Hello everyone,
I’m a bit at a loss and not really getting any support from the architect or the window manufacturer.
The new build is less than five years old, so it is still under the architect’s warranty, who also acted as the general contractor.
Last year, we noticed that the roller shutter slats (Roma, plastic, with partly aluminum rails on windows wider than 2m (6.5 feet)) started to bulge on the southwest side. Now, the same issue is appearing on the southeast side as well. It’s frustrating because the slats are now getting caught on the fly screens that were installed later, so those have to be removed again. The slats bend inward by as much as 2–3cm (about 1 inch).
The architect and window manufacturer (contacted since November last year) refer to the Roma user manual, which basically states that the shutters should not be fully closed when exposed to sunlight. Well… it’s honestly quite silly that a blackout can’t be fully closed, but we never did that anyway; during the summer heat, the shutters were only ever closed just slightly because nobody wants to sit in the dark during the day.
Still, the slats are clearly deformed, which makes me doubt their quality and Roma’s explanation.
The window manufacturer contacted Roma by email, but there has been no reply (at least not to me). The architect continues to claim, after follow-up questions, that this is due to "user error" on our part.
My question: What does the forum think? Should I consult a lawyer or get an expert report? Does that even make sense? I find it quite outrageous that I would be expected to prove this. The window manufacturer also said that Roma has already won lawsuits—but I can’t find any similar reports online and it’s making me uncertain.
I’ve also considered having roller bearings installed—but honestly, this all seems unreasonable and should be due to defective materials and therefore covered under warranty.
Cheers,
Mac
I’m a bit at a loss and not really getting any support from the architect or the window manufacturer.
The new build is less than five years old, so it is still under the architect’s warranty, who also acted as the general contractor.
Last year, we noticed that the roller shutter slats (Roma, plastic, with partly aluminum rails on windows wider than 2m (6.5 feet)) started to bulge on the southwest side. Now, the same issue is appearing on the southeast side as well. It’s frustrating because the slats are now getting caught on the fly screens that were installed later, so those have to be removed again. The slats bend inward by as much as 2–3cm (about 1 inch).
The architect and window manufacturer (contacted since November last year) refer to the Roma user manual, which basically states that the shutters should not be fully closed when exposed to sunlight. Well… it’s honestly quite silly that a blackout can’t be fully closed, but we never did that anyway; during the summer heat, the shutters were only ever closed just slightly because nobody wants to sit in the dark during the day.
Still, the slats are clearly deformed, which makes me doubt their quality and Roma’s explanation.
The window manufacturer contacted Roma by email, but there has been no reply (at least not to me). The architect continues to claim, after follow-up questions, that this is due to "user error" on our part.
My question: What does the forum think? Should I consult a lawyer or get an expert report? Does that even make sense? I find it quite outrageous that I would be expected to prove this. The window manufacturer also said that Roma has already won lawsuits—but I can’t find any similar reports online and it’s making me uncertain.
I’ve also considered having roller bearings installed—but honestly, this all seems unreasonable and should be due to defective materials and therefore covered under warranty.
Cheers,
Mac
I can find several reviews within 2 minutes...
I would talk to the architect again. It’s still within the 5-year period, and the roller shutter slats don’t cost a fortune. However, the last summers have been very, very hot. That can definitely cause issues. Otherwise, come to an agreement with the window installer. For example, one party covers the installation and the other the materials. How much does such a shutter slat cost? 50-100€?
I would talk to the architect again. It’s still within the 5-year period, and the roller shutter slats don’t cost a fortune. However, the last summers have been very, very hot. That can definitely cause issues. Otherwise, come to an agreement with the window installer. For example, one party covers the installation and the other the materials. How much does such a shutter slat cost? 50-100€?
Hello Dainxf,
Thank you for your feedback.
Some could really work, but the problem is the cost – there would be seven roller shutters measuring 2 x 2.4m (6.6 x 7.9 ft), plus three around 2 x 1.4m (6.6 x 4.6 ft), and two measuring 1 x 2.4m (3.3 x 7.9 ft)... that’s quite a lot. Since I no longer trust plastic materials, they would have to be aluminum, and the large 2 x 2.4m (6.6 x 7.9 ft) armored shutters alone would cost around €200 each if I used an online configurator correctly. If necessary, I would go for it – but I am also almost certain the professionals won’t take care of it at all.
