Should have told Safestyle Windows to BOGOF(F)

In July 2006 we moved into our current house. The first thing we did was have our old single pane windows and doors replaced with double-glazed throughout from SafeStyle Windows.

We chose them because they were amongst the cheapest (can't remember if we took advantage of BOGOF or not) and so maybe should have expected what came next. That winter we had really bad condensation on the windows and also around the walls surrounding the windows. We'd wipe them down everyday and have them on the latch to let air through throughout the day (when it wasn't freezing cold outside) but the condensation continued throughout the winter and into spring. We complained to SafeStyle but they sent us a leaflet explaining that condensation is to be expected and it was because our house was now super insulated and so there was nowhere for warm air to escape.

This went on the for the next 3 winters, it got so bad it ruined our carpets and we had to cut the wallpaper on some of the walls surrounding the windows because it just grew black mold. Every year we complained to safestyle and every year they said it was normal condensation. We had a window fitter (from SafeStyle) out a couple of times, the first said the windows hadn't been sealed properly and apparently he fixed this. The next one did the same.

This year was the last time, we threatened to go trading standards and so they sent out an inspector. He actually checked the windows properly and found that none of the windows had been sealed properly and been fitted completely incorrectly. The top half of our house is cladded with wood and they'd not fitted them with this in mind. They'd removed the damp proof membrane from all the windows because the windows were too big, so they've been re-measured and the DPC will be reinstated and all the upstairs windows are going to be replaced and all the downstairs resealed.

Also they're going to install trickle-vents which should help alleviate any condensation in future.

Its going to take a week to 10 days so will have to wait and see what happens but the true test will be to see what happens this winter.

For anyone else who has this type of problem with really bad condensation on their windows and condensation appearing on the plasterboard walls surrounding the windows I'd suggest getting them inspected if you suspect they haven't been sealed properly.