Problems with solar installer post fitting - next steps?

noitsnotme

I had solar panels fitted 2 years ago which included bird protection around the edges of the panels supposedly to stop birds getting under.  It turns out the stuff they used is not fit for purpose and has collapsed along the top edges under the weight of pigeons sitting on it, who now shelter under the panels.  I spoke to the installer who said they would need to erect scaffolding front and rear to fix it.  My initial response was to tell them I'm not paying for that, but also I don't want the same inferior bird protection fitted for it to fail again.  

I found a company who can access the roof without scaffolding - they use ropes - and can replace the bird protection with a better product for about half the cost of just putting up scaffolding.  I suggested this to the original installer and that they cover the cost (would save them money) who said they would discuss it with their manager.

It's been about 7 weeks since I first contacted them and I have had to chase constantly for updates.  The latest is they said they wanted the chance to fit a better product but this would involve putting up the scaffolding.  I said I'm not keen on scaffolding going up for what is such a simple job and could they sub contract the other company.  They said they were referring to their legal team over the sub-contracting and would get back to me.  That was a week ago.  I have chased twice by email since then and have had no response at all.

I really don't want scaffolding going up if it can be helped.  But I realise I probably need to give them the chance to resolve the situation.  They do however seem to be deliberately dragging it out and are now possibly ignoring me completely.  I will phone them again but I want to work out what my next steps are.

If they continue to procrastinate, am I silly going straight to a Letter Before Action or should I give them more time to suggest a solution?  If they insist on scaffolding to replace it themselves, am I making my position weaker if I say no (there are various reasons why I would prefer not to have the scaffolding up again)?

Aylesbury_Duck

I'd have thought that if they're rectifying a fault of their own making, free of charge, and if scaffolding is deemed to be the safest way they can do it (or that they perhaps aren't rope-qualified or whatever might be needed) then you need to let them get on with it.  At the moment, it seems you're guilty of introducing delays as much as they may be doing.

noitsnotme

Aylesbury_Duck said:

I'd have thought that if they're rectifying a fault of their own making, free of charge, and if scaffolding is deemed to be the safest way they can do it (or that they perhaps aren't rope-qualified or whatever might be needed) then you need to let them get on with it.  At the moment, it seems you're guilty of introducing delays as much as they may be doing.

That’s what I thought, unfortunately.  To be clear, I haven’t said no to the scaffolding yet, just I would prefer a better solution if at all possible.  So I’ve not actually delayed anything at this stage.  The delays are all on them at the moment.

I really don’t want their scaffolders back if it can be helped.  They damaged our guttering during the original fitting and didn’t say anything, just left it and we had to get the installers to get them back to fix it.  We’ve had a new driveway laid this year and I just don’t trust them not to damage it.  They were not the friendliest of tradesmen I’ve ever had to deal with!

I guess I’m stuffed really and need to let them get on with it and deal with any aftermath.