Window frame fixings...

GSMGuy · 12th July 2009, 02:58

Was just chatting out of a first floor window to a neighbour who was putting his car away, when I noticed that the single window did not appear to have any fixings to the brickwork (you know the type, like a long wallplug with a No3 Pozi head)

So I decided to check some more....

Not one single 1st or 2nd floor window has ANY physical fixing to the brickwork - They are held in place ONLY by mastic to the external brickwork, and a small line of caulk to the inner (drywall) plasterboard.... Indeed, when pushing, there is significant flexing/movement of the frames...

Surely this is not right, my heart will be in my mouth now, as the children regularly lean against their windows to say goodbye to me of a morning....

Is there a reg that says they must have a physical fixing, as I;m sure a heavy weight could push them out, or indeed a burglar with a knife could gain entry...

We moved in 2 years ago last week, but obviously this defect has been present since day 1,so have no fears of them putting it right, if in fact it is wrong....

Really can't see regs being satisfied with a bi of mastic - thin of the risk of a frame falling onto someone below for a start...

Advice anyone?

Mike

Tony · 12th July 2009, 16:46

Hi Mike,

Are you sure? These may not be visible. To meet the standards the windows would need to be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The difficulty you will have is identifying who made the windows. If you do, you can give tehm a call.

Let us know how you get on.

Tony

willyj · 13th July 2009, 07:00

NHBC Standards Chapter 6.7 - S3 (b) states:

"Window frames and linings should be fixed solidly,
level and plumb and should be either:
• secured by door/window cramps, or
• plugged and screwed.
Fixings should be not more than 600mm apart and
not more than 150mm from top or bottom.
Alternative locations and fixings are acceptable as
long as they provide the same structural stability."

Tony · 13th July 2009, 10:12

Thanks for looking that up Willy.

Tony

GSMGuy · 13th July 2009, 10:28

Thanks very much - Going to just remove a couple of wedges/hinges to make sure before I give them hell...

Mike

GSMGuy · 13th July 2009, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony

Hi Mike,

Are you sure? These may not be visible. To meet the standards the windows would need to be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The difficulty you will have is identifying who made the windows. If you do, you can give tehm a call.

Let us know how you get on.

Tony

Definately - Have removed hinges and wedges, and also fixed panels, no fixing screws/bolts whatsoever, indeed no holes in the frames other than those to affix hinges and wedges..

Made and fitted by Ford Windows of Sheffield - Just about to put a call into them.

Mike

Tony · 13th July 2009, 13:23

Let us know. There is a very high chance that none of the houses have had the windows fitted correctly, certainly the ones being built in your phase. How well do you know your neighbours. I am sure the press would be interested in this.

Tony

GSMGuy · 13th July 2009, 22:14

Have been into both my neighbours' and sisters' houses today - All the same... A guy from Ford windows rang me back, saying they are fixed behind the plasterboard, to the brickwork with straps/plates - Anyone ever heard of this?

Mike

drgl · 14th July 2009, 09:39

I could see no fixings on our new build, however it seems they have a metal bracket secured to the inside of the frame so no visible fixings-this is then fixed to the brickwork. These were wooden windows though???

GSMGuy · 14th July 2009, 13:31

This is what concerns me, as unlike wooden windows, the sides of a UPVC frame are effectively hollow box section, so any screws holding a plate would only be "gripping" a single layer of UPVC, whereas at least the "through frame" fixings go right through to the wall, even if they are a bit unsightly...

Tempted to have a dig in the plaster...

May root out my "stud detector" later....

Mike