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rogerssa_gw

Windsor Windows and bowing

13 years ago

We built a new house about a year ago. We had Windsor windows put in the whole house. Every one of them have bowing around the reveals of the sash and the sill portions of the frame. Windsor has come out and said this should be expected. I quote "vinyl windows by their nature are lighter weight and less rigid than wood windows. as such, they will flex and even change shape somewhat after manufacturing, during shipping, handling, and delivery... This is not viewed as a defect but is the nature of a vinyl window"

So I should have to deal with windows that show bows in them all inside and outside.

Anyone else heard or seen this? I'm amazed that I should have to see this.

Comments (17)

  • 13 years ago

    That is not something I have ever heard of in my life, that being acceptable. I would post this is the window forum and let some of the vinyl guru's recommend a response to that line of bs.

  • 13 years ago

    I would only expect that if they were installed incorrectly. You have to leave them expansion space to expand and contract, or you get exactly what you are describing. When they are installed too tight, it binds them and forces them to bow when the temperature expands. They have a much greater expansion/contraction cycle than wood windows do, and your framing professional has to understand the requirements of working with vinyl are different than working with wood. Contact your builder. It's a headache to address after the fact, but it's in his lap.

  • 13 years ago

    Just to follow up. Of course they said it was in install issue. So the Manufacture came back out and re-installed one of the windows themselves. It still has a this bowing in it after the reinstall. They still say to expect this.

  • 13 years ago

    There is absolutely no way in my opinion (or anyone who knows windows) that a "bowed" window would be considered normal and or expected. Unfortunately nothing that a company the likes of a window company like Windsor would surprise me anymore but that is a different story. Flat out the product is either defective or the installation is incorrect, no if's, and's, or but's about it and for a manufacturer to say that "bowing" is expected well.....

  • 12 years ago

    I thought I'd post one more follow up. Windsor Windows came out and pulled a window out to check the install. There were several things found that were wrong with the install going by their install guide. The re-installed the window and it now is installed correctly. The window shuts correctly and you can tell it is better. So several the issues right now appear to be install. I will be looking to have all the windows re-installed to make sure they are done correctly.

    BUT if you look at the picture I attached you can see the bow in the top seal. This is on a re-installed window. This I'm told is "expected" for that seal to bow. Window said its how the weld points are and that you will get that bowing on that seal. I very disappointed now all my windows from the outside look terrible. but its "expected".

    Not much else I can do at this point I don't think. Just live with the look.. :(

  • 12 years ago

    Good Afternoon,
    I am home builder in maine and use to be the head for the state of maine of home depot window install division. I would say it is either an install defect might have not nailed off completely the nailing flange. I would call Windsor window and have them come out and take a look. All these window companies have maintenance tech that trouble shoot these problem I would try to line up so your install and the tech are there on the same day so they can figure this out for you. Otherwise if they are both not there then they will just finger point at each other. If it is an install problem the contractor should stand behind the install.
    www.estescustombuilders.com

    Here is a link that might be useful: maine home builders

  • 12 years ago

    Unacceptable in my opinion and definitely not "expected". Total BS!

  • 12 years ago

    So that execrable thing is the one installed by the team sent out by the factory? Bwa-ha-hah!
    Vinyl has too many of the characteristics of thermoplastics to be suitable for window frames, I'm afraid. And if materially unsuitable, then no amount of installation tweaking or trickery is going to mean a thing long-term.
    Casey

  • 12 years ago

    Well I know the window was installed incorrectly we proved that. But they said that the top seal is just what happens with their windows. It is to be expected.

  • 12 years ago

    I have vinyl Simonton Windows and they look perfect as the day installed...I have saw many homes with these same windows and never a problem.
    Casey^^^^where is your facts that vinyl windows are not suitable

  • 12 years ago

    The picture speaks for itself; that window was installed by the factory's own A-team dispatched to fix the bad install. That is the best they could do. If that's the best the factory can do, then the fault lies in the product, not the workmanship, therefore the material and the design are suspect.
    Casey

  • 12 years ago

    casey...the picture speaks for itself in that this is one brand of windows so you lump all vinyl windows as being bad...that is like saying one know it all jerk on a message board means that everyone on the board is a jerk

  • 12 years ago

    I'm not sure what to do now? I guess if Windsor can show me that all these windows do this. Then it is to be expected. But if they don't have another install like this then I think it is the window.

  • 12 years ago

    Definitely the window, I have never seen or heard of such a thing (unless it is a very crappy install which it should not be).

  • 12 years ago

    Latest update from Windsor Windows now.

    "We explained the drip cap is a flashing detail, not a structural component of the window, and as such, would look like what you saw on your home."

    I'm calling BS

  • 12 years ago

    Windsor has gone silent. They no longer will speak to me.

  • 12 years ago

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