Windows: gap in corner - problem?

[£15]

We've had most of the windows in our house replaced, but not all by the same company. The latest replacements were done by 'company A' and I am comparing the finish in the corners, where the (internal) beading is cut, to the other companies.

We're not happy with the gap. It looks poor. Also, when the windows mist up (showers, drying clothes, etc) there are little clear areas (imagine an elongated pear shape) eminating from the corners which, to me, suggests a draft. None of my other windows do this.

Company A (left) - Company B (right)

Spoiler

The company have been out twice to inspect the work and claim it's the type of beading used and just how the machine cuts it. (In my mind I'd be cutting the plastic by whatever means, but trimming the rubber by hand so it matches.) The suggested remedy is to use a different bead. However, due to the shape of the window at the top, it can't be used there. So we'd be left with the original beading up top and something different down below.

They're really dragging their heels on this. We reported it a couple of months ago. They called up this morning (after we chased them yesterday) to say they have to send someone out again to inspect.

Spoiler

Am I being unreasonable?

 

[Kimi]

I wouldnt have that mate, looks like an inch gap on the rubber and 30mm or so on the plastic, looks like they used the wrong edge and seal

 

[DannagE]

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all. I think that if you're seeing the mist from showering clear from that corner quicker then its not sealed correctly.

That black rubber strip they've used should be all the way into the corner regardless of what beading you've got.

And the white gap, if they don't sort it, you can fix with a squeeze from a silicon gun and then smooth it off so you can't see it.

 

[arknor]

you will get moisture leaking between those panes of glass and getting trapped inside assuming it's double glazing
I can barely see out some of my windows where the seal has failed

 

[cheesyboy]

you will get moisture leaking between those panes of glass and getting trapped inside assuming it's double glazing
I can barely see out some of my windows where the seal has failed

nah. The glass bit is a sealed module which slots in to the frame. The seal in the OP is just the seal between the frame and the glass module.

You can replace yours pretty cheaply. We replaced 3 small frosted glass panes in our smallest bedroom (a former bathroom) for about £100 (I forget, it may well have been less, but it certainly wasn't much)

 

[kefkef]

Looks very poor. my recently fitted windows are all like this:

 

[LOAM]

This happens because many stupid companies pre-cut, and only give the fitters the exact length of seal and no more. Usually what happens is they stretch the rubber so you then dont see it until about 8 weeks when it shrinks back. Ring them up and tell them you want it replacing as the seals have failed and not to pre cut the seal but send a chap out with a roll.

 

[LOAM]

If you get no where you can buy it, just make sure the profile

fits.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/2311...ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108

 

[Johno please?]

This happens because many stupid companies pre-cut, and only give the fitters the exact length of seal and no more. Usually what happens is they stretch the rubber so you then dont see it until about 8 weeks when it shrinks back. Ring them up and tell them you want it replacing as the seals have failed and not to pre cut the seal but send a chap out with a roll.

Im 99.99% that all rubber gaskets on PVC windows are now "built in" to the profiles. So to sort the OPs problem, someone will have to change the two lengths of bead.

Personally I wouldn't worry about it, it won't cause you any problems.

Also, when the windows mist up (showers, drying clothes, etc) there are little clear areas (imagine an elongated pear shape) eminating from the corners which, to me, suggests a draft. None of my other windows do this.

Open your windows.

I don't know how many times I've had to say this to people over the years you can't cook, wash and dry clothes and not expect condensation.

 

[Mark A]

You will be getting a slight draught that is coming through the drain holes in the frame. If they wont sort it you could get some black silicone and carefully seal the gap.

 

[LOAM]

Im 99.99% that all rubber gaskets on PVC windows are now "built in" to the profiles. So to sort the OPs problem, someone will have to change the two lengths of bead.

They push into a slot in the plasic bead, the gaskets can be replaced though.

 

[Johno please?]

They push into a slot in the plasic bead, the gaskets can be replaced though.

Umm generally they don't, its already fitted to the plastic during the profiles manufacture, obviously I can't speak for the OPs windows as I don't know the manufacturer.

 

[£15]

For the record - when showering/drying clothes our windows are open, we have an extractor fan in the bathroom and a dehumidifier on the landing.

Window fitters are coming out next Wednesday to take (another) look.

 

[Kimi]

I would ring them every day to complain, thats poor workmanship.

 

[£15]

Since moving into our house in May 2014 we've had several tradesmen in for various jobs, e.g. electrics, windows, gas-fitter, builder and they're all great to get on with and appear to do a great job - but after they've gone and a few niggles start to appear after several weeks, they take the ****: excuses, too busy, we'll be out next week, that's ok, ignore calls, don't call back. It's true what they say - once they've had the money...

Having said that, we've had one guy who went above and beyond and was a true, old-fashioned, total pride in his work, tradesman and he was the guy that fitted our multi-fuel stove a couple of months ago. If you're in Liverpool (and, I imagine, surrounding areas to an extent) and need a recommendation for a stove fitter, let me know.