windows

henrythecat

Moved into a new build recently and got windows cleaned and plastic wrap etc removed prior to move in
just notice that all toughened glass windows are destroyed with scratches all over, all the standard glass is perfect
All toughened glass will need to be replaced
Just wondering where I stand
window cleaners issue or a perhaps a defect with glass through the toughening process etc
Would home insurance cover this - accidental damage ?
All comments advice appreciated

muffler

Im not sure where to move this to. First impression is to move it to the consumer issues forum but I will try the DIY forum first and if delly doesn't like the look of it in his forum he can do the needful

Pete67

If it's a new build then surely you would take it up with your builder? Was it not spotted during the snagging process?

kadman

It sounds like a common occurence on sites these days. Probably down to spatter of external render material onto the windows during the plastering process. Easily dealt with before material sets, but definitely results in scratching of the glass by tools when its set hard before removal. Scratched toughened units , depending on how severe the scratching is, may render its safety aspect useless, apart from the aesthetic qualities . Its a builders issue in my opinion, to find out how , and who cleaned the windows.

If the glass is scratched from cleaning, chances are that the window frames may be scratched also, so have a good look before you consult the builder.

kadman

henrythecat

Snagging was completed before windows were cleaned
Glass co. say its the window cleaners issue
Window cleaner says it the window co. as it is poor quality glass in toughened windows and highlights the fact that none of the standard glass windows were scratched during cleaning
Seemingly toughened glass is softer that standard glass and scratches easier?
Anyone else have issues with toughened glass ?

blackiebest

It is nothing to do with the window company as the glass was perfect when installed. However Ireland is probably the only country still using toughened glass for safety regs, reputable companies will use laminated, (both meet regulations) however laminated soft coat does not scratch easily (like your non safety), toughened will scratch with the least abrasion. Toughened glass is suitable for balustrades/curtain walling etc but not domestic houses, it also provides the easiest possible access for a burgular to gain access. (the windscreen in your car is laminated, the side windows are toughened)

The builder is responsible unless you hired the window cleaners however good luck if he is already paid.

You have two options, both expensive, either replace all the glass or retain a specialist polisher to polish out the scratches. PM me if you want details for polisher, there is only one company who do it but methinks they are expensive for just one house. Reglazing; if your glass is sealed using edpm (rubber) as opposed to silicone it is straightforward enough and glass is not too expensive. A handy DIY'er could handle it but do not attempt if glazing is held in place with silicone, call somone who is experienced in this case as silicone requires serious skill to get it right.

Or live like the rest of the masses all over the country who are in the exact same position, thousands and thousands of them. Crap windows, crap glass and crappily installed is the norm here, Roll on July 1st and Part L.

Good luck and sorry for your trouble



www.truewindows.ie

henrythecat

Glass is completely scratched over entire surface and is that bad its well past polishing, which leaves one option - all will have to be replaced - but who pays is the question

Doing some research - Could glass be defective see below from http://www.stopscratchedglass.com/challenge

It is frequently encountered in the field, and has been repeatedly confirmed by experts, that some tempered glass will scratch during normal construction window cleaning. This scratching is a direct result of fabricating debris which was not properly removed from the glass surface prior to the tempering process. As a result, these particles are detached during normal construction window cleaning and cause major scratching, usually over the entire glass surface. During the past several years, defective tempered glass has been the leading cause in most cases of excessively scratched glass.

I would believe that the glass looked fine when installed and were covered during build and that scratches are a result of cleaning but surely there should be some warning if it scratches that easily

blackiebest

Henry, tempered glass should not be used PERIOD! This problem is extensive and nationwide. But your research has is interesting and definately a line to follow. Good luck with it

Blackie.



www.truewindows.ie