Suppliers to DB designs - avoid both!
Suppliers to DB designs. Avoid any companies that use this company as a supplier.
Pls watch these guys about warrantees and guarantees because once installed - they do not care. They present issues, blame and hide behind warrantees should later problems arise with the installation.
A considerable amount of work and huge expense was previously undertaken on the entire house we then purchased - 25+ doors/bi-folds windows , lanterns etc - anthracite grey.
DB obviously provided a competitive quote to get the job.
An issue was raised with the rubbers and seals, that was batted off as damage caused by the owners.
UPVC coating has also degraded in sunlight into an ugly pale grey and white faded mess - on a period property with a lot of windows! It has devalued the house and ruined the aesthetic.
Despite being under warrantee we were then told the UPVC coatings also have a shorter 5 year expired warrantee for UV fading specifically.
DB's manufacturer (DirectTrade LTD) insisted that all the windows must have been cleaned with chemicals (not true at all - only windows exposed to sun have become chalky - all would be affected if due to 'so called' chemicals) no proper assessment or testing was done, an assumption made.
Mark the sales director is standing by his views that cleaners must have scaled 15 foot ladders during their cleans and applied fairly liquid to the upstairs wi does and roof lanterns. Seriously?!
For example: we have one window that is half shaded and half in the sun - the half in the sun has gone chalky - the shaded side has not - same window - different light - all washed with purified water. The huge lanterns in the extension or now virtually white instead of anthracite. That must because I also climb up onto my roof regularly with my chemicals right?!
I have installed anthracite UPVC in a couple of other properties which 11 years into their lifespan DO NOT LOOK LIKE THIS.
Despite explaining in detail , no site further visit was offered, no pictures asked for , we have to remedy these issues ourselves. The costs to respray unsurprisingly run into tens of thousands.
We are seeking legal advice.
3 reputable quotes from established UPVC experts and EVERY single one commented that the level of degrade is the most severe they have seen and synonymous with a UV defect in the paint applied or an error in application .
DB and Direct Trade disagree quoting 'sorry about the UV stability but this does occur on painted plastics I have seen it many times'. I suspect this is not a statement shared at the point of sale.
Any poor trust pilot reviews on both sites say exactly the same - after care issues and support is nil - warrantees are blamed - repairs and issues avoided - so proceed with caution if you want an installation that will last more than a few years and good post care if something fails or is faulty.
Check warrantees and make sure you read them carefully! 10 years only applied to a few things so exposes the customer to lower warrantees where they probably need it the most.
Or, avoid and seek an alternative company, especially if significant home improvement investment is required for your project.
The previous owners stated once in an email their cleaner had used fairy liquid and focused on this as the entire reason for fading.
My question to them still remains unanswered weeks later…..
A cleaner does not scale. 15 foot ladder to clean upstairs or lanterns so why are these the same appalling degradation as those within a cleaners reach.
Still no answer to us. Convenient.
Several neighbours have expressed similar poor service concerns. This is not an isolated incident.