uPVC sash windows not airtight

mossy74 · 11-01-2010 2:28pm #1

Hi folks, I built my house about 3 years ago and had PVC sash windows installed. My problem is that they are quite drafty - as far as I'm concerned they should be airtight. I purchased them from a company in the midlands and had them back a few times to have them fix the problem but with little success. Am I right in saying that they should be airtight? The installer said that they shouldn't be for 'ventilation' purposes.

If they should be airtight has anyone had this type of issue and if so can anything be done with them for example the brush seals be replaced or does anyone know of any companies that might be able to help?

Thanks in advance.

muffler · 11-01-2010 2:49pm

Better off in the C & P forum

RKQ · 11-01-2010 6:02pm

Windows should be designed & installed to be draught free. They should be weather tight and prevent wind and water penetration - otherwise they are fualty. They can have ventilation options "build-in" but these options should be fully controlable - easily closed.

brightkane · 12-01-2010 9:14am

I have the same problem, drafty windows,can see blind movning, feel a breeze coming in also. is it easy to sort?

neonman · 13-01-2010 10:10am

Hi all, I'm in the same boat only got new windows installed a few months back during major extension work to the house. Last night with the high winds you could see the blinds moving freely with the amount of wind/draft getting in :eek:

Going to call the company that installed them for me today and get them to come out. The amount of heat loss or extra heating I have to have on to keep the room warm is no joke.

seclachi · 13-01-2010 1:05pm

I dont get sash windows at all, to me the design is clearly not going to be airtight and is something that belongs the in last century. I also get the impression that they will deteriate over time.

mossy74 · 14-01-2010 1:46pm

Thanks Seclachi for your valuable input...

seclachi · 14-01-2010 2:26pm

mossy74 wrote: »

Thanks Seclachi for your valuable input...

Yeah sorry, I have a chip on my sholder when it comes to sash windows. If its any help I have heard one person called there window company back to install rubber strips in the windows to increase airtightness (this was in a 5000sq ft + house with HRV, madness).

S.L.F · 28-01-2010 12:25pm

seclachi wrote: »

I dont get sash windows at all, to me the design is clearly not going to be airtight and is something that belongs the in last century.

Why clearly?

seclachi wrote: »

I also get the impression that they will deteriate over time.

***Update on reality***

Everything deteriorates over time.

I have restored sash windows on the sea front that are 250 years old.

I know of sash windows that are 400 years old that are still working!

Of course you are quite correct they will eventually rot.

uPVC sash windows not airtight

Comments