The other day while I was visiting a job site, I watched with amazement as a framer quickly installed the windows into their openings. As I watched the units go in one by one I can honestly say the only installation instruction being followed was the use of a hammer and nails. I couldn't help but think of the many service calls we receive each year and how the vast majority of these calls are the result of improper window installation. The question after seeing this first hand is how do you tell the framer the issues you are concerned with or worse yet tell a builder his warranty is void because someone couldn't follow instructions. This is where I came up with the question, "rough framing or finish work?" Only you have the answer.
The art of installing a window today has in many cases been reduced to throwing the unit into an opening and nailing the unit with roofing nails through the nailing flange. I see this practice all to often and can assure you that the end user will never enjoy the windows true performance ratings when this type of installation occurs. It is my desire to make sure that the individual installing the window is well informed on the installation instructions so the end user is receiving everything I have told them to expect.
In the case I mentioned above, the windows had installation instructions attached directly to the unit. Whether it is Kolbe, Solaris or Andersen windows each have very similar instructions to ensure proper performance. Here are 3 key items I found on the installation sheet.
1. Prepare Rough opening: A level must be utilized, I know this sounds obvious but the framer I witnessed was not using a level. An eyeball line-up approach was being performed to ensure these units were installed correctly. The opening must be plum, square, level and in plane (NOT TWISTED). The individual construction members should not be twisted. It is critical that the sill plate beneath the unit is perfectly level for perfect operation. The opening also needs to be flashed properly.
2. Sealant Caulking: Regardless of perimeter sealing technique, the following steps are required: on clad units, when the nailing fin is required you must apply a 3/16" bead of sealant along the head and sides in the valley created by the frame and nailing fin, making sure the corner pads are properly sealed to the frame.
3. Shims: This is something I see very little of these days. It became apparent there was a problem a few years ago while helping out our installed insulation department. I had the task of stuffing insulation around windows. The biggest thing I noticed was that there were no shims in any of the window openings. This was not just one home this was every home we insulated. Why is this a problem? For starters most double-hung units require shims between the side jamb and the rough opening at the check-rail. Without these shims the manufacture can void the warranty. A set of instructions I pulled from a vinyl window recently read as follows. Shims should be placed so as to assure that movements of the building are not transferred to the window. As you can probably guess, no shims, no warranty.
These are just a few of the possible pit-falls of installing windows. If you currently have few callbacks or issues with your windows working properly then you are fortunate to have the right individual installing your windows. If however callbacks are a regular occurrence for you or your supplier, perhaps its time to check into how they are being installed.
留言列表
