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
andimann schrieb:
It is apparently said that anything wider than 1 meter (3.3 feet) can no longer be made permanently durable with plastic. In other words, wide plastic roller shutters are now considered a wear part!Oh dear, good to know.
Hello Andimann,
thank you for the valuable information. I wasn’t aware of the DIN standard, so that provides a better basis for negotiation. Of course, I’m trying to avoid a legal dispute. However, it has now been almost six months, and the Roma customer service hasn’t even considered it necessary to inspect everything on-site. The window manufacturer mentioned that there is significant warping – well, at least that’s something.
The dimensions are 2.4m (7 ft 10 in) in height and 2m (6 ft 7 in) in width. Every fourth or fifth slat is made of aluminum. Nevertheless, it warps and catches on the fly screens.
@HilfeHilfe: The problem is unfortunately no longer intermittent but permanent. It’s difficult to capture in photos, but when standing at the window you can clearly see it bulging inward. At 2m (6 ft 7 in) width, the bulge reaches about 3cm (1¼ inches) in the middle – which really shouldn’t happen. Even the shorter windows with window sills and therefore less “pull” get stuck.
Cheers,
Mac
Edit: incidentally, here is the text from the ROMA user manual:
“When using roller shutters as sun protection, we recommend not closing them completely so that ventilation behind the shutter is ensured. With plastic roller shutters, this also reduces the risk of deformation.”
-> This is not a prohibition, requirement, or warning, just a recommendation.
-> I believe Roma is fully aware that the DIN standard states it differently and deliberately worded it this softly.
thank you for the valuable information. I wasn’t aware of the DIN standard, so that provides a better basis for negotiation. Of course, I’m trying to avoid a legal dispute. However, it has now been almost six months, and the Roma customer service hasn’t even considered it necessary to inspect everything on-site. The window manufacturer mentioned that there is significant warping – well, at least that’s something.
The dimensions are 2.4m (7 ft 10 in) in height and 2m (6 ft 7 in) in width. Every fourth or fifth slat is made of aluminum. Nevertheless, it warps and catches on the fly screens.
@HilfeHilfe: The problem is unfortunately no longer intermittent but permanent. It’s difficult to capture in photos, but when standing at the window you can clearly see it bulging inward. At 2m (6 ft 7 in) width, the bulge reaches about 3cm (1¼ inches) in the middle – which really shouldn’t happen. Even the shorter windows with window sills and therefore less “pull” get stuck.
Cheers,
Mac
Edit: incidentally, here is the text from the ROMA user manual:
“When using roller shutters as sun protection, we recommend not closing them completely so that ventilation behind the shutter is ensured. With plastic roller shutters, this also reduces the risk of deformation.”
-> This is not a prohibition, requirement, or warning, just a recommendation.
-> I believe Roma is fully aware that the DIN standard states it differently and deliberately worded it this softly.
Macallan schrieb:
the DINWhich one?Macallan schrieb:
At 2m (6.6 feet) width it goes about 3cm (1.2 inches) in the middleI've seen finished plastered walls that were less accurate than that... Joking aside, at 30mm (1.2 inches) the roller shutter already rubs against the insect screen? Then it must be hanging quite close to the glass. I am more familiar with sensible clearances of over 50mm (2 inches).
update:
- PVC roller shutter slats will be replaced with aluminum ones; I will cover the material surcharge
@MayrCh: the roller shutter slats are not 5cm (2 inches) from the frame, more like 3cm (1 inch), the fly screens are just under 1cm (0.4 inches) thick = awkward scraping
And if I start discussing the plastering issue here, this will all get quite extensive. We had some fun with that too.
- PVC roller shutter slats will be replaced with aluminum ones; I will cover the material surcharge
@MayrCh: the roller shutter slats are not 5cm (2 inches) from the frame, more like 3cm (1 inch), the fly screens are just under 1cm (0.4 inches) thick = awkward scraping
And if I start discussing the plastering issue here, this will all get quite extensive. We had some fun with that too.
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