Perfect Fit conservatory blinds make windows leak

Joined
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Location
Yorkshire
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Hi to all.
We had the blinds fitted about a year ago.
They're the ones that have a bracket that slides under the glass rubber seal.
We've had problems with leaks several times but I've never been able to figure out why.
Yesterday there were 2 small puddles on the floor. I realised it was coming from inside the large blinds.
I checked all the others and the small window ones had a brown stain along the bottom of the blinds frame, which I assume is dried water, and drips.
There was no water/drips anywhere except the bottoms of the blinds frames.
I put moulded MDF beading around the floor edges to the PVC frames, and I've had problems with it lifting and shrinking and then expanding, which I now realise has been caused by the leaks soaking it.
The blinds causing leaks was not something I'd considered until now.
I'm assuming the rain runs inside the frame, down through the drainage holes in the frame, then out at the bottom onto the cill, as it should.
These brackets lift the rubber seal off, leaving a gap for rain to get through as it runs down inside.
That's my theory anyway!
Has anyone else had this problem, or heard of anyone or any thoughts?
Thanks.
John
 
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I'm a builder and I also supply blinds. I'm 100% sure it's not the blinds.If water is getting that far into your windows, I would question the build quality of the windows. The metal parts of INTU and Perfect Fir blinds would not protrude that far behind the rubber to cause any issues. I would be inclined to remove the beads and glass and refit (toe & heal) correctly. The glass is a good 8 mm short of the frame, water ingress pass the outside rubber would not transmit pass the glass unit. I think something is allowing this but I would rule out the blinds.
 
Thanks for the reply.
I'm not sure about nearly all the glass being wrongly fitted?
I could accept maybe a couple but not nearly all, surely?
Before I attempt that, which is pretty major for me, I've decided to take the blinds off where the worst of the leaks are.
If the leaks stop, I'll.... no idea.
When you say the build quality, what do you mean?
Am I right in thinking the rain that gets past the outside, for whatever reason, runs down the inside of the frames and out through the bottom?
Are you saying that shouldn't be the case in a good quality window frame?
I'm obviously not a builder and just guessing, which is why I appreciate advice from blokes such as yourself.
Thanks.
John
 
Right, I've taken off a couple of the blinds/frames, and no, you're right, it's not the brackets causing it.
Worryingly, the leaks are coming from the bottom edges of the glass beading.
Not from the seal part, but the edge that meets the frame.
It does it on the small top windows as well as the long ones.
And also on the one side which is solid, full length insulated panels.
I've rang the conservatory supplier and they've asked for photos to send to the manufacturer.
I can't for the life of me see that it's anything I've done wrong.
If the drain holes at the bottom where it sits on the cill were blocked, it still doesn't account for the small windows at the top.
Anyway, I'll let you know what they come up with.
John.
 
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Sounds like a drainage problem, it's not unknown for the manufacturer to completely forget to drill the holes, or even not drilled right through, and that could apply to all fixed panes and openers, would need to deglaze the frames to check for slots and even pour some water in and see if it drains
 
Thanks crank39.
I feared that may be the case.
Sounds like disruptive major surgery.
The manufacturers have just wrote and asked how the blinds are fitted.
Looks like they'll be trying to blame the brackets.
I've quoted parts from replies on here to them.
Looks like being a looong process.
Cheers.
John
 
Yes, when I meant build quality, I meant weep holes, debris etc.. blocking drainage. That's why I would be inclined to refit the glass toe and healed. Blinds wouldn't be the issue because they're on the inside and water shouldn't transfer that far.
 
Well... finally got a decision from Synseal, after sending numerous photos/drawings/measurements of the blinds.

"I am afraid that we are not able to cover this under your warranty due to the blinds being fitted. Perhaps you could see if your guarantee with your blinds covers for damages to the UPVC windows as a result of them being installed?"

I've looked at their terms and can't see any mention of Perfect Fit blinds invalidating the warranty, or any blinds.
Even though I know it's a rubbish excuse.
So, it looks like I'll have to try the legal route.
More expense.
Steer clear of Synseal conservatories!
Thanks to all,
John
 
Interesting that Synseal or saying go to blind company for ' damage to the upvc '. What damage is there to the actual Upvc?

Do you only get the leaks when it is really windy ( and wet obviously! )
 
I would go to their showroom if they have one and look to see if they have blinds fitted, perfect fit blinds are a neat solution thus quite common and could be one that synseal or fabricators using their system recommend? Pose as a new customer and ask if they can recommend a blind system that doesn't require screwing into the pvc.

Ask synseal to send you a copy of their warranty specifically highlighting the bit that says the warranty if void if blinds are fitted, maybe tie that into visiting a synseal conservatory showroom to see what if any blinds they have fitted or recommend
 
I will be asking them how the blinds have caused damage.
It doesn't appear to matter if it's windy or not when it rains.

Can't find a showroom, but have found their brochure.
It mentions several times that customers can fit blinds.
Looking around I can find only 2 ways they can be fitted to PVC -
Perfect Fit or drilling.
They are members of the Conservatory Association/GGF.
Their rules state they must explain to me which part of their terms/warranty says I can't fit blinds.
Thanks for the heads-up on this avenue.
John.
 
An update.
I got Advertising Standards Authority involved.
I sent them all the emails, photos, screen grabs,T&C's...
They said DIY2GO's advertising should include on their site pages and T&C's, that fitting blinds invalidates the warranty.
They said this was 'material' to the advertising.
DIY2GO have now done this.
I then wrote to them pointing out the ASA findings, and asking that they reinstate my warranty as they had not included fitting blinds when I bought the conservatory.
Their reply yesterday was -
As previously advised we can not comment further on this matter, the issue you have was deemed to be caused by your blind installation by the manufacturers and is therefore not covered under guarantee.
I rang Citizens Advice and they don't get involved with warranties and T&C's I was told, just statutory rights?
I asked for Trading Standards number but he couldn't give me it, as they don't deal with the public?
My next step is the Competition and Marketing Authority.
I'd spoken to them the other week in anticipation of the response from DIY2GO, and they said to send them all I had, if needed, as it was something they would be interested in.
I'll let you know the next outcome.
Meanwhile, be very wary of DIY2GO and Synseal K2 conservatories.
Or check with your own supplier if they cover blinds being fitted.
Keep smiling!
John
 
Hi JohnBoy, who fitted the conservatory?

Have to contacted the trade association. They offer an arbitration service. see section 10

https://www.myglazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/GGF-code-of-good-practice-11-2016.pdf

Personally I would be inclined to remove one of the leaky glazed units and check to see if the there are weeps holes. If you get a local glazing firm to do it for you, and they discover insufficient drainage then pass the cost on when/if you take them to court.

As far as I can tell, your contract is with DIY2Go rather than Synseal though.

In the meantime you could always warn customers that they can't put blinds in their new DIY2Go conservatory publically via social media

https://twitter.com/diy2go

https://www.facebook.com/DIY2Go

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=reviews DIY2Go.&cad=h
 

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