Plastic windows crack in sunlight / thermal expansion

Hello,

I have the following problem with the below-installed triple-glazed plastic windows in a new building (Dec. 2015). As soon as the sun comes out (whether in winter at 6 degrees outside temperature or summer at 30 degrees), the windows or window frames start to crack. Strangely, only the windows on the south side (sunrise) are affected.

The cracking – in the worst phases – can be heard loudly at intervals of about 30 seconds to a minute (at times the cracking can then be heard daily for several hours – usually until the sun stands above the house around midday). Basically like small firecrackers. Sometimes so loud and frequent that sleeping in summer from about 7:00 a.m. is no longer possible.

It must definitely be due to the heat and expansion.

The problems were already reported to the construction company in May 2016, which in turn forwarded the problem to the subcontractor. Until today, (unfortunately only) the following things were done:

1. (Ventilation) drill holes in the frame slightly enlarged

2. Seals shortened

3. Screws screwed in and out

4. Screws completely removed

So far all without success. Unfortunately, I have only found this problem in a few posts and forums. Unfortunately, no homeowner has ultimately spoken of a solution. I have read about some approaches.

Since this issue has been following me for almost two years now and the construction companies are more or less refusing to try further measures, I am forced to involve a lawyer.

Manufacturer information: Plastic windows: Middle seal S 9000 | IKD up to Uw W/m2K 0.72* (6016/6003/84) Color design with Acrylcolor (basic body and color inseparably fused) inside white and outside RAL 7016 (anthracite)

A thermal insulation glass with "SWISSPACER" is installed in the triple-glazed windows. Ug from 0.5 W/m2K depending on profile thickness, g-value 53%.

Structure and properties 1) High-tech coating for more light and heat 2) Gas filling in the cavity between panes 3) Ideal pane spacing of 15 or 16 mm 4) Excellent optical properties

Attached is the window structure.

Do you have any further solution suggestions? I would, of course, be particularly interested in how those affected have fared and the current status? What chances arise through a lawyer/expert? I understand so far that a window is allowed to make noises and is not immediately considered a defect. However, I do not consider constant and loud cracking under sunlight to be tolerable.

Thank you very much for information/help and feedback!

Since plastic and glass have different expansions, I would have said that the rubber has too much pressing pressure. Have you tried greasing everything? Especially everywhere the sealing rubber comes into contact with the glass.

I rather have the feeling that the windows are wedged in too tightly!? Attached is a picture!

Why is there almost no gap between the roller shutter and the window frame, is that normal?

And dark windows, unfortunately no one will be able to help you with that, everyone will say it is normal. Still, try to make the movement easier with silicone or grease.

Hello,

in the meantime, the cause has probably been found. As soon as the sun hits the roller shutter rails, the "window"/"frame" starts to crack. The roller shutter rail is made of aluminum and screwed onto the plastic frame.

As a provisional measure, a white metal cover was placed over the anthracite-colored roller shutter rail, which has reduced the cracking. With the white cover, it cracks 1-2 times per 30 minutes, without the cover 20-30 times per 30 minutes.

With 5 windows, it still cracks frequently, of course.

Our rail is not connected to the window, why is it with you?