Windows replaced with no lintels

Skintsaver

Towards the end of last summer I had 3 windows replaced. I
I got 3 companies to quote for the work. I mentioned to all 3 about my concern of them being replaced without a lintel. They all said the same that I didn't need them due to my building construction and having soldier joints. The company i went for assured me that I had zero worries and they would never attempt a job if they felt there would be issues. So I took there advice and they proceeded. 

My top 2 windows have a bow, which is probably a easy fix however my living room is probably costly and causing me the most concern due to the stepped cracking. 

I've had a company look at this I'm awaiting there qoute, the only indication is it'll cost sub 5k to correct. I think he was trying to work out what he'd get from me by my reaction to that and asking what my job was.. 

He said building control would need to be notified and that a structural engineer would have to work out the loadings despite they knowing what is needed. 

Can I go back to the windows fitters and ask them to pay the costs of the additional work needed. 
Would my insurance cover this?

The builders certainly gave me the impression that the window company has a legal obligation to put damage right. And they shouldn't of attempted to replace without a lintel being there. 

flashg67

Is there a FENSA or similar certificate from the window fitters? Might be worth investigating that route if so?

MikeJXE

How old is the house ?

MikeJXE

Found this on DW Windows web site 

1. Do we have to fit lintels to every window and door?

In new build properties: yes. Under the current regulations, a lintel must be fitted to any brand new buildings. A FENSA registered builder or installer should do that.

Replacement windows: no, we don’t have to fit a lintel every time. So, if we’re changing your windows and your windows already have lintels in then we don’t have to charge people for a lintel. This is also the case if there are soldier bricks above the window that haven’t failed in any way. As long as we’re satisfied that the new windows are not receiving any of the load from the building, lintels won’t be necessary.

diystarter7

MikeJXE said:

Found this on DW Windows web site 

1. Do we have to fit lintels to every window and door?

In new build properties: yes. Under the current regulations, a lintel must be fitted to any brand new buildings. A FENSA registered builder or installer should do that.

Replacement windows: no, we don’t have to fit a lintel every time. So, if we’re changing your windows and your windows already have lintels in then we don’t have to charge people for a lintel. This is also the case if there are soldier bricks above the window that haven’t failed in any way. As long as we’re satisfied that the new windows are not receiving any of the load from the building, lintels won’t be necessary.

Hi

So could you please give me an example of similar windows to OP and how they could tell?

Ideas how the OP could easily ID

I know you are busy, but if you have a mo

Take care

MikeJXE

diystarter7 said:

MikeJXE said:

Found this on DW Windows web site 

1. Do we have to fit lintels to every window and door?

In new build properties: yes. Under the current regulations, a lintel must be fitted to any brand new buildings. A FENSA registered builder or installer should do that.

Replacement windows: no, we don’t have to fit a lintel every time. So, if we’re changing your windows and your windows already have lintels in then we don’t have to charge people for a lintel. This is also the case if there are soldier bricks above the window that haven’t failed in any way. As long as we’re satisfied that the new windows are not receiving any of the load from the building, lintels won’t be necessary.

Hi

So could you please give me an example of similar windows to OP and how they could tell?

Ideas how the OP could easily ID

I know you are busy, but if you have a mo

Take care

I don't make the rules but I was wondering why they said don't need lintels because they have soldiers (yes I know what soldiers are) 

Those windows look like a long span thats why I asked how old the house is because cavity window lintels you can hardly see the lintel 

I hope he has a FENSA Certificate

stuart45

FENSA advice is that a soldier course is decorative only unless formed in an arch. A long span like that on a plastic window is always likely to fail.

diystarter7

MikeJXE said:

diystarter7 said:

MikeJXE said:

Found this on DW Windows web site 

1. Do we have to fit lintels to every window and door?

In new build properties: yes. Under the current regulations, a lintel must be fitted to any brand new buildings. A FENSA registered builder or installer should do that.

Replacement windows: no, we don’t have to fit a lintel every time. So, if we’re changing your windows and your windows already have lintels in then we don’t have to charge people for a lintel. This is also the case if there are soldier bricks above the window that haven’t failed in any way. As long as we’re satisfied that the new windows are not receiving any of the load from the building, lintels won’t be necessary.

Hi

So could you please give me an example of similar windows to OP and how they could tell?

Ideas how the OP could easily ID

I know you are busy, but if you have a mo

Take care

I don't make the rules but I was wondering why they said don't need lintels because they have soldiers (yes I know what soldiers are) 

Those windows look like a long span thats why I asked how old the house is because cavity window lintels you can hardly see the lintel 

I hope he has a FENSA Certificate

Lol, you are funny, I know you dont make up the rules, lol

That was my opinion as well ie your second paragraph and this is why I asked. (btw, I am no builder )

Re FENSA, me too but there is an alternative certificate or possibly more but FENSA is the main outfit.

Thanks

MikeJXE

stuart45 said:

FENSA advice is that a soldier course is decorative only unless formed in an arch. A long span like that on a plastic window is always likely to fail.

I agree and I was a builder yet that was new to me 

The OP will realise that if the glass cracks 

Diystarter7 thats not my second paragraph the whole of the information was copy and paste from a window fitter site D W Windows 

stuart45

I'm surprised a window company would think it's OK to do a job like that. It's well known about this issue.

Skintsaver

One fitter even told me that they could see a lintel! God knows how( I didn't use them as I thought he Was dodgy)
It's FENSA Registered and I paid by credit card. 

I could see there could be issues prior especially as my neighbours is stepping cracks too. Which I pointed out and was assured a lintel wasn't nesserary! Due to the soldier joints and wall ties! 

Below is from jut before the replacements