I've just read the circular from Berkeley Homes about Window Maintenance. The text is pasted in below, in case you missed the email.
Giuseppe (R&R) has sent it on behalf of the Berkeley Homes Customer Service Team.
But speaking as a customer I'm not sure it does me much of a service. Essentially it says "the windows are your problem, sort them out, and keep records".
It then offers a link to a completely general purpose list of window manufacturers / glaziers. I doubt many of them have the expertise to service specialist glazing units on the upper floors of tower blocks.
Frankly, I'm a bit scared of my windows. I did at first try opening one of them. There are struts attached to it, presumably designed to make it safe it leave it open, even if the wind blows a bit. But it's not clear to me just how wide open I can leave tham, and when I tried to close them there was a point past which it was very difficult to make them move. There was a little thingummy labelled "Press" but this soon popped off, so I can't press it now even if I wanted to. For ventilation and a change of air what I do is leave the balcony door open. I do sometimes have a bedroom window open a little bit as well to get a through draft though even that is possibly a mistake.
And there may well be good reason to be scared. One of the windows in Residence Tower blew out in its entirety, in about February 2022. The responsibility for this seems to lie with Berkeley Homes, as they have been reporting on it to the WDCO board every month since. A different situation to the Park Collection where the reponsibility is the leaseholders.
The image below is of the latest BH report to WDCO. As you can see it has taken a very long time not to reach a resolution, and during much of that time some flats have had their windows sealed shut, and still no definite date for egtting them fixed. Very depressing given that the the investigation referred to was 98% complete in March.
But Berkeley are in touch with a number of "approved contractors".
I think what I'd like is for Berkeley to cut a deal with one or more of these contractors to come round and do the service on my windows, for a reasonable price, and supply me with the necessary paperwork.
Is it too much to ask that R&R and Berkeley between them could sort this out? If we think it is not too much to ask, and there are a number of us want it done, then maybe we shoud approach them.
THE TEXT OF THE CIRCULAR
Dear Residents,
On behalf of Berkeley Homes Customer Service Team please find below and enclosed guidelines for window and door maintenance in your property.
RE: WINDOW AND DOOR MAINTENANCE
As a reminder to all residents, please be advised that the maintenance of the doors and windows in all apartments must be completed in accordance with manufactures guidelines.
Please ensure that the maintenance is completed as stipulated in your ‘Home User Guides’ that were provided upon legal completion.
Please see the installers guide to the recommended maintenance and cleaning schedules below:
Every Week – The door tracks and drainage channels should be cleaned regularly to avoid the door and vents not functioning correctly.
Every 3 Months – Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth. Visual checks on all components. Check for loose or damaged fixings and fittings. Lubricate locks.
Every 6 Months – Deep cleaning of all surfaces, check weather gaskets and air seals. Lubricate hinges and all ironmongery.
Annually – Specialist maintenance by recognised service contractor - carry out the following checks and maintenance:
• Clean any dirt or debris from the hinge, fittings and clear any obstructions from the pivots and track
• Apply lubrication as detailed in the operational manual
• Check the tightness and security of all fixing screws and rivets
• Check the operation of restrictors and adjust if necessary
• Clean, check and adjust lock mechanisms if necessary
• Clean, check and adjust all seals and gaskets
• Check operation of installation and adjust as required
• Supply proof of service
Please be advised that if the maintenance is not carried out as stipulated above, it may invalidate the warranty for the doors and windows in your property, therefore it is important to keep a record of all services/maintenance and have this to hand should you experience any problems. A copy of your maintenance certificate will be required.
We highly recommend that you source a FENSA approved contractor to conduct the maintenance and where possible use specialists to replace any parts.
https://www.fensa.org.uk/find-installers
Kind Regards,
Berkeley Homes Customer Service Team
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