Conservatory build issues

[GusGF]

We've got several issues with out 9 year old conservatory those issues being a leak from the soffit ajoining the house, damp coming thru near the conservatory exterior doors and one of the conservatory roof panes has shifted. We've had installers out before regarding the leak and they squarely pointed the finger at our house roof being the cause without inspecting and making sure. In the end I removed part of the soffit and could see a leak coming from the conservatory box gutter so I know we are not completely if at all at fault as there is a secondary leak further along the soffit.

Anyway to the reason I'm here, we've called the company out again. If they try and sidestep their responsibility what can I do? Can I get a 3rd party to inspect the conservatory and who do you recommend? If the report points the finger at the installer/builder what are my options regarding putting right and recovering costs for the inspection and putting right? I've never had to do anything like this before hence why I'm seeking advice.

 

[Deluks]

Pictures required.
A conservatory with a box gutter?

 

[mrrusty]

Conservatories are often built on very shallow foundations, and it isn't unlikely there has been a small shift. Another problem with uPVC conservatories is that the thermal expansion of uPVC is huge and it will expand and contract significantly summer-winter. This thermal movement has a tendency to "walk" material, opening up joints - most likely why a roof panel has shifted.

Unless you have an insurance-backed guarantee, then it isn't "their responsibility", it's yours. The maximum time an ordinary business to consumer contract can be chased for latent defects is 6 years, and even then you have to prove the fault was present at the beginning.

Box gutters are always a weak spot - when an ordinary gutter leaks or overflows, it's still outside. When a box does the same, you have a problem. Somehow you'll have to open it up and get it repaired. Likewise the leaking door and slipped roof panel - just wear and tear repairs.

Forget chasing the original company for liability to repair, and just get someone you trust to sort it and pay them their £££

 

[GusGF]

@mrrusty We've got a 10 year insurance warranty with the company which is up next year.

Okay so a couple of their guys came out and am pleased to say there wasn't a hint of deflection as regards responsibility. They spotted several issues which should have been taken care of when first installed and remedied them and righted the slipped panel. They have offered to come back to apply a gutter sealant if the leak hasn't completely gone but I believe the remedial work they've carried out should have sorted it, fingers crossed. So relieved as I was expecting to have to put up a fight to get things righted. Such a difference compared to the last chap they send out.

 

[mrrusty]

@GusGF that sounds like a very good service to me. Give them a decent review! I was fearing the worst from your first post