Hello,
we have now been living in our newly built house for 4 months. When it was very hot and sunny about 3 weeks ago, we unfortunately noticed that almost all our windows make cracking noises. These are uPVC windows (white on the inside, anthracite foil on the outside). The cracking always comes from the upper corners and is not limited to the large windows. It does not come from the mounted roller shutter box and also occurs when the windows are open. Sometimes, during very hot weather, it happens every 3 minutes. At night, while cooling down, the cracking is less frequent (about every 2 hours) but much louder. Almost like a gunshot – making it impossible to sleep through the night! The window supplier is the company A. from Südlohn – we have scheduled a joint appointment soon to listen to the noise because the company claims they are not aware of such a phenomenon. I have also agreed with the main contractor that a sworn expert recommended by the Chamber of Commerce will look into this issue. Unfortunately, we have not yet found an expert who is available on short notice.
Have you had similar experiences with your windows???
we have now been living in our newly built house for 4 months. When it was very hot and sunny about 3 weeks ago, we unfortunately noticed that almost all our windows make cracking noises. These are uPVC windows (white on the inside, anthracite foil on the outside). The cracking always comes from the upper corners and is not limited to the large windows. It does not come from the mounted roller shutter box and also occurs when the windows are open. Sometimes, during very hot weather, it happens every 3 minutes. At night, while cooling down, the cracking is less frequent (about every 2 hours) but much louder. Almost like a gunshot – making it impossible to sleep through the night! The window supplier is the company A. from Südlohn – we have scheduled a joint appointment soon to listen to the noise because the company claims they are not aware of such a phenomenon. I have also agreed with the main contractor that a sworn expert recommended by the Chamber of Commerce will look into this issue. Unfortunately, we have not yet found an expert who is available on short notice.
Have you had similar experiences with your windows???
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion for Plastics
α (mm/m·K)
ABS 0.10
PA 0.10
PA 12 0.144
PE 0.15 - 0.20
PP 0.16 - 0.18
PPS 0.15
PVC-u 0.07 - 0.08
PVC-C 0.06 - 0.07
PVDF 0.12 - 0.18
For every 1 Kelvin increase in temperature, PVC expands by 0.06–0.07 mm per meter. It includes a steel core, which does not expand, nor does the glass. Karsten
α (mm/m·K)
ABS 0.10
PA 0.10
PA 12 0.144
PE 0.15 - 0.20
PP 0.16 - 0.18
PPS 0.15
PVC-u 0.07 - 0.08
PVC-C 0.06 - 0.07
PVDF 0.12 - 0.18
For every 1 Kelvin increase in temperature, PVC expands by 0.06–0.07 mm per meter. It includes a steel core, which does not expand, nor does the glass. Karsten
We just had the window specialist over because one of the patio doors wouldn’t open anymore (something was broken).
He said they have major issues with dark-colored windows on south-facing sides. They heat up a lot. Then something gets stuck, and they have to come back to readjust the clearances. In winter, cold air blows in, so they have to come again to reset the clearances. This back and forth just keeps happening. He wouldn’t recommend dark-colored windows.
He said they have major issues with dark-colored windows on south-facing sides. They heat up a lot. Then something gets stuck, and they have to come back to readjust the clearances. In winter, cold air blows in, so they have to come again to reset the clearances. This back and forth just keeps happening. He wouldn’t recommend dark-colored windows.
Nordlys schrieb:
Inside, there is a steel core that does not expand. The glass does not either. KarstenSorry for being pedantic, but steel and glass also expand. No length change in steel would be every bridge builder’s dream. However, their coefficients of expansion are lower than those of plastic. Ultimately, the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion is to blame...K
Knallkörper20 Jul 2017 14:33But why should the windows stick during expansion, since the outer frame expands uniformly? We have no issues at all with our dark-colored windows. Perhaps it is advantageous to install the windows within the air cavity rather than in the masonry, as this allows them to expand more freely.
@Knallkörper
The frame is connected to the masonry and also supported from underneath, so the frame cannot expand freely as it wants; the sash expands almost freely and then gets stuck in the frame or the sash becomes warped.
Installation errors and/or incorrect positioning, as well as large dark elements or door panels, then cause problems.
Aluminum is a bit more forgiving in this regard; especially with door panels, there are profiles that reduce warping.
Please check the contract to see if the window manufacturer or seller fulfilled their duty to inform and request a repair.
The frame is connected to the masonry and also supported from underneath, so the frame cannot expand freely as it wants; the sash expands almost freely and then gets stuck in the frame or the sash becomes warped.
Installation errors and/or incorrect positioning, as well as large dark elements or door panels, then cause problems.
Aluminum is a bit more forgiving in this regard; especially with door panels, there are profiles that reduce warping.
Please check the contract to see if the window manufacturer or seller fulfilled their duty to inform and request a repair.
Regarding my previous post:
Since the cracking noises continued (depending on temperature/sunlight exposure), a technician from Velux has now made three attempts to fix the defect without success.
During one visit, the Velux technician admitted that we were somewhat of a "test case" in their repair attempts, as this issue had also occurred with other Velux window owners. Because the problem appeared immediately on sunny days and also reoccurred at night due to cooling, Velux was asked to take action again. However, Velux suddenly refused and illogically claimed that we should hire an expert, suggesting the cracking probably wasn’t caused by the windows. This is untrue, as it is definitely the same cracking sound and it clearly comes from the windows. Additionally, only windows from the Velux GPU FK and UK series are affected. In the same roof structure, we have a Velux window from the older VU series that does not crack. It was installed by the same roofer in the same roof structure at the same time, indicating that only windows of a certain Velux production type are affected.
Now in November, the cracking is less audible due to reduced sunlight but it will return in summer.
Since the cracking noises continued (depending on temperature/sunlight exposure), a technician from Velux has now made three attempts to fix the defect without success.
During one visit, the Velux technician admitted that we were somewhat of a "test case" in their repair attempts, as this issue had also occurred with other Velux window owners. Because the problem appeared immediately on sunny days and also reoccurred at night due to cooling, Velux was asked to take action again. However, Velux suddenly refused and illogically claimed that we should hire an expert, suggesting the cracking probably wasn’t caused by the windows. This is untrue, as it is definitely the same cracking sound and it clearly comes from the windows. Additionally, only windows from the Velux GPU FK and UK series are affected. In the same roof structure, we have a Velux window from the older VU series that does not crack. It was installed by the same roofer in the same roof structure at the same time, indicating that only windows of a certain Velux production type are affected.
Now in November, the cracking is less audible due to reduced sunlight but it will return in summer.
Similar topics