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You should always vet a contractor before hiring them to make sure your window replacement is properly installed. In general, you shouldn’t have to worry about the quality of your window installation if you hired a qualified contractor. However, it wouldn’t hurt to learn more about the signs of sloppy workmanship. That way, you can assess the quality of a window contractor’s work.
Signs of a sloppy window installation include:
1. Uneven Caulking
Contractors apply caulking to a window replacement to prevent water from infiltrating the interior. The caulking should be smooth and even. If not, it’s likely the contractor rushed the process.
2. Holes in the Caulking
Holes in the window caulking are also a sign of sloppy window installation. To check the caulking for holes, shine a flashlight on the sides of your window at night.
3. Using Too Much Spray Foam
Alternatively, spray foam can be applied to make sure your new windows are airtight and waterproof. However, using too much foam or the wrong kind of foam, specifically the high-expanding variety, can interfere with the opening of the window jamb. High-expansion foam pushes the jamb inward, making it nearly impossible to open. And in some cases, it could even distort your window frame.
Here’s a tip: To reduce the risk of stuck windows, it’d be a good idea to choose a window with a simple opening mechanism, like casement windows for instance.
4. Missing Window Components
The back dam and head flashing (also known as the drip cap) are two inconspicuous but essential window components that help prevent moisture damage. The former is installed on the sill and prevents rainwater from making its way to your interior, specifically the wall cavity, while the latter is incorporated into the window’s flashing system. It’s important that the head flashing is integrated into the flashing system, which helps the exterior of shed wind-driven rain, not installed after the system was already mounted on the exterior.
5. Ill-Fitting Windows
This is a more common problem than you think. Manufacturers usually make windows according to a set of specified dimensions. The problem with this approach is that each home is unique, which is why these standard window sizes won’t always be a great fit for customers’ homes. It’s also the same reason why it’s best to customize double-hung windows and other window types.
Renewal by Andersen®’s Signature Service
If you’re planning on having a custom window installed, Renewal by Andersen customizes all our windows according to our customers’ needs and preferences. From the drafting of the window’s design right down to its installation in your home, Renewal by Andersen has complete oversight over the entire manufacturing process, ensuring the quality of each window we manufacture.
6. Window Frames Not Suited to Your Area’s Climate
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach in home improvement, and window installation projects are no exception. You should reconsider hiring a contractor that suggests otherwise.
Choosing a window frame material that’s ill-suited to your area’s climate can drastically shorten your new window’s lifespan. That’s why it’s important to choose a window that can handle your area’s climate. For instance, homeowners living in states with moderate climates like Tennessee should choose a window frame material that can handle cold and hot temperatures.
If you’re looking for a frame material that can withstand abrupt temperature changes, you might want to try looking at Fibrex® window frames. This exclusive wood-and-vinyl composite can maintain its rigidity and stability in all climates. Fibrex is so durable that a narrow Fibrex frame can support the same amount of glass as a standard window, maximizing the appeal of casement windows and windows with wide glass areas in general.
Want to learn more about our premium windows?
Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville offers a wide variety of premium windows, including casement and double-hung windows. As part of our Signature Service, we also offer free consultations to allow our designers to learn more about your needs and preferences. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (866) 609-5033 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as the surrounding communities.