We have Everest double glazing installed in our house around 1992 (when we moved in the 10 year guarantee was in force). The house was built in 1903 and has decorative brickwork above windows.
The three longest windows (8 feet) now have pronounced sagging- probably about an inch in the middle. This is not so much the actual window frame but the internal 'overhang' (the width of the wall) implying 'load bearing' windows. The only other large window in the house is a bay window has no load over the windows and shows no sagging.
I assume from this that the original windows were load bearing but there was no need for a lintel as the top part of the frame was strong enough.
Surely the company should have been professional enough to quote for a lintel if this was required?
I need to know where I stand with the company and also what danger there is (there having been over 15 years since they were fitted).
Also how much would it cost to rectify?
2007-10-04 21:25:52 · 12 answers · asked by roly 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The way I've read this roly is,... when the house was built the windows would have been within the inner course of bricks (in 1903, 9" wall), with possibly decorative brickwork on the outer course, in a slight arch. There would have been no window sill as such.The stout wooden mullions (uprights) of the window would have given adequate support to the brickwork above on the inner course, the arched brickwork on the outer course giving that adequate support, no lintel involved. Modern trend is for the windows to be built in the outer course, with a window sill internally, and a lintel above. It's possible when your windows were replaced, whereas they were originally in the inner course, the new ones were fitted in the outer course and a windowsill added inside. The outside course of bricks, as before, have adequate support (arches tend to be self supporting). The internal course would now have no support and have gradually sagged. I don't know what the cost would be but a few acrow props, a lintel, and a builder (even a competent diy'er) would sort it, assuming I have pictured the situation about right :-) Interesting thought, if I am near the mark with the situation, whether you have any comeback with Everest. Even though the guarantee has expired would they be sympathetic towards your claim in view of the fact that it could be very bad publicity, the bad practice on their part? At least worth a letter maybe. Good luck.
2007-10-04 22:33:24 · answer #1 · answered by Dick s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Double glazing firms won't replace lintels as this would involve building work. They just whip out the old windows and shove the new ones in.
Did the old windiws have a section of wood down middle? This may also ahve suppoetred your lintel. With this removed (and the new ones having no supporting section) the lintel will sag.
Not sure how much it will be to fix, but any good reputable builder will tell you.
And get a few quotes. Better to go with a company recommended by someone who has work done by them
2007-10-04 21:37:47 · answer #2 · answered by cmcconnachie2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lintel Replacement Cost
2016-11-07 08:30:50 · answer #3 · answered by gettinger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My experience tells me that the outer skin of the wall at window positions is of a form of brick arch which in itself supports weight above. The internal position is probably just a timber plate which over time has bowed due to age and weight above. The easiest option is to hack off the plaster around the plate fix expanding metal lathe around the plate and form a new plaster line level. It is the cheapest option and will look fine in the long run. Replacing lintels would mean using temporary metal supports to take the load above whilst renewing lintels, Be aware that if further movement is evident on renewal of lintels you could be looking at further major works to rectify the damage you may cause.
2007-10-08 10:37:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that this is a problem with old houses. People change the style of the windows and take out brickwork leaving the structure weak. You need to get a structural survey done, as the original windows were probably not as yours are now and you will need to get some additional support put in. Everest will doubtless not be interested apart from recommending you have new windows of course!
2007-10-04 21:41:23 · answer #5 · answered by dances 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do feel for you but in my experience (worked for d/glazing co for years) the guarantee had expired. You are right the company fitting them shouldve noticed if it was a load bearing window and installed adequate replacing but unfortunately some companies (even the big ones) dont as it costs too much and might put you off purchasing in the beginning.
Get an indepentand survey and try to get the company to fix it but chances are slim. sorry
2007-10-04 21:35:47 · answer #6 · answered by angelrose0105 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as a builder i come across this problem ..and it is a real problem all the time ..firstly you do need to install a lintol ..sooner rather than later ..the inside skin will be OK but the outer skin of brickwork would have been carried by the frame which would have been constructed to carry it ..expect to pay up to £500 ..am not sure about your legal standing ..but if you change your windows today ..you are meant to inform building control ..that is the law ..NOTE ..the £500 is per window
2007-10-04 21:44:15 · answer #7 · answered by boy boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same situation about 2 years ago. It must be done professionally so it's very expensive. What I did instead was fit a removable clear plastic door outside the normal one and put the cat flap in that. Now I let the glass door open (it opens inwards) and the cat can get in and out through the cat flap in the plastic door so I don't loose the heat in the house. Also, if you go to sell the house in the future, it saves you having to replace an entire (expensive ) door. I hope this helps.
2016-05-21 06:02:56 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the windows are straight across the top (not arched brickwork) they probably have angle iron type lintols, they corrode in time and have to be replaced, I don't think you have any redress against the window company, if they are angle irons, you will be able to see a thin, rusty metal above the window on the outside.
2007-10-04 23:39:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know how much it will cost...but with regards to getting anywhere with the company that fitted them....u havent got a leg to stand on.....they were professionally fitted with a 10 year guarantee, and now 5 years after that expired you have issues with them! you didnt ask for new lintels so you now can not now complain that they werent 'proffessional' enough to quote for them.
2007-10-04 21:38:54 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