New double glazing and split caulking sealant

suvp

Hi, I had new double glazed upvc windows fitted earlier this year in July. I felt the job was done well at the time. I noticed a week ago that the the caulking which seals the window frame with the dry wall/sill is splitting in the corners. I contacted the company with images. The receptionist said that she did see the issue and would get someone out to me by Friday.. But she has come back to me today saying that the sealant is only decorative and that a lot of windows take time to "settle" causing the sealant to come off... and that I should get some caulking and do it myself. I noted that it has barely been a year and I am concerned that this might lead to further leaks and damage. But they said they cant come out for a small job like this.
Google says : caulking on the interiors is for aesthetics only.... but surely this should not come apart in less than a year even if it is due to "settling of windows" or a hot summer!
Any advise on how to proceed would be most helpful!
thanks

SHAFT

Caulk dries and shrinks, some crack.

LiGhTfasT

Is it really worth all the fuss over a £1 tube of caulking?

suvp

it is not the point of a £1 tube of caulk ...I am no windows expert but I definitely paid a lot of money to have them installed- so I would like to have it done right.
My concern is that I dont want this issue to lead into a leak and damp which will cost me more later!

cajef

Is this internal or external?

JJ_Egan

LBA or just take them to the Small Claims Court .
Or as said £1

suvp

cajef wrote: »

Is this internal or external?

it is internal.

cajef

suvp wrote: »

it is internal.

Well in that case provided the external sealing is satisfactory the windows are not going to leak as stated the internal is only cosmetic.

maisie_cat

If you own a house and have any caulking you must expect to reapply every so often.
Hot summer = structure moves, caulk splits
Cold winter = structure moves, caulk split
7 days in a week = structure moves, caulk splits


I go around with a caulk gun and go over the fine splits around once a year, it's normal maintenance.

suvp

maisie_cat wrote: »

If you own a house and have any caulking you must expect to reapply every so often.
Hot summer = structure moves, caulk splits
Cold winter = structure moves, caulk split
7 days in a week = structure moves, caulk splits


I go around with a caulk gun and go over the fine splits around once a year, it's normal maintenance.

So my question again is - if any of you had brand new windows done in July and by Oct the caulking has split- you would not be concerned about it?

Fosterdog

suvp wrote: »

So my question again is - if any of you had brand new windows done in July and by Oct the caulking has split- you would not be concerned about it?

No I wouldn't be concerned because it's the nature of the material and I'd expect it to happen. Recently when doing some DIY I looked up some reviews on different brands of caulk and the cheap No Nonsense one from Screwfix came in best for performance (even compared to some at £15 a tube) and overall value so I'd recommend that one. I've used it previously and it's always been good but it's good to know that even professionals rate it highly.