I could just make this entire blog about the problems with Anglian fitting but that would be completely wrong of me so with a little help I’ve picked on this case, you’ll be really interested in reading all the faults in the report also, It’s a long read but is well worth it for anyone looking to purchase from Anglian, just make sure they don’t do this to you, if you purchase from them.
Anglian Problems Video.. Anglian problems 2
Sorry about the links to the videos just trying to sort myself out with that, I’m new at this you know! Well a month and a half anyway.
It just seems so wrong that one person could have so many issues, sure every company has mis-measured a window now and again, but this one takes the biscuit, most companies would remake the winodws but then again most companies would actually use fixings to put the windows in as well, shocking bit of work on this job.
I’m not saying all of Anglians work is like this but “Oh My Word” this is probably the worst bit of fitting I’ve ever seen.. These definately wont be reccomending Anglian to anyone, so once again it’s “Most customers, NOT most reccomended”.
47 Campbell Street
Report on Windows
|
Item |
Location |
Description
|
|
|
1. |
Ground floor front window |
The window measures 1.833 wide by 1.614 high consisting of 4 opening casements and 2 fixed panes.
In order to view the extent of the problems the brickwork to the right hand side of the casement forming the entrance porch has been removed to expose the rear of the frame. At the time of inspection the frame was still in situe. The head of the window is the wall plate of the projecting canopy of the bay window and porch area.
|
|
|
Defects: The window itself has simply been wedged into the opening and the rear face of the UPVC profile has been planed off to fit tightly into the opening with no tolerance whatsoever. The code of practice states that a window of this size should be manufactured with an expansion gap amounting to 10mm. In this situation there is no gap. The fact that the frame has been effectively wedged in position has caused damage to the profiles resulting in the lower right hand mitre breaking.
There are no visible fixings where the window has been placed against the brickwork and the stability of this window is entirely reliant on a small bead of mastic on the exterior.
At the window head level there is a gap of approximately 12mm between the underside of the wall plate and the frame. In this area there is no evidence of any hard packing or shimming to provide any form of support to the wall plate above. The opening casements of the windows have been manufactured to such poor tolerance that both of the lower casements are only 5mm larger than the opening. They do not come into contact with the draft stripping leaving a gap of approximately 10mm on each side. The casement is therefore too small for the opening in the frame.
The fixed light and the right hand casement are not square and this can be seen from the sealed unit glazing whereby the visible silver strip is level with the frame on the right hand side and approximately 5mm below the frame on the left hand side. This corresponds with a similar lack of tolerance at the window head. This defect is also replicated on the right hand casement. The cause of this is the fact that neither of the casements is actually square and over the height of the casement is a deviation of approximately 3-4 mm.
In conclusion therefore, the principal defects are as follows:
|
|||
|
1. |
The frames are not fitted to the structure in accordance with the code of practice as there are no fixings.
|
||
|
2. |
The large opening casements do not fit within the openings.
|
||
|
3. |
The casements are not square.
|
||
|
Item |
Location |
Description
|
|
|
2. |
Ground floor rear window |
The window measure 1.058 by 1.461 high consisting of 1 opening casement, 1 fixed light and opening transom.
The window here has been fixed tight into the reveal with no visible fixings suggesting that again the profile to the back edge of the frame has been planed and then wedged into place. This again needs to tolerance whatsoever. The width of the opening casement at its internal point is 516mm and the internal opening of the frame is 510mm giving an overlap of 3mm per side.
The large casement does not sit square in the opening at its closing point there is virtually no overlap between the frame and the casement.
The frame itself having been hammered into position has caused it to bow and on the right hand reveal shows bow in the middle of approximately 4mm.
|
|
|
Defects: In summary the defects are:
|
|||
|
1. |
Unfixed window frame with no tolerance.
|
||
|
2. |
Incorrectly sized casement.
|
||
|
3. |
Externally where the brickwork was damaged instead of pointing up the brickwork with a cement mortar the gap has been filled with a silicone mastic.
|
||
|
Item |
Location |
Description
|
|
|
3. |
Kitchen Window |
1.793 x 1.031. This is a 3 panel window with 2 opening casements and a central opening transom light on a fixed pane.
