External Doors & Windows

Garage door springs, latches, wheel spindles and pivot points should be lubricated using a light lubricating oil yearly to ensure the door’s longevity. You should also inspect the springs to check for wear and tear. Below is a short video explaining how to do this.

Garage doors are not watertight and may allow driving rain into the garage and please note, garages are not considered to be dry spaces.

Below is some essential information regarding the windows in your new home.

Cracks and scratches

Please note that cracks and scratches are not covered under your Story Homes warranty unless reported within the first seven days after moving in, as they will be deemed as damage.

Settlement cracks

In the rare event that you suspect a settlement crack has occurred just after you have moved in, kindly send us a photo for review by our window fitters.

Glazed units warranty

There is a 10-year warranty on glazed units with the manufacturers if the seal becomes loose. You can identify this by the appearance of condensation inside the window between the two panes of glass.

Certificates

When it comes to selling your property, you might be asked for a ‘FENSA’ certificate to confirm that the installer who fitted your windows or doors has complied with Building Regulations. However, please note that this requirement is not applicable for new build properties; it only becomes relevant when windows are replaced in existing properties.

Glazing inspection guidelines

Insulated Glass Units (IGU) commonly known as “Double Glazing” provide a high standard of vision. Viewing IGU’s for scratches on the outer faces of the panes must be carried out before any rendering, plastering or other works adjacent to the glazing takes place, and as early as reasonably practical following installation.

For effective assessment, view the glazing in daylight from within the room, standing at least 2m from the panes (3m for toughened, laminated, or coated glass) and facing the glass. Report any issues, especially those bunched together or more than 25mm long, within the first seven days after legal completion.

How to check a piece of glass is to an acceptable standard

1. For toughened, laminated, or coated glasses, stand no less than 3 metres away.
2. Do so in natural daylight, but not directly towards the sun and with no visible moisture on the surface of the glass.
3. Where it is not possible to stand at the correct distance, stand as far away as you can from the IGU.
4. Exclude the 50mm wide band around the edge of the glass from the check.
5. Glass must be viewed at 90 degrees to the window.

 Viewing flat transparent glass, including laminated, toughened (tempered) or coated glass

The following are deemed to be acceptable if they are neither obtrusive nor bunched:

• Bubbles or blisters.
• Fine scratches not more than 25mm long.
• Miniature particles.

The obtrusiveness of blemishes is judged by looking through the glass, not at it, under natural light. The glass used in double glazing is a processed glass, and therefore, blemishes are to be expected. Insulating glass units with optical defects – such as smears, fingerprints or other dirt on the cavity faces of the glass, or extraneous material in the cavity – are unacceptable, except in some cases where small particles of desiccant can be seen.

Special glasses

• Toughened glass may show visual distortions which are accentuated by reflection in double glazing. Such surface colourations and patterns do not indicate a change in physical performance. Laminated glass may have a few more blemishes due to it being made of several layers.
• Low emissivity coating may produce transient visual effects. In some lighting conditions the coating may look like a transparent film or produce a haze, i.e. a cloudy look on the surface.
• When light-coloured objects such as net curtains are placed close to the glazing, they may look slightly darker.
• The above does not apply to patterned glass as its manufacturing process is different.

Double reflection

• This occurs in certain light conditions. It is caused by multiple surface reflections in double glazing which may vary from pane to pane.
• Brewster’s Fringes/the rainbow effect – Small transitory rainbow effects are sometimes produced by the refraction of light. Their appearance is due to high quality flat glass sheets being placed parallel to each other.

This information is based upon the Glass and Glazing Federation “Quality of Vision” publication which is the established standard for acceptable quality for glazing. Should you have any concerns or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

In residences where Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units are not installed, alternative ventilation mechanisms are often utilised to ensure adequate airflow and air quality within the living spaces. One such mechanism commonly found in windows and doors is the inclusion of trickle vents. Trickle vents are small openings strategically positioned at the top of window frames or door frames, designed to allow a controlled and continuous flow of air into the interior environment.

These trickle vents are manually operated, providing occupants with the flexibility to adjust the airflow according to their preferences and prevailing conditions. By simply opening or closing these vents, residents can regulate the influx of fresh air into their living spaces, ensuring optimal ventilation levels are maintained.

Story Homes recognises the importance of adequate ventilation for maintaining indoor air quality and promoting occupant comfort. We recommend keeping these trickle vents open as part of routine ventilation practices. By doing so, residents can facilitate the circulation of fresh air throughout their homes, helping to expel stale air, moisture, and pollutants while replenishing the interior environment with oxygen-rich air.

The utilisation of trickle vents serves as a practical and effective means of achieving the necessary level of ventilation in residences where dedicated ventilation systems like PIV units are not present. By incorporating these passive ventilation features into the design of windows and doors, Story Homes aims to enhance the overall liveability and comfort of its residential properties, ensuring occupants enjoy a healthy and conducive indoor environment.

Condensation, a common occurrence in residential spaces, often becomes more apparent on roof windows due to the natural tendency of warm, moist air to rise towards the ceiling. While the presence of condensation may lead to concerns about the performance of roof windows, it is important to recognise that the underlying issue typically stems from excess moisture within the room rather than any inherent flaw in the window itself. Addressing the root cause of moisture accumulation is essential for effectively managing condensation.

Please see our Condensation guide which provides proactive steps that homeowners can take to reduce moisture levels within their homes.

In addition to preventive measures, proper cleaning and maintenance of roof windows are essential for preserving their functionality and appearance. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, Story Homes recommends the following cleaning and lubrication practices:

Avoid using silicone or chemical products:

Harsh chemicals and silicone-based cleaners may damage the window surface or compromise its integrity. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning solutions that are safe for use on window panes.

Use a soft, clean cloth or non-metal squeegee:

When cleaning the window pane, choose a soft and lint-free cloth or a non-metal squeegee to avoid scratching or damaging the glass surface.

Clean with water:

For routine cleaning, plain water is often sufficient for removing dirt and debris from the window pane. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or detergents that may leave behind residue or streaks.

Consider softening hard water:

In areas with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals, adding a small amount of detergent to the cleaning solution can help soften the water and prevent mineral deposits from forming on the glass surface.

Wipe off excess water:

After cleaning, ensure that all excess water is thoroughly wiped off from the window pane to prevent water spots or streaks from forming as the water evaporates.