Any uPVC specialists?

[Django x2]

When I moved in to my flat, it was assumed that my 2nd bedroom windows would overlook the house next door. They don't, but they were opaqued anyway. In addition, they have handles and a mechanism which moves.

As part of the snagging, I got one of the builders to open one of the windows but he didn't get around to doin the other one.

I can only assume they sealed / screwed / whatevered the windows shut before putting the panes in. Alas, the beading is on the outside of the window meaning I'd need a 2nd floor length ladder to reach the beading, take out the glass (on the assumption there is a screw in the frame).

Is there another way they are likely to have sealed the window?

 

[Gavmeister]

Let me get this straight. Do you want to know how to swap the obscure glass for a clear DGU?

Or you want to make the window so it has an opening casement as opposed to a fixed one?

 

[Sgt_Pepper]

Hi Lucero I do work in the UpVC Industry and I am A specialist, but in a different area of UpVC

Fittings isn't my strong point.


From what i can gather you have an opening window which doesn't open, so was wondering if the Builders put a screw through the sash into the frame before putting the unit in, making it into a kind of dummy sash/fixed window.



It's not inconceivable that someone could do this, perhaps if it was a childs bedroom and they didn't ever want the windows to open, but it's not something i've come accross

When you turn the handle can you hear the mechanisms moving, or does it feel like there's no resistance to the handle at all.

 

[Django x2]

This is exactly it. Turn the handle, you can hear the mechanism moving. As I say, of the two windows, one of the now opens (I got the builder to do it), but the other doesn't as he ran out of time and he's no longer available.

I think the pane will have to come out as I think they've screwed through the sash into the middle of the frame. I can see two screws coming through the frame from the open window. Pictures here:

This is the window in question, the left never used to open, I can only assume the builder was outside, stripped the bead and did the necessary.

Note, I've removed the handle from the right window at present

And this is the screw coming through from the window on the right which doesn't open.

It's just annoying that the bead is on the outside as otherwise this could be a relatively simple investifation

 

[Sgt_Pepper]

Looks like you could be right, and that small hole below your screw was probly where the other sash was screwed closed. best of luck with it, i hate working up ladders.

 

[blueboy2001]

If those windows are obscured glazed and have been screwed shut it is likely to be because it's either a detail on the plans or a condition of the planning permission for the building. If you make them opening and someone complains, expect a letter and possibly an enforcement notice from your local council.

Builders don't generally screw windows shut unless they have to!

 

[Django x2]

They were opaqued and force closed because the builder assumed such an order was in place. It wasn't. In addition, the house next door is now unoccupied and about to be knocked down, meaning, if my windows open, and are opaque, it becomes the responsibility of the new builder to not over look me