This window again has no visible fixing into the brickwork and has been wedged in place and fixed using silicone mastic to the perimeter. In parts the tolerances are so tight that the wedging in position slightly distorted the frame.
|
|
|
Defects: In summary this window is capable of being salvaged albeit that it will require fixing in position in accordance with the code of practice.
|
|||
|
Item |
Location |
Description
|
|
|
4. |
Wc window |
This window again has complete absence of any fixings and has been wedged into position with virtually zero tolerance to the perimeter and then sealed with silicone mastic. Due to the size of the window it is possible that this can be reused with the addition of appropriate fixing.
|
|
|
5 |
Bathroom window |
This is a fixed light and singe opening casement window that again has complete absence of fixings. Furthermore a frame has been wedged into the opening to such an extent that it has distorted the right hand section of the frame by approximately 5mm.
Whilst the window is not square but due to its size provided the window is taken out, the openings modified and then the window fixed correctly with the appropriate tolerances in accordance with the code of practice then reuse is possible.
|
|
|
6. |
First floor front window |
Window measures 1.786 x 1.188 comprising 2 opening casements, fixed light and an opening transom light.
The plaster to the window reveals has been removed in this window to establish the tolerances and fixings. Again there are no fixings whatsoever the window is merely wedged into the opening.
Other than the undulations in the brickwork reveals the frame has been modified on site to give virtually no tolerance whatsoever and then simply wedged into the reveal and silicone mastic applied to the exterior.
With the plaster work reveal removed it is possible to move the frame within the opening where it does not wedge against the brickwork.
It would be possible to remove the frame, slightly amend the brickwork to provide an expansion gap and re fix the window.
|
|
|
7. |
Rear bedroom window |
1.060 x 1.472.
Here again the window is unfixed and wedged into the opening. The transom to the left hand side of the window above the fixed pane bows approximately 5mm over its length.
The opening casement has virtually no overlap between the casement and the frame and daylight is visible on the top edge.
This window is sufficiently poor to require replacement. |
|
|
8. |
Rear extension bedroom |
This window measures 1.060 x 1.464. 1no fixed light 1no opening casement and a transom light.
This window is very similar to the rear bedroom where the transom is approximately 5mm out of level over the fixed light. Again the window has not been fixed and movement is evident so is cracking to the perimeter. Externally the brickwork has been damaged and a large hole filed with silicon mastic.
The tolerance in the opening casement is such that daylight is visible. If it were not for the fact that the window is very tightly wedged into the opening and damaged caused this frame may have been salvageable however the top rail of the frame is sufficiently bowed to warrant replacement. |
|
Hi Double Glazing Guy,
You have a great website, good frank and honest style. Have you come across this product http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQNURLwSa3w ? One of the key problems is when fitters have to deglaze/devent just to reduce the weight when carrying the frame to height. What this product does is allow a 125kg fully glazed factory finished window to be lifted straight up into position with the turn of a handle.
In a typical UK window scenario where you have a double side hung with a top hung over a fixed light for example all you would need to do is wind the fully glazed window into the opening, screw through the opening vents and debead the lower bead of the fixed light to screw through.
It speeds up the process and significantly reduces manual handling and work at height. The video link shows it winding a timber window but it’ll give you a good idea of what it does.
OK, I’ll come clean, I work for the company that make the Eazi Lifter window hoist but seriously, what a bloody brilliant invention!
Ryan.
I’d rather you come clean as I’d probably guess that you worked for them, everything that starts with a compliment generally goes into some pitch or other, not a problem though sounds a good product though, so anyone wh is interested click through on the link above and have a look…
I used to work for Anglian not too long ago being locked up in a cubicle cold calling for hours on end. I was brand new to the window industry and had no idea how much bad press that double glazing can single handadly command!!
I believed in the quality of Anglian, despite the numerous customer complaints I came across but what opened my eyes was the day I google searched double glazing sales on the internet!!
Anglian can surely do better than this.
http://www.homeimprovementsquote.co.uk
I thought I’d leave the link in, though I’m not a great fan of these type of sites… They tend to sell there leads to anyone who will buy them and it generally the companies are not even vetted. They are a great way for cowboys to earn money.. Obviously not all companies using these services are like that though..
Anglian Windows, Shocking tactics used to intimidate, Scare, Frighten, the victims of this abusive Company.
