double glazing fitting problem

surfsister

Hi moneysavers I need some advice and as this is the place to ask here I am.

I had Zenith fit double glazing to my place but they had an awful trouble fitting it due to concrete window sills etc none of which is my fault obviously. But they had to fit the windows by taking the front off and putting the back in from outside then screwing into the side of the window (despite going on about how the old windows were screwewed in and that they use a whizzy much safer screw type thingee). But on thinking about it they are supoposed to have a sealed unit with argon gas in so won't this make them not the same as I ordered? They also broke two of the larger panes and have to return to refit them leaving me with cracked windows.

Now luckily for me I haven't paid them! Just a deposit. So any ideas what to do? Should I contact Zenith before they fit the glass or wait until they have done the job in case they don't return?
thanks

Furts

Sorry, but I do not understand what the issue is. If you post a photo that could help as a picture is worth countless words. Also what age home? Is it quite recent with "stone" cills that are made of concrete? Does it have cavity walls? Are these built with cavity closers?

Two general pointers though. Windows are made to measure for your openings. So the fact that you feel something has been altered or dismantled suggests that they may have been made the wrong size. The second point is national chains like Zenith are notorious for all round problems. Hence bearing this in mind your windows may not be a good job.

EssexExile

surfsister wrote: »

But on thinking about it they are supoposed to have a sealed unit with argon gas in so won't this make them not the same as I ordered?

They won't take the sealed units apart so the argon won't escape (if it was ever in there in the first place). The cracked units will be replaced completely.

surfsister

the fitter said he is going to just put a sheet of new glass in the windows which are cracked so a bit confused. So he should be putting in whole new units? that's what I thought.

thanks I will ring them

DaftyDuck

He will pop out the premade broken double glazing unit, intact and both sheets of glass, and pop in a new one. It will be as good as it ever could be, and nobody, not even an expert, could tell it was any different.

The sealed unit is entirely separate from the white plastic surround.

Aubrey_Thicket

Please explain further what you mean. I may be able to help. The windows should be made to measure the brick opening and should not be fitted into anything other than the brick opening. Are you suggesting that they have left some part of the original (old) window and place and fixed the new windows to that old frame? Also, modern Insulated Glass Units can be changed within 30 seconds by popping the bead out, and replacing the whole unit. As long as they are changed there's no problem here. bear in mind the windows are internally beaded so the fitter will do this from the inside of the house.

surfsister

thanks both you have set my mind at rest that must be what he is going to do I hope!


Will see soon. Thanks for the info!

surfsister

more probs guys!


they came back and refitted new sealed units into the windows and managed to crack the new one then demanded payment. I refused as they had not fulfilled the order. I have now taken 4 days off work (no pay for me as agency work) so have lost money.


They drove off and the fitting admin woman range me - quite unfriendly demanding I pay up - I refused. so stalemate. The fitters left without further comment.


Any advice?? They have now broken the same sealed unit twice! I am fast losing confidence in them


they also keep mentioning having the replacement done under my guarantee. but why should I do this as they still have not completed the original order.

Furts

You should be paying what is owed but holding back a reasonable amount to cover the outstanding work. An off the record type comment is to hold back a sum that keeps you protected yet also acts as an incentive to get Zenith to play ball. After all if you held back the sealed unit cost and fitting, say £100, then Zenith are likely to say "sod you" and right this off. You do the maths to suit what you feel is right here.

As for calling it a guarantee replacement, I am guessing the fitters are covering their backsides by not wanting to admit they originally got it wrong. They are also likely to be sub contractors. They may have booked the job as completed, and be attempting to get a further payment claiming the visit is new work - namely a warranty replacement job.

Put all this down to experience, and on your next home, or double glazing job. avoid Zenith like they were a plague!

surfsister

but the point is there is also a few issues too like 4 damaged beading strips which they said they will replace. surely they are bound to as they are not fit for purpose?


should I get a quote from another firm to replace the unit and beading strips then deduct this from the bill?


thanks

Furts

If the work was done in February then it is reasonable to pay by the end of March. This is no different to the terms Zenith will have entered when sourcing the windows.

However it sounds like you have some concerns about what has occurred. Hence go through every window with a fine tooth comb - check the opening,closing and locking, check the sealant has been done properly including under windows and doors and all internal joints with walls, check for gaps and drafts,, check for scratched glass ... you get the idea. Then notify Zenith in writing of all items that require remedial works. Stipulate that payment will be made by the end of March provided all the outstanding work is rectified.