Spontaneous Combustion? HELP needed to identify cause

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landmarkjohn

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I noticed some scorch marks on a upstairs bay window in a couple of different places. Initially thought that electrical fault might have caused fire and flame was routing up through window. Insurance assesor said he'd never seen anything like it before.

Today noticed another scorch (think it's new) half way up on an opener on same window. Checked the bottom of window and there is no other damage. No smell of smoke or burning. Complete mystery. Please look at the pictures, I need to know the cause of this. Thanks.

[broken link removed]
 
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From the look of where exactly the burn marks are I would guess that the metal screws are causing a reaction with the PVC and these are actually chemical burns.

Has this happened on any of your other windows or your neighbour's windows?

The house looks pretty new - can you contact the window supplier and see if they will send someone out to have a look?
 
It's not malicious. House is about 15 years old, windows are Munster Joinery, I will give them a try. The rest of the estate have timber double glaze, original buyers must have requested the white PVC for this one.
 
You 100% positive no one did this? I have a small kitchen gas blow torch thingy for browning stuff, it would make marks just like that if someone had one.
 
wbbs said:
You 100% positive no one did this? I have a small kitchen gas blow torch thingy for browning stuff, it would make marks just like that if someone had one.
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100% NO. There are only 2 of us in the house and both sleep in this bedroom! I know it looks like as if it could be that type of damage but definatley no (unless my partner has turned into some psycho arsonist), but thanks for looking and suggestion.
 
How long are you in the house.

Were the marks there, when you bought it or have they appeared suddenly?

I don't think a chemical reaction would be so sudden, but it's an interesting idea.

From the photos it looks as if there is work going on? Did someone do it by accident and are they just afraid to admit it?

Brendan
 
Very strange, off the wall suggestions:
- Light might be getting focussed oddly through windows and causing hot spots. It looks like there's some kind of frosting on the centre pane, what's the reason for this?
- Wire in contact with frame at some other point is heating up the frame - is that a metal sheet behind the window board that could be conducting from somewhere else? Check that it isn't live or being heated.

Do you know why the previoius owner changed the brown window frames for white?
 
Brendan Burgess said:
How long are you in the house.

Were the marks there, when you bought it or have they appeared suddenly?

I don't think a chemical reaction would be so sudden, but it's an interesting idea.

From the photos it looks as if there is work going on? Did someone do it by accident and are they just afraid to admit it?

Brendan
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I am living in the house for 12 years. The cut out in the plasterboard and the removed window board is me trying to find the source of the problem. I have checked the other windows but no signs. These marks have appeared suddenly and the last picture was one we only noticed today, think it is "new". I wish I had managed to get out today and buy a couple of smoke alarms for this area!
 
Perhaps drop into your local Fire Station with the photos and ask for their opinion?

Alternatively I would seriously consider employing a specialist engineer to come and have a look, as this is a problem that cant be ignored.

Hope all goes well and is easy to repair.
 
I'd go with Irishmoss in looking for the source. Mirrors, paperweights, anything that can focus intense sunlight. The effects can be astonishing.
Definitely follow also follow tester1 advice and have a word with the local Fire Dept.
 
I know a fireman and tried to engage them yesterday but he had to run it by the Station Officer who did ring me back and pointed me toward local council building control.
The mirror seems favourite at the moment as there is a mirror that sits up around there and this is a south facing window.. I will try and recreate. Thanks all and keep them coming...
 
irishmoss said:
Here are some more examples, frightening stuff!

[broken link removed]
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Thanks for this link Irishmoss, from reading this I am now fairly convinced a mirror is the cause.... unbelievable.. I'm just glad I managed to stop my demolition job in time... room needs a redec anyway :)

STOP PRESS.. CONFIRMED, PARTNER AT HOME ADVISES THAT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF MIRROR CORRESPONDS WITH ALL SCORCHES.... STAND DOWN.

Thanks all and take care.
 
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Very well spotted, Irishmoss.

If it is not the mirror, I think it is time to call in a priest!!!
 
As a skeptic, I think it's important to look for a scientific explanation.

Look what happened when they called in a priest.
 
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