Replacement windows on an older house with new Hardie siding.

If they were doing the siding, why weren't new construction windows used in this case? That is the perfect time to do a full tear out with new construction application.

+1. I can't say that its wrong, but its an odd detail that I've never seen done before, at least not around here. It looks as though it was intentional for the fact that the flashing is behind it... Hardie calls for gaps in siding board seams etc, but those become less crucial on shorter boards... I agree that the sills should have been sloped outward as well. Frankly, I'd think you could kill two birds with one stone by popping the sill loose and canting it to both fill that gap and provide the slope for proper drainage. A little shimming and caulk would then finish it off.

What is the contractor's explanation for this?

Home sealed exteriors...thank you. I looked up canting and found sloped Azek sills and diagrams. I will share this thread with my dd and sil today and let them follow up with their contractor from here. But thank you for your valuable knowledge on this subject.

WindowsonWashington...I may have misspoken. Their windows may have been new windows vs. replacement windows. I guess I just assumed they were replacement since it was an existing structure. Thank you for your input.

I have gotten a lot of good advice here and on the BAH forum. Do you think she start with having the owner of the company inspect the work while also sending these pictures to Hardie for their installation approval?

thanks.

ILR, there are two things in question here.

1) Is the install up to manufacturer standards? I really don’t see anything in this small sample size to indicate not. The gap is really more aesthetic than anything, and the flashing, caulking, etc actually looks fine. The slope of the sill is the only thing that I’d say could be a material issue, but even that really isn’t an issue that would void the manufacturer warranty. I suppose could eventually if water were to get behind there... If inclined, it wouldn’t be out of line to ask for a manufacturer rep to come out and take a look for peace of mind. You’ll likely have better luck going through the installer’s channels on that as opposed to calling James Hardie directly. If the install company works with you to a satisfactory resolution that may not even be necessary.

2) Aesthetics. Seems like there is universal agreement that the look is kind of funky, so I don’t think it’s out of line to discuss that with the install company. I do think that it would be wise to engage management directly on that, and also cite the slope of the sill as an issue. As I mentioned above, in my opinion, it would really be a win-win to cant that sill for both looks and function, and without a ton of reworking on their part.

Thank you all. I thought I would follow up and let you know what happened. The owner of the company came out and inspected everything and convinced my dd that all is well and that it is done by the book. She is 9 months pregnant and worn completely out. This Chicago company is on Houzz and has rave reviews.

It may be ok as far as the installation but it looks like c***. None of the pictures of any of his many projects on Houzz look like this. I don't see any gaps on any of the window trim installations like hers.

Just thought you might want to know the outcome.

Thanks Home Sealed Exteriors. I will make sure she sees your post.