Aluminium windows - already rusting

Dalglish

I’ve had aluminium French doors and windows installed and 3 months on, the transom windows on both sides are showing early signs of corrosion (orange iron oxide not white aluminium oxide). 

The supplier, who installs but doesn’t manufacture, has suggested the orange deposit is building dust and suggests just wipe it off and leave it. I disagree that it’s building debris because of bubbling of the paintwork in the vicinity of the corrosion. I’ve spoke to the manufacturer even though the legal contract is with the fitter who was paid in full to supply and fit. The manufacturer has referred me to the fitter. I’m going to insist the fitter remedies the rust but I foresee an intransigent window company (an independent local firm). I paid half of the cost by credit card. 

What should I do?  Many thanks. 

TELLIT01

It's not rust because aluminium doesn't rust.  The manufacturers were correct, if unhelpful, in referring you back to the person they had supplied the items to.  Their contract is with him as is yours.  First step is to go back to the installer.  If that doesn't work get and independany opinion.  If that opinion supports your view of a fault and the installer still refuses to address the problem, it's the small claims court (or whatever it's called these days)

ytfcmad

Put a picture up.

Dalglish

You’re right aluminium doesn’t rust. Point is I think you’ll agree the metal with orange corrosion can’t be aluminium despite my ordering aluminium doors and windows. The pic is for a three month installation. Concern is if this is 3 months, what will 3 years look like.  

TELLIT01

Something certainly doesn't look right.  It does look like corrosion of some kind.

Dalglish

Any thoughts on who to approach for an independent opinion?

FreeBear

If there is any steel in the window frame, a magnet will stick to it. One possibility is that you have some mold growing along the groove - Try wiping it off  with a cloth dipped in some bleach. If the paintwork is bubbling up, then you most certainly have grounds for a warranty claim.

If the fitter and/or manufacturer won't acknowledge a claim, you still have the credit card company to fall back on before even thinking about going to court..

theonlywayisup

FreeBear said:

If there is any steel in the window frame, a magnet will stick to it. One possibility is that you have some mold growing along the groove - Try wiping it off  with a cloth dipped in some bleach. If the paintwork is bubbling up, then you most certainly have grounds for a warranty claim.

I would suggest the OP pursues a course relevant to his/her Consumer Rights and not a warranty claim.  None of us know what the warranty T&C are.  

Dalglish

Thank you for your comments. I’ll certainly try the magnet. I’ve also wiped the ‘rust’ only for it to reappear within 48 hrs.  If I was to pursue the credit card route, what options would I have? What Consumer Rights do I have and how would I exercise them? Many thanks to all for very helpful comments. 

ytfcmad

What part of the frame has discoloured? Inside or outside?
Has the metal bubbled?
Where do you live?
Then i should be able to tell you the problem.

GDB2222

Dalglish said:

Thank you for your comments. I’ll certainly try the magnet. I’ve also wiped the ‘rust’ only for it to reappear within 48 hrs.  If I was to pursue the credit card route, what options would I have? What Consumer Rights do I have and how would I exercise them? Many thanks to all for very helpful comments. 

CCA75 makes the card company as liable as the fitter.