UPVC sliding door issues

[Cohubs]

Hi,

We recently had two sets of sliding patio doors fitted. One set is fine, no issues but the larger set we have had a few problems. Firstly the window fitters had to return several times to adjust the doors as they contracted in the heat/cold meaning the door lock wouldn't function properly. Eventually they seem to have fixed that by moving the two outer fixed pains inwards giving more play to the doors for expansion.

We are having two issues now. One the two right hand panes seem to fog up on the outside. I wouldnt be bothered about it but the two left panels don't. nor does the other door they fitted. Secondly when the rain drives at the door you get a damp smell (no smell when the rain drives away from the door). Wasn't there prior to them fitting the doors nor does it happen to the other set that face the same way.

We have had them out again and they said the fogging is normal and is due to the thermal atmospheric pressure. He also didn't agree that there was a damp smell, it's quite strong so I really think he can but doesn't want to deal with the issue.

My question is - are they right about the fogging up of just two panes externally? And what could be the cause of the damp smell? Something they possibly haven't sealed that they should have?


I'm at a loss as where to go from here, do I just accept it?


Thanks

 

[Wayners]

Think I would wash glass with some white vinegar and water.
If there is a manufacturers residue on glass water will attract and I can see a square shape of condensation.

As for damp I don't know.
Buy a cheap humidity monitor as see what's happening inside.

 

[Cohubs]

Thanks for the reply.

I will give the vinegar a try, it certainly can't hurt and might explain why the other panes don't do it.

Hadn't thought about a monitor. I was wondering today if it was something to do with not installing a DPM under the frame. There was one previously and maybe that sealed the cavity smell (there are cavity closures vertically) out when it rains . The installer said they are now not required with UPVC frames. It kind of smells like damp brick to me and the only exposed brick we have is under the frame.

I can see myself sealing everything with sealant in a hope the smell goes.

Thanks again.

 

[ronniecabers]

The fogging on the outside is perfectly normal.and a by product of modern double glazing, usually its more pronounced in Autum and spring. Id be more concerned the others aren't ' fogging ' . Here's link and explanation by Pilkingtons https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk...stion={83FD3D2A-22D8-43E1-8CF6-4358D2FA6D1D}#

As goes the damp smell , normally if something is damp it will smell regardless of which way the rain is falling ( unless of course its dried out ) , but if you are only smelling damp when it actually rains then , honestly, never come across that before so cant suggest anything there im afraid