Window leaks are a common problem that housing inspectors come across on a daily basis. The main issue at hand is faulty window installation. It’s better to avoid this problem than to try and repair it which is why it’s so critical to find the right installer for the job.
Manufacturers are sometimes at fault too. Sometimes a window is produced that has defects in the construction. It could be due to poor assembly or a small but significant amount of debris build-up along the water channel and this can cause the weep holes to become clogged and inoperable.
But while shoddy manufacturing can be the cause of window leaks, it’s often the installation of the window that is the culprit. In many instances, a poor installation often results in a need to remove the window entirely in order to correct the problem.
Substandard Installation
There are many reasons why windows are improperly installed. It could be inadequate skill by the installer, a lack of quality standards governing the installation process, and sometimes a contractor just simply doesn’t feel the need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the window in your home. Which is odd, because those instructions are usually attached to the window itself so they are pretty hard to ignore.
Whatever the reason may be, poorly installed windows are going to be a real headache for the homeowner. They allow air and water to both escape and get into the home, causing big problems where your energy efficiency is concerned and increasing the risks associated with water damage. Both of these can be a real drag on your finances over time, with higher utility costs and possibly hundreds if not thousands of dollars in water damage repairs or replacements.
How You Can Spot A Poor Window Installations
There are many indicators that you have been given a faulty window installation. Some of these are more obvious than others, but all of them can have a negative impact on the look and functionality of your windows.
The first and most obvious sign of a poor installation is aesthetic. The window just looks bad. It’s not level and there are tiny, yet discernible gaps between the frame and the house. If you notice these imperfections, you need to contact your installer immediately. Hopefully you notice them during the installation instead of days or weeks after the fact.
You’ll also notice an increase in drafts around the window. You might even hear a faint whistle or noise from outdoors coming through the window. It’s because the window isn’t seated flush into the space and the gaps are letting air and sound inside.
Another sign of a faulty installation job is that you notice the window isn’t operating properly. So, once your window is installed, try to do all of the things you expect from the window. Open it, shut it, lock it, and then repeat all of them again. If you are not finding any resistance or difficulty in performing these functions, then you have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if there is a problem it could very well be the installation and you need to address the issue as soon as possible.
