Cracked UPVC unit - any tips on replacement?

Hi

We had our windows replaced with UPVC Eurocell windows around 18 months ago. The other morning, one of the units went bang and now has a couple of cracks crossing it on the outside pane.

The fitters have gone into liquidation, and everywhere seems to be shut for the holidays, so in the meantime, does anyone have any advice for getting the unit swapped?

Is it possible to swap the sealed unit yourself without special equipment? What would be a reasonable amount, roughly, for someone to come and replace it for us?

Would anyone also happen to know about whether the units should be guaranteed by the manufacturer - we have a FENSA certificate.

Any help much appreciated.

Sarah

Contact FENSA when you can. If they're just cracked leave them for the time being.

Just to put your mind at rest though.

It is possible to change one unit...the cost would depend on the size of the unit but is not a particularly difficult job. The glass would need to be measured and specially made.

Assuming it is just the glass that’s gone bang? I think you’ll find that any warranty (including FENSA) doesn’t cover breakage of glass however it’s caused; I checked!

I’ve recently had to replace the glass unit in one half of a 1.8 x 2.4m wide set of French doors (toughened glass) due to clumsy use of a strimmer. It’s a simple job to replace but glazing companies will make a meal out of it, especially if it’s an insurance job! Insurance quote from a local glazing company was £230 fitted; after a little haggling, supply only for toughened K glass unit from the same company was £70; which was £30 less than my insurance excess! I do have a little fitting experience but it took just 20 minutes all in with a little help from the misses. Takes 2 -5 days to order.

It could be nothing more than bad fitting, a chip or stress point on the glass unit & sudden change in temperature but I would try & establish exactly why it went bang; make sure the frame isn’t distorting due to movement!