New Build Window Issues- help.

corbal_R · 27-08-2025 10:28AM #1

Hi all,

We got a very well reputable window company to do a complete install on our new build, about 2 years ago.

We've had a few issues with our front, back and sliding doors, where we've had to have them come out on numerous occasions. There has definitely been close to 10 call outs in the 2 years because the issue has not resolved or by fixing on issue, it resulted in another. We even had to get our alarm company back out to reposition the alarm sensor after they put our door back on.

All 3 doors have leaked in rain when it rains heavy, after 4 call outs, the guy discovered there was no drain holes so he drilled some behind the seal but now there is drill marks on the step outside.

While I'm happy they call out to fix the issues, we shouldn't be still having issues 2 years on. Being the summertime, I have been cleaning the windows myself more (as we had a company in to clean them properly after the build). Upon cleaning them, I discovered more issues with the windows up close.

-Glue residue at the joint (on anthracite grey windows so its fairly obvious)

-corner joint on one, there is a big gap but not on the other.

-a thin bottom panel of a front window is sticking out one side and can't be shoved back in.

……the list goes on unfortunately.

The new issue that I've just discovered is that our sliding door is not level AND to solve the issue of water getting into the track due to an issue with the seal, they just drilled two big drain holes which we can now see out to the ground outside and are letting in a small draft, see below.

I'm at my wits end and totally disheartened by all the issues after spending over €30k on them.

Does anyone have any similar experiences or any advise on how we should deal with this now? as the call outs are just not fixing the issues and I nearly feel at this stage we should be getting some sort of refund.

(there are other minor cosmetic issues too but I won't bore you with them)

Thank you in advance.

encorton1 · 02-09-2025 11:51AM

Most sliding doors / lift & slide doors have concealed drainage in the opening sashes with visible drainage on the frames. Depending on how these doors were fitted, you wouldn't be able to see these after the install, especially if the frame is sunk in the floor. These drainage channels on the frame are outside, so if whoever did your external finish went tight against the frame or sealed against the frame and accidentally/unknowingly blocked these drainage channels, that water will have nowhere to go except inside of your house.

Also, regardless if the door is a sliding or lift & slide they are quite finicky. If the doors are not plumb AND square and are outside the manufacturer's tolerances, this will affect your interlocks and gasket compressions which, in turn, will create drafts.

Any holes that are not from the manufacturer (i.e. the one in your photo) will create issues with the pressure equalization of the system, and they are also a surefire way of creating condensation if internal warm air gets inside the colder cavities of the profiles.

In terms of how to fix them… my suggestions are to:
1 - Expose the weep holes in the frame, make sure they are not clogged or sealed. Ensure there's a little bit of space between the frame and the floor finish.

2 - Refit / adjust the frame for it to be plumb. The sashes will also need to be adjusted, the glass needs to be checked to ensure proper alignment.

3 - Seal any non-factory holes

4 - After all these you need to do some functionality tests.

Paper test (gasket compression)
- Close and lock the door on a sheet of paper placed between the seal and frame.
- Test the entire perimeter of the sash incl. the interlock in the middle as well.
- If the paper pulls out easily anywhere, the seal isn’t compressing properly.
Blower test (air leakage)
- One person sits inside the house, next to the door.
- Another person applies a leaf blower or strong fan from outside, moving slowly around the entire perimeter (head, jambs, corners, interlock, sill).
- Person inside should feel for drafts with a hand (or an incense/some sort of smoke generator).

You can check watertightness with a garden hose as well or something that simulates "rain". Do this for 5 min on / 1 min off per joint and have an observer inside that will check for any leaks/standing water.

fatty pang · 12-09-2025 12:40PM

"You can check watertightness with a garden hose as well or something that simulates "rain" "

…with the hose on spray setting and held back about 2m from the door. I've had to deal with power washers used to demonstrate 'leaks' 🙄

New Build Window Issues- help.

Comments