld-wen.co.uk/m2m/how-to-measure/

bery_451

Ok a quick google search reveals deduct 10mm for fitting allowance.

Yeah your right anything over 10mm gap is unacceptable.

Ok now that we establish this what shall I do next if the company refuses to make new windows again? What is the acceptable time frame to make them again before legal involvement or going to my credit card company?

ytfcmad

The customer from hell.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Can you post a photo? You might be worrying over nothing here.

There are a few posters on here who fit windows for a living and will be able to give you a professional opinion.