Installation Blunders You Can Prevent

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

HDTV is a popular TV channel featuring remodeling wonders. The shows begin with a demolition phase, which is instructive. It’s not uncommon to uncover unwelcome discoveries behind the walls, while the poor homeowners look on hopelessly. At Woodland, we hear stories and witness similar problems all the time when we install replacement windows. It’s a crying shame to see how badly windows can be installed whether new construction or previously remodeled. At Woodland we have a holistic approach to window installation, which is why we prefer to install the windows we sell and why we don’t install windows we don’t sell. 

When purchasing replacement windows or new windows, remember that it’s as important to spend as much time understanding window installation as it is researching different window brands and styles. Even the best-made window can’t make up for a bad installation. What’s most unfortunate is the likelihood that a bad installation can damage far more than your new window if water is allowed to seep into the walls.

If you’re planning to purchase windows, educate yourself about some key installation facts first. Be aware of the common practices deployed by inexperienced or lazy window installers throughout the industry. Learn the facts and trust yourself to spot the gaps. When you’re ready to sign an installation contract make sure it spells out in detail the work that will be done and the materials that will be used. And above all know the skill level of the installer(s), visit the company showroom, ask for the contractor’s license and proof of insurance, get references and personally examine one of the jobs they’ve installed.

Here are some important facts and the common practices to look out for as you select an installer and during the installation process.

Fact:

Windows come with manufacturer installation instructions.

Common practice:

These instructions are lost, not on the job site, or the installer assumes he knows what he doesn’t know, unless he’s installed that exact window previously.

Fact:

Window installation and replacing existing windows is a skill built by learning professional techniques, apprenticeship, and experience.

Common practice:

A framer from construction team, a subcontractor or a handyman does the installation.

Fact:

Windows need to be measured and ordered to precise specifications and according to building standards. Building knowledge means understanding how a window fits and calculating precise allowances for wall depth and the window profile. New energy efficient windows are generally thicker than your old windows they are replacing and the extra thickness must be anticipated and framed properly.

Common practice:

Someone orders the windows and someone else makes it fit. An inexperienced installer typically installs the window with the extra thickness stuck out past the exterior wall and past the 1x4 facings. The same thing happens if a window is ordered wrong for the opening. Any attempt to cover the protruding or receding edge of the window is highly likely to either leave a gap or create a shelf. The installer caulks the window, but when the caulk breaks down water is trapped and creates a leak.

Fact:

The manufacturer made and shipped window parts needed for a proper fit and installation.

Common practice:

Johnny, the installer, grabs whatever he needs from the truck, old latex caulk, insulating foam or trim. He finishes the installation and throws out the unused drip cap, exterior flash or other parts that the manufacturer shipped in the box with the windows.

Fact:

Materials have become highly specialized and performance depends on using the correctly specified materials. Have you ever applied a sealant that never hardened?

Common practice:

Lacking the knowledge about building physics such as water penetration, it’s common for installers to leave an open space between the replacement window and the building water resistant barrier, such as Tyvek. The membrane must be sealed to the window on all sides or the barrier is violated and air or water will enter the home. Finish carpenters learn how to cover gaps or create symmetrical openings using trim to shore up rough carpentry. This doesn’t work with windows because the window installation is the barrier between outside elements and the interior of your home. A poorly placed trim piece to cover a gap doesn’t stop air or water infiltration and could actually become a basin for water to become trapped.

We’re all busy and we want the people we hire to do the job right. Unfortunately, we can’t assume it will be done right. Fundamental errors in window and door installation can result in water leaks, air infiltration, poor operation, and structural problems. The best we can do is be clear about the job we want done, hire a professional company and don’t be afraid to look for the signs it’s being done right.

We don’t use sub-contractors for window anddoor installation and we hope you won’t either.

Don’t Get Stuck Inside This Winter – What you need to know about hard to open windows.

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

If you find yourself crouched low to gravity, feet hip width apart, abs firm, elbows tucked, arms ready to lift and you’re not a sumo wrestler, you may have a problem of stuck windows.

Don’t get stuck inside this winter. If you’re wrestling with old or new windows you can do something about it before winter arrives. First, understand that humidity causes wood windows to swell, accumulated dust causes tracks to increase friction, and loose or faulty tension springs fail. It’s also possible that the installation wasn’t done correctly. If the window wasn’t installed perfectly square, if too much insulating foam was compressed in the wall cavity, or if setscrews weren’t properly adjusted - your window can be hard to open.

