There are many benefits to installing new windows. Although window installation is an investment, it can improve the look, efficiency, and value of your home. If your windows have been installed improperly, all the benefits go away. Poorly installed windows can waste an enormous amount of money and even cause serious damage to your home.
To top it off, most window manufacturers won’t cover improper installations in their warranty. That means you must pay for replacements even if you just replaced your windows. However, there are warning signs to look out for and by noticing them right away, you can ask to fix these issues before the project is completed.
If your window replacement has gone awry, then you may notice:
The Windows Don’t Look Right
Newly installed windows should look flawless. If there are problems with the installation, you may notice:
X They are not level.
X There are gaps between the sill and frame.
X The glass is marred, not clear, or broken.
There is a Draft
If you feel air movement when you are near a window, this is not normal. A draft may mean there is a lack of insulation or there are gaps. Insulation contributes to energy efficiency, so you won’t see a decrease in your utility bills. If the window is poorly insulated, you will hear outside noice as well.
Water Damage
You may see water pooling up or the paint or wallpaper start to bubble, which means water may be penetrating the window, its frame, or through cracks in the molding or wall. Visible mold and foul odors are telltale signs of a problem as well. If the problem isn’t addressed right away, these are risks to your health and to the structural integrity of your property.
The Windows Are Hard to Operate
There should be no problems; new windows should open and close with ease. If you can’t open, close, or lock them, the contractor may have measured or installed them incorrectly. Any trouble from the start will only get worse until you can’t operate the window at all, so address the issue promptly.
There’s Condensation Between the Glass
If it looks foggy between the window panes, the contractor did not install the window properly or the seal may be damaged. Double-pane windows are filled with gas in the factory. This gas provides insulation. Condensation points to a broken seal and irreparable window damage. Moist air will continue to enter the space and the window will become less efficient.
Caulking Issues
Calk prevents drafts and water from entering through cracks. The line of caulk installed around new windows should be smooth. If you see holes or gaps, the installer may have taken shortcuts. You can assume they probably did with other steps of the window installation as well.
Window World of Boston: A Top Window Replacement Company
When it comes to installing windows, Window World of Boston offers top-quality installation services, provided nationwide by our parent company. We are now based in Woburn and Pembroke to efficiently serve area homeowners and businesses. In addition to window installation and replacement, our company offers unbeatable financing options, including a credit card program, to ensure the comfort of your home and your windows are installed properly at any time you need home improvement. Call or sign up for a free complimentary estimate today.