Leaky doubled glazing-what can I do?

[a311]

We had some new double glazing fitted just over 12 months ago by a local firm. We've had numerous issues over since with water leaking in eg it pools on the window sill.

The supplier have always been responsive, they've been out now on at least half a dozen occasions. They drilled extra holes in to allow more air in, the bay window has had completely new frames in but since mold is appearing on the mastic at the joints and water is still getting in. They came out recently and blasted the windows with a hose pipe no water got appeared then.

Our house is fairly exposed on the side of a hill but given that our old shagged windows never let any water in quality windows and frames that are correctly fitted shouldn't leak.

From what I gather the manufactuer and installer and arguing the toss who is responsible. I just want windows that don't leak.

I want to get in touch with the supplier and state enough is enough. I've given them ample opportunity to rectify the issue and they still don't perform as they should.

What are my options? Final conversation and email or get in touch with a solicitor?

Thanks in advance

[Drawweight]

Sorry to ask a basic question but you have checked it’s water ingress and not condensation.

I know we lived in an old flat and had the existing windows renovated and draught proofed.

For the first time ever we actually had condensation on the windows.

[a311]

Yup its not condensation. The water is pooling at the bottom of the frame and not passing back out. They took the glazing out oj their latest visit and found this in one widow depite a period of dry weather. They usually leak when there's prolonged wet and windy weather like today.

[Toltec]

Is it possible water is getting into the cavity from above then running down the inside of the windows?

[a311]

Toltec said:

Is it possible water is getting into the cavity from above then running down the inside of the windows?

Possible but unlikely. You'd see water coming in the top though or at least trickling down the inside of the window and pooling at the bottom.

Again the old shagged windows didn't leak but the seals were shot. Other none window building related issues would have been evident with the old windows if that were the case?

[jondude]

When you read the efforts they have made, all that springs to mind to me now is movement?

Are the frames and windows not up to the outside conditions of your area and perhaps 'stretching' in bad weather, leading to breaks in the seals?

I doubt they have not used good quality windows and materials but if you are more open to bad weather 'attacking' the windows, it might be what is happening.

[Toltec]

a311 said:

Possible but unlikely. You'd see water coming in the top though or at least trickling down the inside of the window and pooling at the bottom.

Again the old shagged windows didn't leak but the seals were shot. Other none window building related issues would have been evident with the old windows if that were the case?

Are there windows above that were replaced? That can disturb things and cause bridges in the cavity, if they sprayed the windows and they didn't leak I am wondering if the water isn't coming from where you think it is.

[catman]

Were the windows supplied and fitted? If so, your contract is with the Company who fitted them. It would be up to them to rectify and then claim back for any faulty windows.

[J6542]

Are the new windows pvc and internally glazed? They should have drainage in the frames. If the drainage hasn’t been added when manufactured then the water will build up and seep in through the glazing bead.

[anonymous-user]

+1 for coming down the cavity, through the drainage channel in the frame then not being able to find a way out the bottom so pooling on the cill.

You would not always see it coming in the top or down the side given the profile.

Likely a cavity tray has been disturbed.

[a311]

Thanks for all the replies.

It's only the windows (x4) to the front which are exposed to the wind and rain that have let water in.

What rights do I have? E.g. can I write to them with words to the effect of despite numerous attempts to rectify the issue the windows are not fit for purpose and I would like replacements/a full refund?

[J6542]

Your contract will be with the installer. It’s down to them to fix the job. The double glazing game has always been full off cowboys tho. If they are refusing to speak to you. Then you should get a full independent survey done off the job and then take it to court from there. Beware off the company just shutting shop and starting again next day with a slightly different name.

[Armchair_Expert]

We have a raised velux in our extension that has clearly leaked from day 1 when it was installed 15 years ago. Nobody can find the reason. Previous owners have painted the ceiling a few times over the years where plaster has got wet and damaged. The leak is intermittent and small, but when it is heavy rain it just drips down from the bottom of the wooden frame on the inside, down the plaster board and onto the floor. The window is raised, and at a 45 degree tilt. It has been taken apart numerous times, no evidence of any water damage or stains. But it always leaks. It has driven me mad for years.

I am getting it covered in flashing this week, to basically seal it up and have done with it. I shelled out 2.5k a year or so ago to have the whole flat roof re done thinking it would help and it didn't. House insurance refuse to get involved. To replace it with a dome would be around £1500 plus considerable damage to the roof, plasterboard and ceiling. Its become a major problem and we go through tarpaulin sheets like nobody's business as in weather like this they rip and snag and fly away, despite being anchored down with 25 bricks.

Water is so damaging.

[barryrs]

J6542 said:

Are the new windows pvc and internally glazed? They should have drainage in the frames. If the drainage hasn’t been added when manufactured then the water will build up and seep in through the glazing bead.

I had this.

Noticed some water ingress and spotted that the weep hole was missing. When I drilled the hole I had a jet of water until the frame had fully drained.

[sospan]

Toltec said:

Is it possible water is getting into the cavity from above then running down the inside of the windows?

This ^^^^^^^
We had similar in one upstairs window with less than 1 year old windows. The water was getting in from the roof/weatherboard area from above into the cavity. We spotted drips coming down and checked the window frame seals but they were ok. That left the roof/weatherboard area. We were planning on new weatherboards/soffits etc and when done the leaks were cured.

[Bright Halo]

If you are not getting anywhere contact the Glass and Glazing Federation https://www.ggf.org.uk/
They are the industries leading trade body.
If the supplier/installer is a member then you can use their conciliation service to get a result.
If they are not then you can use their technical consultancy service which you will have to pay for but it will at least give you the opinion of an industry expert and a report that can be used in court.
They are very good!