Window frame fixings...

New Build Inspections
G

GSMGuy

New Member
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
 
T

Tony

Administrator
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
 
W

willyj

New Member
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."
 
G

GSMGuy

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

Mike
 
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G

GSMGuy

New Member
Tony said:
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
Click to expand...

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
 
T

Tony

Administrator
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
 
G

GSMGuy

New Member
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
 
D

drgl

New Member
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???
 
G

GSMGuy

New Member
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
 
T

Tony

Administrator
GSMGuy, just a thought. The people you spoke to could have been the installers as well and they are hardly going to say it was a bodge job. The only way you are going to know for sure is to ask an expert window fitter - I am not sure what Mrs GSMGuy would think to your putting holes in the wall : )

However, if the there is movement in the frame and it doesn't feel secure, then it probably isn't. You could always put it on the snagging list and ask the builder to prove that it is safe and secure.

Tony
 
W

willyj

New Member
GSMGuy said:
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
Click to expand...

Yes, but the number of fixings and their spacing must be sufficient to meet the standards quoted above.
 
C

Caxton

New Member
GSMGuy said:
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
Click to expand...

Fixing straps are a standard method of fixing. Fixing through the frames, while ok for timber frames, is a poor method for upvc as the frames can be distorted. Here's a photo of a typical strap installation.
 
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D

drgl

New Member
GSMGuy said:
I wouldn't like to put my weight against a window fixed with straps like that....

Mike
Click to expand...

(1) I don't think anything would happen-you would be surprised how much weight silicone ALONE would take.

(2) How many people "put their weight" against a window? I can't say in my 35 years on this planet i ever have.
 
D

drgl

New Member
& i'd still wager nothing would happen ;) Those straps will hold it very well, coupled with a silicone bead it would be very hard(if not impossible) to push the window out.
 
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