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Installing new windows comes with excellent benefits, such as enhanced security and safety, improved home comfort, increased energy efficiency and upgraded curbside appeal. But all these rather exciting benefits can be swiftly negated if the new windows are not installed properly by the contractor. Even worse, poorly installed windows can lead to your home being affected by water-related problems, therefore compromising its aesthetics and structural integrity.
So how can you tell if your windows have been poorly installed? A replacement doors and windows provider suggests being on the lookout for these warning signs.
If you see gaps between the frame and the sill of your window, it is likely that it has been installed incorrectly. The main culprit behind this is the technician failing to thoroughly measure the window opening and the window unit. A gap between the frame and the sill can also mean that the frame is too large for the pane of glass.
Hiring a reputable installer is vital in achieving the best results for your window replacement. Before committing with a contractor, make sure to read the testimonials of their previous clients and look for photos of completed installations on their website if available.
Windows that are manufactured to energy-saving standards feature multiple panes that resist elements such as moisture and heat and strive to keep the conditioned air inside of the home. The second you feel drafts or breezes around your windows, you should know that there is something wrong. Drafts usually occur when there is a lack of insulation or there are gaps in the construction of the window unit, allowing outside air to come through, which can lead to indoor discomfort and increased energy costs. If you feel uncomfortable drafts, contact your window installation company to get the issue fixed as soon as possible.
Water damage is what happens when poorly installed windows are exposed to weather conditions. If you have been a homeowner for quite a while, you may know how severe water damage can get. When moisture leaks into your home through the windows, it can lead to numerous water-related issues, such as mold and mildew growth, which can have hazardous effects on the health of the residents. Other indications of water damage include peeling wallpaper, bubbling paint, stained walls, damp flooring and bad odors.
When the construction of your home sees a lingering presence of moisture, chances are you have to deal with structural damage down the road. Hence, it is important to address bad window installation before water damage ensues and extensive and costly repairs are needed.
Caulk is a flexible material applied to the exterior of windows and sliding doors to seal and weatherproof them. When applied properly, caulking should blend in with the window and give it a smooth, finished look. If the caulk is uneven, messy or patchy, then it is a red flag. There are a couple of reasons for sloppy caulking — the first is that the installer did not take the time and energy to do it correctly, and the second is that the installer simply did not have the knowledge or training to do it correctly. This is not only unfair to you, but it can also mean that your home may suffer in terms of energy efficiency in the long run.
When condensation starts to materialize between the panes, it is either a case of seal failure or improper installation. Homeowners tend to ignore this problem, but it can cause issues on the surrounding building materials if left unchecked and untreated for a long time. Sooner or later, curtains, artwork and other accessories will also be affected. If you see fogging between your window panes, reach out to the original contractor to see if they can fix their work or find an experienced installer to replace the affected units. Energy-efficient windows should last for decades. To get the most out of them, make sure they are installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
It is a must for any window installer to bring a leveler to an installation or replacement. If a recently installed replacement window looks a bit crooked or uneven, it could be a situation that involves bad workmanship. A window does not have to be the most innovative of design or style, but it should complement the interior of your home and, above all, be square and level. Keep in mind, however, that what is technically and structurally right for your home may not always match up to the slants in your walls or lines of your floors or countertops.
Even if the other telltale signs of poor window installation do not show, the operation of the window is crucial in determining if it was indeed put into place correctly. If you have a hard time opening or closing your window, that it is no good at all. After all, you did spend hard-earned money for the window to work smoothly and efficiently at all times. In some cases, operational failure can mean that the window unit opens but sticks so much it needs extra effort to move. Other times it means the window unit does not reach the frame when you try to shut it — either because it is the wrong size of window or the sash is not properly aligned. Both are prone to developing gaps that would eventually allow water to leak into your home. If you see any of these troubling signs, bring them to the attention of the company that completed the installation right away.
Even the most experienced installers of windows can make quite a mess during installation. This is why contractors generally advise you to cover the floor and move furniture out of the way. After the installation, though, you can always count on them to take the time to tidy up the space by sweeping up dust and taking out refuse materials and other debris. If your window installers skipped the cleanup, they may not be as reliable as you think. Worst-case scenario, they might have skipped steps during the installation too.
Because window installers use a wide range of adhesives, fillers and other sticky materials, make sure you pay attention to the glass as some substances can end up on it. Most installers will clean and polish the glass, but there is always a chance that they will miss spots. A few smudges are no issue, but if the window installer decides to leave your windows a mess or your place in disorder, it calls the rest of their work into question.
When it’s time to install new, energy-efficient windows and patio doors in your Tennessee home, look no further than Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville. You can count on our professional team to deliver top-notch workmanship and personalized customer service every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (866) 609-5033 or filling out our convenient online form. We work with homeowners in Maryville, TN, and other nearby communities.