Many cases this year reported in the News papers, one such horror story was delt with by Tony Levene, from the Guardian newspaper, involving an 84 year old Lady’s story of the hell they put her through. Another horror story acted out by Directors on a Female Employee dubbed by the news papers, The Sales Queen, who took them to Court and won. another horror story regarding another 74 Year old Female.
i have heard first hand another story after having my windows done, 4 years ago, yet another elderly lone female from the Stockport Area, her daughter was telling me the way her mother was treated by Anglian, her Daughter in her 50′s broke down crying, after explaining to me the ordeal she was put through trying to deal on behalf of her mother, as her Mother could not deal further, because of the amount of stress.
The tactics used by Anglian, are delays to the extreme, to encourage you to go away, if that doe’s not work, more delays, refusal to carry out works more delays, lies, letters never answered, abuse will usually then follow, and usually continue.
When they have made continued mistakes, by not been able to measure up windows, refusing to put right these mistakes, on my home Causing extensive damage, and refusing to put right, 4 years later and more damage caused, they refuse to repair, their tactics is to force you to claim on your own insurance.
When they caused so much damage to my home, they refused to repair, or pay for damage caused, after many weeks i told them i am calling in a loss adjuster, then in an instant, they said ok we will repair via their insurers, i finally got them to put this in writing, and to this day 4 years later, no repairs, they ignore all requests.
I have posted many films on this in my hall of shame parts 1,2,3, and many other films on Anglian, on utube, please visit, type in the search area Anglian windows, that will take you to the film lists.
They never put in the legally required spreader plates in Jan 2005, on a large load bearing bay with a brick parapet above with stone capping, this was crushing the windows as they never put in any supports.
Then after putting in writing they would install the legally required plates the second time. They after removing the bay to install a new one, they then said only FENSA Regs apply, they said Building regulations don’t apply to my installation of new windows. this statement was found to be a lie, used to deceive. as there is now such thing as FENSA regulations. i do have this recording for evidence if it is needed.
You guessed it, after installing the the windows again for the second time the windows were been crushed, putting my life and others at risk, as the glazing units could have exploded at any time, and possible collapse of the Bay, this bay is in a 1 bedroom bungelow , so i could not ever use the bedroom.
Building Control wanted to prosecute, but by law this had to be done within a period of 6 MONTHS at the time, we missed this deadline, so AHI can break the Law, and refuse to comply with Building regulations and get away with it, They state on their website FENSA enforces Building regs, this is untrue, as proved, because it took me 3 1/2 years to force both AHI and FENSA to comply with building regs, by breaking B.regs, they are also breaking Health and Safety Laws, and again get away with it.
Then just to sign off the job, as i was complaining and asking why they had not installed the legally required plates, they had put in writing, AHI then sent in their Bogus debt collector, this man refused to give his name, or who he worked for, only stating he was a National Debt Recovery Manager, who has come to collect a debt on behalf of Anglian windows Stockport office who are Underperforming.
This company was still installing windows, at this time, as they could not get the windows to fit, they sent out a debt collector, before the job was complete, also my Installations Manager never asked for money. not only did the debt collector demand money with menace. On a second visit he then denied he was a debt collector, when i managed to get him and my Installation Manager together, i asked the debt collector to leave, he refused, then i informed i am calling in the Police, in defiance after causing a Scene, he went to his car, took out a Camera and started taking photos of me and my Father. despite making continual complaints about this year after year, every complaint about their employees went unanswered.
I also repeatedly asked for the return of the photos taken illegally, they ignored all requests just plane ignorant this company is, what would happen if it was a female family member this man was taking photos of, and they just ignore the return of photos taken, this company is an absolute disgrace, what if this man has already been taking photos of female Customers, for AHI never to answer any questions or letters on this matter is shocking.
filmed abuses taken place, even when i wrote asking not to send anymore employees from the Stockport office, because i cannot take anymore of the abuse, this tactic was designed to make the customer drop the complaint, after them abusing my father and hearing, the stories of the Seniors Citizens i will not give up, complaining until the Senior Management is brought to book for the abuses.
Consumers have to be protected from this kind of thing by Companies.
