Replacement uPVC double glazing installation conundrum (installation by reputable installer)

[B52s]

I'm looking for some advice to get the best technical performance and aesthetically pleasing solution to a problem, as I'm starting to lose confidence in the reputable window installer who may not be giving the best guidance and honest answers.

 

I have recently contracted a local double glazing company (good local reputable installer), but I'm not happy with the actual install which has created a 25mm gap between the bottom edge of the uPVC window frame and the concrete sill. The previous timber uPVC windows had a discrete metal trim that fitted neatly between the window frame and the sill which made the windows aesthetically pleasing.

The installer has given me two options;

 

1) Leave installation with the 25mm gap, which I'm told, will not result in water ingress as the window sits on the rear (concealed) raised edge of the angled sill inside the wall, albeit I think strong winds could drive rainwater under the uPVC sill, which is evidenced from 'capture 05' pic below. However, I'm also concerned about the impact this gap might create in terms of the thermal performance of the timber frame structure. Furthermore, the bottom edge of the uPVC window frame is straight where I would have expected this to be bull-nosed? Lastly, I just feel leaving a gap just looks bad.

 

2) At the moment, I have agreed to the second option, albeit I do have an opportunity to reverse this decision. The installer has filled the gap with expanding foam and it going to return with a builder to fill the gap with 25mm cement pointing positioned slightly behind the edge of the uPVC sill. I'm just not sure how this will look, but probably the best out of a bad situation?

 

I'm increasing becoming concerned that what has been designed and installed (by the reputable installer) is not actually fit for purpose?

 

Your thoughts on the best way forward would be very much appreciated, TIA

[Nickfromwales]

I'd have rather had a dummy cill slid in under the functional one, than that gap, with that additional one fettled so it follows the angle of the concrete cill!

 

The 25mm of cement infill will be no good, as it'll just give up over time and look terrible. But then the installer would have washed their hands of the job.

[B52s]

43 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

I'd have rather had a dummy cill slid in under the functional one, than that gap, with that additional one fettled so it follows the angle of the concrete cill!

 

The 25mm of cement infill will be no good, as it'll just give up over time and look terrible. But then the installer would have washed their hands of the job.

Thanks for that Nick, that makes perfect sense. Not paid the installer yet, so still have a firm grip over him. The installer has been back and few times to sort out some other snagging issues, so he's a wee bit on the backfoot at the moment. The T&Cs are in my favour as payment is not due until the customer is satisfied. As I said above, the large installer has a proven track record in my area.

[Nickfromwales]

10 minutes ago, B52s said:

Thanks for that Nick, that makes perfect sense. Not paid the installer yet, so still have a firm grip over him. The installer has been back and few times to sort out some other snagging issues, so he's a wee bit on the backfoot at the moment. The T&Cs are in my favour as payment is not due until the customer is satisfied. As I said above, the large installer has a proven track record in my area.

Be nice to each other and agree an amicable resolve. Simple!

[B52s]

3 hours ago, Nickfromwales said:

Be nice to each other and agree an amicable resolve. Simple!

Your point is noted Nick. We did have an amicable solution, it was me doubting the agreed solution that has prompted my post here looking for advice, and I'm glad I did. Thanks to you I can go back to the installer and advise that I have had a change of opinion and would like to suggest the uPVC dummy cill in lieu of the cement option. The installer was unable to proceed with the cement option because he was rained off and that's what gave me time to give careful consideration to what I had previously agreed to. This "thinking on your feet" business can disadvantage the customer (me) into agreeing to a solution in the absence of any independent technical advice. Thanks again Nick for your input. 

[craig]

I’m of two opinions.

 

1: not much wrong here tbh, it is how uPVC windows are installed as standard these day but @Nickfromwales solution is a good one.

 

2: Stone cills exist for a reason, they have a job to do and windows don’t always need stub cills.

[Nickfromwales]

17 minutes ago, craig said:

I’m of two opinions.

 

1: not much wrong here tbh, it is how uPVC windows are installed as standard these day but @Nickfromwales solution is a good one.

 

2: Stone cills exist for a reason, they have a job to do and windows don’t always need stub cills.

Agree in principle, but the widow fitter should have managed expectations here, before money changed hands, and told the OP that it would be a distinct possibility that the gap under the new window could, POSSIBLY, be used as an emergency runway for Heathrow.

[craig]

Oh I do not disagree, it’s a ****ing eyesore.