The simple anatomy a window

Windows operate on simple mechanical principles. Understand these and you can diagnose your window problem.

Single and double hung windows simply move up and down in channels in the window frame. Balancing mechanisms, such as rope and pulley, spiral or block and tackle, assist in raising and lowering the window sashes, and prevent them from sliding downward.

Andersen Casement Crank

Casement and awning windows operate by a crank handle and a track. The windows are opened and closed by means of a crank mechanism, which resides against the frame on the inside. The crank houses a series of gears inside a metal housing, which moves a control arm, attached to the sash, which slides along a track.

Sliding windows rely on rollers and a sliding track, like a sliding door. To open and close simply requires just a push.

Eliminate obvious maintenance problems

Often, the reason windows are hard to open and shut is because they’ve not been properly maintained. Windows are finely engineered, rely on moving parts, withstand extreme weather, and are built to last a long time. A well-maintained window will operate smoothly, year after year.

Pella Sash Removal

Single and double hung windows become difficult to open if there’s a buildup of dirt, dust, and debris. Over the years, friction from the buildup increases making the windows difficult to open and close. Try cleaning the window frames and spray with a non-silicone, solvent-free lubricant, opening and closing the window several times to work the lubricant.

If you have old painted windows check the sides of the sash to be sure they have not been painted (never apply primer or paint to the edges of the sash). If excess paint has been applies around the window frame and sill, gently slide a putty knife between the sash and the frame to release the paint. You might try using a hair dryer to blow hot air around the edge of the sash until you can move the window. After successfully releasing the window, lubricate the window frame interiors, channel guides, with pure paraffin candle wax, such as an unscented white votive candle.

Casements and awnings that are difficult to open and shut will require removing the sash (consult the instruction manual for your windows) and checking for stripped or loose screws. Lubricate the hinges with a non-silicone, solvent-free lubricant, and then open and shut the windows several times to work in the lubricant. It is helpful to keep the gears lubricated to make turning easy by applying a few drops of oil around the base of the handle if it’s difficult to turn.

Easy to clean sliders

Sliders that are difficult to open and close may simply require cleaning the roller system and track with a simple soap and water solution. If this doesn’t solve the problem, try lubricating the rolling system.

If the problem persists

After eliminating the obvious causes of hard to operate windows if you windows still don’t open with little effort, you’ll need to eliminate the most common repair problems. Failed or worn out pulleys or tension springs are common repairs for single and double hung windows.  Chipped, broken or bent gears require you to buy a whole new casement crank unit for your casement window. Broken wheels may need replacing on sliding windows.

Double Hung Balancer: ProSalesMag

Windows are basically simple mechanisms requiring only regular maintenance to work well.  Mechanisms can be faulty or wear out, which requires replacing parts, re-installing the frame or other repair.  These repairs may appear easy enough, but they can actually be tedious challenges better left to professionals who have mastered the art and science of window repair.

Woodland’s window manufacturer’s websites offer tips on window maintenance; check out Marvin, Andersen, and Pella.

Don’t get stuck inside this winter.

Window Replacement and Energy Savings

If you have decided to replace your old windows, you have probably found out that there are a wide variety of window replacements available. All of them can add curb appeal and enhance the warmth and comfort of your home. This can also be a necessary step to be taken when you are preparing to sell your property to help make it more attractive to buyers.
 

If you spend a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills, installing energy efficient windows will definitely make a big difference for your pocket, as well as your home. During the long winter season, windows that have poor insulation are the source of increased condensation, heat loss and discomfort. By installing energy efficient windows or windows with a low U-factor, you’ll enjoy minimal condensation, warmer window surfaces, and reduced air leakage. Consequently, you’ll end up feeling more relaxed in your house. You will also be able to save a considerable amount of money on your monthly utility bills. For instance, if you buy thermally improved replacement windows that have low-E coating, a low U-factor and have a non-metal frame, you can save up to 25% on your heating bills each month.
 

Likewise, you will continue to enjoy the reduced cooling costs throughout the summer. Windows that are poorly insulated are a major source of heat transfer, forcing you to spend extra cash to keep air conditioning systems running so that the house can be cool. But, now you can purchase energy efficient windows that reduce heat gain, without affecting the view or the amount of incoming light.
 

It is also worth bearing in mind that not all modern replacement windows are energy efficient. For example, aluminum windows are known to be very poor when it comes to insulation, while wood, and vinyl windows offer superior insulation. You don’t want to invest your money on new replacement windows only to find out later that you’ve made a wrong choice. It is important to pay attention to your needs and the material of the window itself.