Replacement Window Installation - What is correct?

5 years ago

The window company we hired is a Sunrise Winsows dealer but are using a subcontractor and a few things seem off with the installation. So far the whole process has been very dissatisfactory, scheduling, mis measured windows, wrong trim, etc. For two of our picture windows they had to remove a 2x4 sill and put in a 1x4, plus use a sledge hammer to get width clearance. Not sure on best practices for replacement windows where they remove the brickmoulding and add back new lumber and how that is sealed. If any contractors have any advice on how these should have been sealed on the exterior that’d be very appreciated.

Featured Answer

PRO

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

What does your contract say about the installation details? Are they supplying new interior woodwork as well?

A new drip cap will hopefully be added on the exterior with the brickmold and cladding.

Looks like a shim is needed at the meeting rail on the slider.

The use of a sledgehammer is concerning, but the other items may be explained by it being "in progress".

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Comments (7)

wayount
Original Author
5 years ago
Picture windows that they removed the sill, the sill was what the sheetrock was attached to. Also they cut through the outside flashing and sheathing to get the sill out as the roof is really close to the bottom edge of the window…
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PRO
toddinmn
5 years ago
+1 on the drip cap if its tucked under the weather barrier, not always easy. i would likes to seen a pan flashing. to late for that . Id also use flashing tape on the sides and top. In the end the windows should all look uniform with there trim in and out. Keep in mind i am looking at this with a small lens 1/2 way through a project i have never seen. Homsealed brought up the header flashing , this is the most important since it directs water away at the source. , the flashing at the sill is 2 nd since it is the fail safe the sides come in last but it need s to bring the water to the sill. . At this point there biggest mistake is not incoparating an effective pan system .
wayount
Original Author
5 years ago
The exterior has steel siding and the windows will be wrapped with an EDCO trim. Was explained by a company guy that the wrap will sliip into the sidings J channel, nail into wood nailer blocks,and silicone to the windows. Installer said he is riveting the wrap together and siliconing it to the windows…. Find out tommorow, I guess. Both guys said other than foaming seams & installing wrap nothing else needs done to seal the exterior. Definitely will need foamed from the outside as the helper ”trimming” the interior ripped through the foam in at least one or two spots on each window prior to the interior trim install. Also, was told the windows don’t need shimmed and mfg doesn’t require it when they use a closed cell foam, to seal & hold the winows, which sounds plausible.
wayount
Original Author
5 years ago
wayount
Original Author
5 years ago
One window that isn’t being replaced and is similar to how the new ones should be wrapped.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
5 years ago
Foam does a nice job of "locking" most windows in place, although following manufacturer instructions is always wise. My shim comment wasn't a general recommendation, rather specifically pointing out that it looks like the sill under the meeting rail of the slider needs to be shimmed in your first pic. If you follow the sash rail referenced against the screen frame support bar, it appears to be leaning over at the top. This is pretty common on sliders and why its important that they are supported fully under the sill, especially on the outer half.