Replacing a single panel (Camden)

[Roger465]

So a couple of years ago, I forgot my grandfather’s ancient advice about never doing business with friends or family, and got a firm owned by someone I thought of as a friend to put several new windows in for me.

In fairness, the actual work seemed really good – invisibly plastered in etc. But then it became apparent that two of the frames were bowed inwards. There was another van in the street doing a house, and I asked his opinion – he said more or less that Camden windows tend to do that.

This developed into a very unpleasant war of words with the original firm, culminating in me threatening legal action unless they put new frames in, which they eventually did. I suffer from depression, and the stress nearly finished me off. And afterwards, he also said that Camden windows do that sometimes!

Anyway, the new frames are very nearly straight, not bowed enough to annoy me anyway. But now that the light outside has improved, I can see that the big centre panel is clouded on the inside – hope it shows up OK in the pic.

I wouldn't have the guys who did it anywhere near me again, so want to replace this panel. Is it something I could do myself? When they put the new frames in, I’m pretty sure they re-used the original glass, so I think you can just snap the panels in and out somehow?

Thanks

 

[Wayners]

Yes it's something you can do yourself but it can be problematic.
You needed to measure the the glass with size and thickness.
Get beads out. You need to understand which one to take out first and not damage it.
Fit and pack new glass.
Get beads back in. I've struggled with this.
I would recommend getting a local cloudy to clear glass replacement service to do it.
Just claim on warranty as that's free.

I'll also add. Plastic windows can be a bit hit and miss..
Glass seems to have scratches. Trims and silicone around edges. Packed up at the bottom with cement.
They always seem to measure too small and fill so they know it will fit. Chucked in quickly from what I've seen..
I understand your frustration. Just how the the window industry is im afraid. It's all done to a price and for speed. Lot's of firms competing with each other...

 

[Roger465]

Thanks, that's really useful, and what I really wanted to know - that it's not something I can tackle myself.

I'm not sure about claiming under warranty - thwn I originally had the problem, I spoke to Camden, and they were very unhelpful, saying to talk to the installer. Maybe I'll try them again, but I don't hold out much hope