Your windows are actually made by Alside, an AMI subsidiary.

It's difficult to advise w/r/t the problem without seeing the installation. The Excalibur does have an interlocking sash and 2 layers of fin seal insulation at the meeting rail and unless their was a manufacturing error or installation issue, it does a decent job of limiting air infiltration.

Have you always had this problem since installation?

I'd contact the local Alside distributor (Yellow Pages)and explain your problem to them. They are normally pretty good at customer service.

I contacted Alside and a tech came out and after speaking wit his manager, it was decided to order one (1) new window and reinstall this window to see just what is/may have been the problem. That was 28 May 2008!!! I have called numerous times since and no one has ever returned my call from Alside! I do know that both the original installer AND the manager from our local Alside have discussed these windows.

I am currently seeking legal counsel over this issue. In the mean time, if I can get these windows to stop streaming in the cold air, I'll drop the legal pursuit.

These windows were installed july 2004 and we purchased the house May 2006. We as "first owners" (not original owners) have the 30 year guarantee with parts and glass.

The installer came out and looked at the problem, said "We'll do whatever we need to to make them right". Then when he came out, he had a completely different attitude, throwing bogus warranty issues in my face and only offering to replace the weatherstripping. This was done and when I asked "What happens when winter returns and I have air leaks"? the installer couldn't get out of the house fast enough!

Further; I live in Stark County, Ohio. Anyone out there have the contact info for the "head cheese" at Alside?? I'd live for him/her to see just 'how' their windows are being installed thus leading to the AMI Excallibur brand being given a 'tainted' name!

Sorry to hear that the local Alside distributor nor the installer is not responding properly. Are the windows still leaking cold air since the installer replaced the weather stripping? I wouldn't necessarily assume it is an installation issue. It's possible the sashes and frame were not matched correctly during the frame/sash welding process or that the sashes have bowed. Bowing would suprise me because Alside uses metal reinforcements in the sashes of the Excalibur. Do the locks seem out of alignment? When the window is locked, is there movement when you lift up and down on the sash? I'd also take a look on the outside and see if the weep hole covers are missing or open.

YES, the windows are still leaking just as much cold air as BEFORE the replacement of the weather stripping.

The locks are NOT aligned as I would thing they should be. The lock that is on the lower sash does not align 'flush' with its counterpart attached to the upper sash. Infact, all of the window locks seem to be this way to some degree and ALL seem to have the upper sash locking part 'skewed' to the right.

There is varying degrees of movement (from miniscule to what I'd call rather noticeable) and some upper sashes will move down when the two are locked.

This did not seem to be a concern to the installer(imagine that) when I pointed these out as well.

Also, measuring the space where the upper sash fite into the frame, I have 1 3/8 ths space; whenI close and lock the window, draw a line where the upper sash meets the frame then open the upper sash and measure just how far down the line is that I drew, I do not get the entire 1 3/8ths, I get 3/4's of an inch. (missing 5/8ths??)

I've rechecked this with Bite Registration paper (carbon paper dentists have you bite on) and do not see 'any' transference of color. I placed a 3/8ths piece of foam insulation there and retested with the paper and still did not see any transference. Looking around for a 1/4" piece to make the full 5/8ths to retest again.

Sounds like a screw up in manuf. I think the sashes weren't properly sized to fit the frame correctly. A well built window will have very minimal movement when the sashes are locked

Show up at Alside in person and demand to speak with the mgr. in person. If that doesn't work call 1-800-922-6009 and demand to speak with someone about your problem.

We carried Alside for a while but dropped them about 6 years ago because of problems with improperly sized window, windows shipped with incorrect option like flat grids on one sash and contoured on the other, administrative issues etc. As a dealer we were able to resolve these problems with the local distributor and never had to get Corporate involved. We still carry their vinyl siding but haven't had any unusual warranty issues with them.

What were the bogus warranty issues the installer referred to? It's really hard to believe they are just ignoring you like this for no reason.

I agree that it's hard to believe I'm being ignored like this. Really makes me believe they already know what the problem is and hoping that "I'll just go away".

Warranty issues: That we never sent "in" the warranty. According to the Alside person I spoke with on my very first phone call there, there isn't anything to send in.

I will try the "in person" approach but have corporated number on speed dial.

what's the probability that either one will actually do something??

As I said, I am very surprised to hear about your experience. Alside is usually pretty good at honoring warranty commitments. I'd just continue to press the issue.

Most manuf. who offer a transferable warranty do require the warranty card be filled out and registered by the original purchased and then re-registered by the subsequent owner. Many require a small fee of $50. or so for the transfer and could refuse to honor a warranty if proper transfer procedures aren't followed. I don't think that's fair, but I suppose they could legally base their decision on that fact. I'd have great concerns with a manuf. who treated it's customers this way. Particularly when it appears this was a manuf. defect and not abuse or normal wear and tear.

When I originally called Alside and inquired about the windows and specifically what was the warranty, since we were the first owners since the original ones, I was told any warranty automatically transferred to us when we purchased the home.

I was asked for my name, address, date of purchase of the home and to give the name of the people we purchased the home from. At this point, they told me everything the warranty covered and the number of years it would exist under us as well as what would transfer if WE sold the home.

Dropped in at the local Alside office and discussed in detail our window problems what I would like to see happen. Was told I would be contacted by a technician.
Well see. Will keep all posted of the outcome.

I'm having trouble following you. You said you were the first owners but not the original purchasers. If someone other than you purchased the windows then they are the original purchasers of the window, not you. Alside will only cover parts under their "Lifetime Warranty". They only include labor to remove and reinstall a window for 12 months from the install date. A problem like you are having should have been reported to Alside, by the original purchaser within this time frame. If it wasn't, the fault lies with their negligence. If someone told you otherwise on the phone, it may have been that they simply misunderstood your question.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alside Excalibur Warranty