Crack in sliding patio door - what caused it? Post questions and find answers on glazing, double glazing, upvc glazing, conservatory glazing, fixtures and fittings etc....

[danstrak]

Hi all,
First time poster here.
I am looking for some advice as I am not sure what to do next.
I live in a purpose built block of flats (built 1974) I have an Aluminium framed sliding glass patio door, the glass is about 9mm thick and single pane (installed in 1974 )A crack has appeared about a 1/4 of the way up the door which runs from the left hand edge to the middle of the door. I am on the second floor, there are no impact marks. We are trying to claim via insurance but are being fobbed off with everything from, It was caused by thermal reaction, it is general wear and tear, There must have been a stress fratcure when the glass was first made etc etc. Basically the insurance people don't want to pay.
Part of the alluminium frame which grips the glass where the crack starts has been displaced.
I have also just been informed by another neighbour in the same black that exactly the same thing has happened to her sliding patio door (roughly around the same time as it occured to our window (she was away for a couple of weeks and noticed it on her return). It also looks like her frame has moved aswell.
I guess what I really want to know is how likely is it that both cracks are due to thermal reaction?
Any ideas on how we can get the insurance to pay out as our policy doesn't cover wear and tear nor anything to do with the weather.
Thanks,
Dan

[stoneyboy]

danstrak,
Can't give you much hope, most insurance companies will go for the "lack of maintenance" excuse. General wear and tear is an unlikely cause but since you have noticed distortion of the frame this may be the cause.
Get a local glass merchant to come and give you a quote for replacing the glass and see if they will report on the likely cause.
end

[TheDoctor5]

Last year 64% of the questions asked in our forum were answered within our DIY project pages at www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects.htm The project pages are now separated alphabetically and your answers are accompanied by diagrams and the ability to see, and buy, the tools and/or required to complete your project. Use our search box to look for your answer and save a great deal of time and money!