Broken window panes and expectations a primer on window installation issues

WINDOW REPLACEMENT GONE WRONG: TELLTALE SIGNS
BROKEN WINDOW PANES AND EXPECTATIONS: A PRIMER ON WINDOW INSTALLATION ISSUES

Windowreplacementisaprojecthomeowners
can expect to undertake at least once in
their lifetime. Over time, shifting house
foundations, warping, material shrinkage,
or various other issues can affect the way
your old windows fit in your home. When
your windows are broken or have become
too old to function properly, they’ll need to
be replaced with a stronger, more efficient
ones. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to
hire the right contractor for the job, to prevent
faulty installations.
However, even when a homeowner takes
the proper steps to get the right company to
replace and install new windows, something
canstillgowrongattimes.Herearethetelltale
signs that indicate a window replacement
gone wrong.
PART 1WINDOW REPLACEMENT GONE WRONG:
TELLTALE SIGNS

—— There is a gap between the window frame and the
movable pane. This means the installation took
place without ensuring that the frame is level with the
edge of the pane.With this kind of problem, you can
expect your heating and cooling costs to soar.
—— Another known installation issue is the capping.
This happens when the window cladding is done
carelessly and becomes misaligned around the
window. Encountering this problem indicates
sloppy craftsmanship, perhaps involving one or
more shortcuts done during the installation.
—— Bad trim work is present when the trim is not properly
attached to the siding. This usually means the
installer has poor installation skills. Unfortunately,
this can cause huge problems when the rain starts
pouring. The water can go between the siding and
the wall and cause major damage.
—— Improper flashing installation can cause constant
water leaks, even when it is designed to prevent it
around window openings.
—— It can be worse and be a combination of improper
measurement, poorly installed window trim, and
bad caulking work resulting to gaps in between the
window and the siding.

Remember, you can buy the most expensive,
state-of-the-art replacement window out there,
but if the installation is poorly done, the window
will not be able to perform as it was designed.
The goal is to choose the right window installer
that can properly install a replacement window,
without all the issues mentioned earlier. Know
more about the factors behind failed window
installations by reading the next chapter of this
e-book.

Why is it that some installations do not deliver
as expected, while others go smoothly and
according to plan? As with anything, there are
factors that affect the outcome of a window
installation, and that is the main focus of this
chapter. If you have read the first part of this
series on window installations, then you would
have encountered the different effects of a
faulty window replacement job. Now we move
on to discussing why window installation horror
stories happen in the first place.
PART 2FACTORS BEHIND FAILED WINDOW
INSTALLATIONS

FACTORS BEHIND FAILED WINDOW INSTALLATIONS
BAD CHOICE OF WINDOW CONTRACTOR
When taking on a home improvement project
such as a window replacement, it is important that
homeowners choose their contractors very carefully.
A windows installer should be able to properly
remove old windows and install new ones without
any problems, and in accordance with industry
regulations. Take time to get to know the reputation
and skills of the company that you are considering
hiring for the job.
MATERIAL QUALITY AND CHOICE
Even when you have the best window installer in the
area working for you, the quality of the installation will
not be as satisfactory as you want it to be if you use
substandard materials. The materials used should
have a manufacturer’s warranty that vouches for
quality and durability.
Also, contractors that lack the right skillset to
choose the right materials for a particular window
replacement project can end up taking shortcuts
that affect the outcome of the installation. The result
is faulty window that costs more to use than the old
window that was replaced.
LACK OF COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION
One of the pitfalls of a window installation project
is miscommunication. Always ensure that you have
realistic expectations and that you communicate
them to your contractor, or you’ll end up disappointed.
A successful replacement window installation should
be able to improve the value, beauty, comfort, and
energy efficiency of a home. By knowing what
factors affect the outcome of the installation process,
you can avoid any potential installation disasters
from occurring. Head on to the third and last part
of the e-book and learn helpful tips that you can
use to achieve a hassle-free replacement window
installation.

FACTORS BEHIND FAILED WINDOW INSTALLATIONS
Window installation, when left to the experts
who know best, can be a breeze. As a
homeowner, there are still some things you
can do to ensure that the window installation
process goes as smoothly as possible.
PART 3TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A
HASSLE-FREE WINDOW INSTALLATION
PROCESS

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A HASSLE-FREE WINDOW INSTALLATION PROCESS
GET READY FOR THE BIG DAY
It is important that you know what you like and don’t
like about your current window system. That way,
when the contractor asks you for your preferences,
you have a ready answer. Think about the window
style, trim, and mode of operation.
Know what kinds of issues your old windows have,
and ensure that the new replacement window
resolves them all -- whether it is a cold draft, water
leakage, or poor operation.
Be aware of the energy-efficiency rates you would
want to achieve. Know the chosen window product
that will replace your old window and whether it is
a better alternative to the previous one.
Also, prepare the area where the installation will
take place. Protect or store away any belongings
that might get damaged during the replacement
project.

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A HASSLE-FREE WINDOW INSTALLATION PROCESS
CHOOSE THE RIGHT REPLACEMENT WINDOW COMPANY
This is the trickiest part because this will mostly
determine whether you end up with a successful
replacement window project or not. In a nutshell,
you should hire a contractor that is skilled in
replacement window installations, has the right
credentials and licenses, is covered by insurance,
has a good reputation, and a clean track record.
It also would not hurt if they use state-of-the-art
equipment and are professional at all times.
MEET AND COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR WINDOW
REPLACEMENT CONTRACTOR
It is important that you ask all the questions that
you have in mind before the project starts. Make
sure that you have everything covered, particularly
the scope and limitations of the project. Ask how
long it will take, how much it will cost, and get a
detailed breakdown of the materials to be used.
You can also ask about what to expect after
the installation. The bottom line is, question
everything. You are bound to be paying a great
deal for this project, so you might as well exhaust
all your questions and get them answered to your
satisfaction first.

RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN® OF SAN FRANCISCO
30800 Santana Street, Hayward, CA 94544
PHONE: (510)-263-32101249 Quarry Lane Suite 147 Pleasanton, CA 94566
PHONE: (510)-263-3210
www.thebayareawindow.com

Broken window panes and expectations a primer on window installation issues

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Broken window panes and expectations a primer on window installation issues