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Windows & Door fitting

How essential is a expansion gap between brick an uPVC windows

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.46 PM

Last year I had new uPVC windows fitted along with a French door and a front door (composite). The installer is FENSA registered so I didn't expect any problems. However, during a very hot day at the end of summer the front door wouldn't close for several hours due to expansion. The installer came out a couple of days later and fitted another screw into the door frame. As I can see without a spirit level that the frame is bowed I expect the same problem next summer. After this I checked the windows and French door and there appears to be little if any expansion gap. I questioned the installer about this and he said that it is ok and I haven't anything to worry about. I was not convinced as although I am retired now, I spent my working life in engineering and I am fully aware of the damage thermal expansion can cause. To give me peace of mind I've accepted that I will probably have to get these windows re-done but any advice would be much appreciated. FENSA and the local authority have been no help. Roger

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3 Answers

Brians Conversions

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Halstead
get in touch with fensa / quote installers number, they are liable for any bad fitting under there scheme. hope this helps, if they do nothing threaten legal action, do not just swallow the cost of replacing windows . hope this helps . brian
Answered9 January 2017
2

Paul Wyatt

Rating: 5 out of 5
Birmingham
As you said an expansion gap is critical, I've had experience in extreme hot weather where door has expanded causing locking problems but this is remedied by adjustment on hinges, it seems like an incorrect survey, if you have a bowed frame, I would certainly complain ....regards Paul
Answered7 February 2017
0

Anonymous user

If the fensa inspector doesn't think it's an issue then I'd listen to their advice personally, it would be expensive to replace all the windows just for 'piece of mind' id wait and see if anything does happen with hot weather and tackle the issue with the original contractor if so.
Answered13 March 2017
0