Installation of Leadlight Windows

I just had leadlight installed in my front door and siding. While the leadlight looks really good the company that installed them did not use any new beading. They reused the original beading they took off. Why is this a problem? Well, I guess it would not be except for two reasons;

(1) They broke two lengths of the beading
(2) The new leadlight is thicker than the previous glass making the beading stick out past the framing.

Of course the response to (1) is that I should have asked - unfortunately I assumed they would put new beading in because of (2). And we all know that when you assume with respect to tradesmen you typically end up disappointed. The path of least resistance always comes to mind.

The answer to (2) was that the painter will fix it...now there is a classic tradesmen's ploy...it is always the other person's job. Now, when my painter comes to finish off the job he started I know he is going to tell me that it is the installer's job.

Am I asking too much for tradesmen to actually tell you exactly what they are going to do and what materials they will provide in a quote?

Sounds like just shoddy work.

Were you provided with anything in writing? What does their add or web page say?

I think you should name and shame.

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Originally Posted by rod1949

Sounds like just shoddy work.

Were you provided with anything in writing? What does their add or web page say?

I think you should name and shame.

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Nothing in writing with respect to using new beading. Nothing on their website would give you an idea of how they do their installs.

Once my camera charges up I will take some photos of the job and post them up here.

Ditto rod1949

Reusing original stuff is great IF it is not broken. It's crappy when they do this stuff.

If they broke it because it was 'going to anyway' (very old etc) then I would assume they'd replace it with a reasonably good copy. At the minimum I'd tell the client it'll have to be a return trip, OR, advise client finished job will not be as good - and are they prepared to pay for specialised beading (due to age, non-standard sizes etc).

If there's a few things I've learned...

ALWAYS bring up something you might not be happy with if left as is.

ALWAYS, at the risk of sounding like a pain in the bum, question (nicely) what you're not sure of.

ALWAYS, be there.

NEVER assume. ASK.

Remember what they told you in school? The only stupid question was the one that wasn't asked.

Cheers,

Here are some photos attached...

I am not so concerned about the split in the second shot - however a patch up job is required and is never as good as an unbroken bead.

The first photo shows the greater damage and the third photo shows how much the old beading now protrudes from past the door frame.

I wouldn't have minded paying for new beading if that is what is required. What annoys me is that I should have to ask all these "dumb" questions in the first place. I don't install leadlight for a living so I expect some level of professionalism by someone who does. I shouldn't have to think of everything for them!

I am going to replace the beading (in the photos) with quad, which is around the two door leadlights...at least it will match.

Assuming the beading was in reasonable condition (which is really all that could be asked for), looks like he's been in a hurry to get it off. Removing the beading can take some patience (and seems he hasn't had much). These type of breaks would initially have been "heard" by the installer, and he should have then stopped and approached it differently.

That said, this stuff is a real pain to remove and can crack without warning. However, you'd also not be unreasonable to think he should have access to an array of tools to assist with the removal - I mean, he's a professional installer (isn't he?)

If it was me I'd be ringing the place/firm and informing them you're not happy with the installation. You just might get an understanding boss. If I was the boss I'd certainly be asking questions. As long as you're reasonable, they'll probably be as well.

Good luck.

PS. You could try Lewis & Co in Bentleigh for the same beading, but others might have it too. It really depends if you want it back to near original or not.

Absolutely not good enough tell them to find a real tradesmen to come and fix it or you will contact consumer affairs (or your states authority)

That beading is available from a lot of places, but it will possibly be the same dimensions I believe. I actually think the beading could be repaired invisibly but it may just not be worth your while to do that, as there seems to be a huge amount of paint on it. Weird that the beading protrudes as the leadlight can't be that much thicker than the glass that was removed. Anyway, it is an easy thing to buy new beading and rip it to a thinner dimension. As mentioned, A.Lewis and Co. 'may' be bale to help provided you have the width you want it in and they still do small jobs like that for customers.

Also as mentioned, it is pi5S poor that it was left like that - even though it is bloody hard to get old mouldings out without any damage, even a half decent tradesperson should be able to fix it in a jiffy .... I am interested to know if the installer worked for the leadlight firm, was the same person who did the leadlighting, or was completely separate from the company. This matters to me in case I am recommending someone who thinks this kind of thing is OK.

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Originally Posted by seriph1

am interested to know if the installer worked for the leadlight firm, was the same person who did the leadlighting, or was completely separate from the company. This matters to me in case I am recommending someone who thinks this kind of thing is OK.

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The company that made the leadlight also installed it (in fact it was the same guy). I have had my painter around and he has filled all the cracks and painted it. The beading still sticks out but it is not as noticeable...although I know it - and that is the crux of it eh?

I have to learn not to get all het up about the little things!