I Then discovered years late, just recently the Debt Collector, looks like someone who is very high up in Anglian windows, after seeing his Photo on their website under the news section, Corporate news. this Mans signiture is on the letter sent to me Signed by this man. Next to the title National Debt Recovery Manager, under a different name. by repeated pressure to FENSA and the GGF, 3 1/2 years later i get a response, and is as follows, the Man claiming to be a debt collector was infact an installation Manager, he no longer works for the company, as part of his role was to collect money when the job was finished, Anglian refuse to answer any furhter questions, on this matter.
Then i discovered the Man who sent out the bogus debt collector was Anglians finance Director, i recorded him saying, he sent out the Man, then i discovered and confirmed with the GGF, he is also a director in the GGF, the Glass and Glazing Federation, also the GGF own FENSA and are in the same offices.
Strange that the Finance Director in AHI also Director in the GGF also in the same building as FENSA, Why i wonder why it took me 3 1/2 years to force AHI to be compliant with building regs, 2 of these years it took me to force FENSA to Comply
The only reason why FENSA helped me was because i sent them a Recording where a Senior Manager in AHI stated Building regs don’t apply to my installation. that is the only reason why they decided to help, knowing full well building regs were been broken, they knew i had been to building control, they also knew, i could not by myself force them to comply with the LAW, also i have an email trail here to prove FENSA KEPT saying AHI wont speak to them, and they don’t understand why AHI wont deal.when i eventually forced both AHI and FENSA to comply with building regs in MAY 2008, BOTH these carried out inspections and then installed the legally required spreader plates, finally.
Guess what happened, despite all their knowledge and so called skills, they allowed the bay to drop, through Negligence by only propping up this structure using only 1 ackro, and refuse now to put the bay back up to it’s original height, now the water on the flat roof will not drain off the roof,
AHI is hiding behind it’s solicitors when i stated i am seeking specialist advice. In 2006, i armed myself with a Consultants report, who agreed with me and my concerns regarding the bay constuction, it took me and Consumer Direct, 9 months just to get this company on site, delay tactics used by AHI, none communication, sending appointement from their stockport office to addresses in Liverpool then stating i was not at home, ect, me and consumer direct work tirelessly every day, to get them to come and open up the BAY so evidence could be collected, when they eventually arrived on site, they refused to open up the bay, said they wore bored and left, by doing this as they seen the windows been crushed they had broken health and safety LAWS, building regs, the company is a nightmare. they break the Law and not even Consumer direct force them to comply, not even Trading Standards or the Trust Mark Scheme that is a governement Scheme set up to remove bogus and rouge builders to help proctect the Consumer. i fail to under stand why none of them will help.
As a home owner you are legally responsible to ensuer anyone who carries out work on your Home, that it complies with Building regulations, if you don’t you could face a big fine of up to £5,000, so Anglian have left me and others, in a legal nightmare, i am chatting to a person from Utube and they have done the same thing to him, Anglian home improvements are leaving customers homes in danger of Collapse leaving homes in a dangerous Condition, they are breaking Health and Safety LAWS, and they do not care.they just hide behind their solicitors, stating take us to court you will not win, Strange i got the same threat from the CEO of FENSA Who stated he will stand up in Court and tell the Judge that AHI are a reputabel company and they know what they are doing.And i will not win any COURT case. FENSA make no comment now, FENSA CEO stated this before he went on his hols in Oct, stating sign the deal,AHI’s gagging order, which i would not sign.
The British Board of Agreement the people who set the standards for products in your home,are investigating at the moment and have scientist working on this case, as i have sent them filmed evidence of extreme condensation forming on the FRAMES glazing units and poles, and proved to them in a 4 part sequence, of film, the reason i have explained is the White Knight design of windows has not changed in 15 years, and water is allowed to enter the inner frame by design, this water enters the inner seals and evaporates into the inside of the home, also water enters into and summerges the glazing unit in water, this seeps out of the inner beading all the time.
i would suggest to anyone who gets involved with this company, if you are not convinced of the horror stories on the web about this company and you do employ them, record everything, if you don’t you will be called a liar, by them, you will be deceived and abused. you will need this evidence to prove to the world what had taken place.
All I can say is WOW they really have given you a hard time over this and I’ll be checking out utube, I’ll post those videos on my site.
Anglian shouldn’t be allowed to treat people like this, but then again they are a company that are not allowed to fail, even now being bailed out by the banks…. One rule for one one for another!