Regarding the search: could you send me the search terms? I can’t find anything about warped Roma roller shutters, heat damage, etc. If links are allowed in conversations, those would be welcome as well. Maybe I’m just missing them...
Cheers,
Mac
Thank you for your feedback.
Some could really work, but the problem is the cost – there would be seven roller shutters measuring 2 x 2.4m (6.6 x 7.9 ft), plus three around 2 x 1.4m (6.6 x 4.6 ft), and two measuring 1 x 2.4m (3.3 x 7.9 ft)... that’s quite a lot. Since I no longer trust plastic materials, they would have to be aluminum, and the large 2 x 2.4m (6.6 x 7.9 ft) armored shutters alone would cost around €200 each if I used an online configurator correctly. If necessary, I would go for it – but I am also almost certain the professionals won’t take care of it at all.
Regarding the search: could you send me the search terms? I can’t find anything about warped Roma roller shutters, heat damage, etc. If links are allowed in conversations, those would be welcome as well. Maybe I’m just missing them...
Cheers,
Mac
I couldn’t find any specific information about Roma roller shutters. I thought you were referring to it more generally. I simply searched for “Roma roller shutter slats bent,” and the first result matched, but there was no mention of the manufacturer.
I would suggest speaking with the window installer again. They also have very different purchasing prices for roller shutters. Initially, I would recommend only agreeing to pay the additional cost for the aluminum roller shutter, rather than the full amount right away. This might still leave some room for negotiation. Otherwise, the only remaining option is the tedious route through an expert evaluation or similar.
I would suggest speaking with the window installer again. They also have very different purchasing prices for roller shutters. Initially, I would recommend only agreeing to pay the additional cost for the aluminum roller shutter, rather than the full amount right away. This might still leave some room for negotiation. Otherwise, the only remaining option is the tedious route through an expert evaluation or similar.
Hi,
I’m currently involved in similar discussions; the plastic slats are also breaking down for us. The argument that you shouldn’t close them when the sun is shining was also told to me, but that doesn’t make sense because the relevant standard (DIN) does not include such an exclusion. According to the standard, the roller shutters must withstand it. Unfortunately, they don’t. From what I found out, some additives in the plastic slats were banned a few years ago, and since then, these parts simply are no longer heat-resistant. I was quietly told that basically all plastic slats available on the market are affected and, strictly speaking, none meet the standard.
Apparently, anything wider than 1 meter (3 feet) can no longer be made durable in plastic. In other words, wide plastic roller shutters are now considered wear parts!
By the way: plastic at 2.4 meters (8 feet) width is really quite daring...
After much back and forth, all our roller shutters are now being replaced with aluminum slats. We are paying a bit more than the original surcharge for aluminum would have cost us, but I don’t want to get into a costly dispute with expert witnesses and lawyers over a few hundred dollars.
If you are going to replace them, I strongly recommend aluminum, as new ones at 2.4 meters (8 feet) width won’t last long either.
Regards,
Andreas
I’m currently involved in similar discussions; the plastic slats are also breaking down for us. The argument that you shouldn’t close them when the sun is shining was also told to me, but that doesn’t make sense because the relevant standard (DIN) does not include such an exclusion. According to the standard, the roller shutters must withstand it. Unfortunately, they don’t. From what I found out, some additives in the plastic slats were banned a few years ago, and since then, these parts simply are no longer heat-resistant. I was quietly told that basically all plastic slats available on the market are affected and, strictly speaking, none meet the standard.
Apparently, anything wider than 1 meter (3 feet) can no longer be made durable in plastic. In other words, wide plastic roller shutters are now considered wear parts!
By the way: plastic at 2.4 meters (8 feet) width is really quite daring...
After much back and forth, all our roller shutters are now being replaced with aluminum slats. We are paying a bit more than the original surcharge for aluminum would have cost us, but I don’t want to get into a costly dispute with expert witnesses and lawyers over a few hundred dollars.
If you are going to replace them, I strongly recommend aluminum, as new ones at 2.4 meters (8 feet) width won’t last long either.
Regards,
Andreas
H
HilfeHilfe18 Jun 2019 17:59Have aluminum parts and even the hooks rust sometimes in summer.
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