Concrete panel falling away above window

GDB2222

Presumably, all the windows need the same treatment, even though only one has failed so far?  

stuart45

GDB2222 said:

Presumably, all the windows need the same treatment, even though only one has failed so far?  

That would be the concern, although it could be that they forgot the wall ties on only this one which would have helped it to be more stable.

Gettingeven

eddddy said:

Gettingeven said:

The window company sent a surveyor round and I would've thought he would've assessed the need for lintels as part of the job? 

Just to clarify, 'surveyor' is just a job title - it doesn't necessarily imply that the person has any relevant qualifications, experience or knowledge.

If, for example, the window fitters were cowboys - they might send anyone round with a tape measure and clipboard, and call them a 'surveyor' to give you a false impression that they are a professional company.

(But equally, it might be a reputable company, and the person they sent might be highly experienced and qualified.)



Edit to add...

And similarly, if the window company are cowboys, when you complain they might send somebody round with an even fancier job title, like 'Senior Surveyor' or 'Senior Engineer' or 'Lintel Assessment Engineering Specialist' - but they might be equally clueless, and try to persuade you to agree to a botched solution.

So be a little cautious. 

So, the window company are on the case and hopefully the situation will be resolved this week. The two panels above our  ground floor windows, and above our neighbour's ground floor windows (she used the same company!) are all dangerous and need to be taken out and refitted on steel plates. Phew, hopefully, 'all's well that end's well...' 

Gettingeven

stuart45 said:

GDB2222 said:

Presumably, all the windows need the same treatment, even though only one has failed so far?  

That would be the concern, although it could be that they forgot the wall ties on only this one which would have helped it to be more stable.

Hi, see my previous post - all four ground floor windows have the same issue - you only need to touch them and they wobble beneath the arch! Progress today!

Gettingeven

GDB2222 said:

JJR45 said:

user1977 said:

JJR45 said:

user1977 said:

ProDave said:

Contact your house insurance and tell them it is an emergency. Let them deal with it and decide who is liable.

Though bear in mind that involving the insurer means (irrespective of whether they end up paying for it) they're likely to bump up your premium in future years for having made a claim.

I think in this case, the safety for pedestrians may outweigh the possible minor increase in premiums.

Probably still quicker and cheaper to make your own arrangements for a temporary fix and/or protect the area below.

Only if they are able to in decent time. By the sounds of it, the OP isn't. (recent stomach surgery). Protecting the area underneath with some cones should be possible though.
At least contacting the insurance avoids any claims of negligence if anything did happen. 

Quite the reverse, actually. The op goes on the record that he knows the situation is highly dangerous, but doesn’t do anything to fix it, apart from contacting his insurance company, which doesn’t generally fix things. 

His excuse is that he’s in no fit state to fix it himself. Fair enough, but if he’s well enough to call his insurance company he’s also well enough to call a builder to make this safe.

Really, a friend or family could put out a bin or two to keep people out of the danger area.

Hi, yes, I had matters in hand. Too busy trying to sort it to respond to all the posts. I did cordon the area off as best I could and fortunately the window company rushed out today to make it safe. Both our ground floor windows and those of our neighbour (same windows fitted, before us) have the same issue now, as the company and the fitters have assumed responsibility and hopefully the entire matter will be resolved by the end of the week. We hope.

Bendy_House

Wow - that was lucky.

Fortunately no damage done.

Gettingeven

Bendy_House said:

Wow - that was lucky.

Fortunately no damage done.

Hah, nice one!

GDB2222

So pleased that the windows company is taking responsibility to fix it. And quickly, too, by the sound of things. 

I had abdominal surgery and it really stops you doing stuff.

youth_leader

So glad you have had it made safe.  I really felt for you having to deal with just coming out of hospital, I've only had a wisdom tooth out and am stuck on the settee like a zombie.