There are tons of replacement windows in Seattle, WA with amazing features, expert designs, and advanced construction. However, these windows won’t be energy efficient, effective or even safe if they’re not installed properly. You need to make sure your replacement windows are installed well to keep your home safe and functioning at optimum levels. Not to mention, your manufacturer warranty probably won’t be valid without a proper installation.
To stay ahead of your home’s safety, energy efficiency and beauty, and to be on top of your windows’ warranty, its important to know the warning signs of a bad replacement window installation. This way, you can make the bad contractor fix his or her mistake before you present the final check. Common warning signs of a bad window replacement installation include:
- Gaps – If a window is measured properly, it will fit perfectly in the window opening. If not, there will be gaps between the sill and the frame.
- Water Damage or Drafts – Water and air should not be able to get through your new windows. If you feel a draft, or see signs of water damage like pooling water, visible mold, bad smells, or bubbling paint or wallpaper, something is wrong.
- Poor Function – New windows should readily open and close. If your new windows were not measured or installed correctly, they won’t open or close as they should. Also, if you’re having trouble opening or closing your windows right after installation, it will only get worse as time goes on.
- Messy Caulking - Caulking around the exterior of a new window helps weatherproof and seal the window. The top and sides of your new window should have a visible, even layer of caulk. If the caulk is uneven, patchy, or messy, that’s a big red flag. Also, if you can see messy caulk, how many steps that you can’t see were messed up?
- Foggy Panes – Fog or condensation between windowpanes means the window seal is broken, or the window was improperly installed. If your window is brand new and the condensation can’t be removed by cleaning, the seal was broken during the installation. This is a big problem, as the window seal is a large part of the window’s energy efficient features.
If you see any of these warning signs, reach out to the original window contractor to see if they will fix their work. You can also contact a licensed window installer, like Puget Sound Window & Door, to remove the windows and reinstall them correctly.
However, if you want to be sure your replacement windows are installed correctly from the start, just hire Puget Sound Window & Door. We offer a range of Seattle, WA replacement window services, and have years of trustworthy and impeccable experience. Please visit us at 445 E Main Ave Puyallup, WA 98372, or give us a call at (253) 904-8658 to learn more about what we can do for you.