Window Problems - Need Advice

15 years ago

I am hoping someone can lend some advice.....my family and I had a new home built 2 and a half years ago. At the time, the builder only offered vinyl-clad Crestline windows. I knew they were a lower quality product and had obvious concerns, but we decided to proceed anyway and hope for the best. Anyway, to make a long story short, the windows have been a nightmare. The amount of air they leak during winter is unbelievable. At some points on windy days the draft is so strong that a lighter flame can be extinguished. When condensation builds up on the glass and sills, ice forms too. We have contacted both the builder nad Crestline and neither wants to claim responsibility. The builder says that the windows are just not expensive windows, and Crestline hints that the framers did a poor job.

My questions are as follows:

1. Am I correct in assuming that such issues are not normal with higher quality windows?

2. Does the issue sound like a problem with the window itself, the framing/building, or a combination of the two?

3. What would be a qualityreplacement window?

4. How much ballpark should we expect to pay to have each window replaced?

Thanks in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

ibwindows
15 years ago
I have always said I'd rather have low end windows installed correctly then top end installed poorly.

Sounds like you have low end windows installed incorrectly.
skydawggy
15 years ago
1. Yes you would be correct.
2.It's difficult to say without seeing the installation. It could be both.
3. There are many quality replacement windows. My best advice is to find out what's available in your area and get a few quotes.
4. Somewhere between $450 and $850 depending on size and options selected.

Get some references on the installer before buying. Just because a dealer has been in business for a while doesn't necessarily mean the individual who oerforms the installation has good skills.
Related Discussions
Anyt Problem - Need Advice PLEASE!
Q
Comments (4)
you can mix up your own non-toxic ant killer. I've used it for all kinds of ants, little black ones, red ants, etc. mix one spoonful of sugar, one spoonful of molasses, one spoonful of yeast. dry yeast like you use to make bread. you can spread it on any area they crawl on, or leave it where they'll find it and eat it. Its non toxic to cats dogs, kids, maybe a stomache ache but not a problem. the ants will eat it and burst when the yeast gets wet. they take it to the nest and it kills off the whole colony. good luck
...See More
Need advice about problem with neighbour
Q
Comments (71)
You are so right, Golddust. And totally boring! But I am not just walking away from being attacked like that and having someone put words or opinions into my mouth. WIP, back at you calling the kettle black. As long as we're being nasty here, I was not talking to you when you jumped on my suggestion that the two guys work it out. I didn't appreciate that commentary, either. IMO, they understand each other as men and so can communicate better to work it out. Further, better to circumvent the battle of the sexes if that’s a problem in getting things resolved, especially since a dog could lose its home. I do believe the OP is perfectly capable of deciding what suggestions are helpful to her and which aren't. I don't see how your rants are even on subject. And again, kettle, black, you do seem to feel entitled to comment as you please on other's posts but don't allow the same freedom to the rest of us, telling me you weren't talking to me. You know, that 'discussion' you were just talking about, to me even. "I have an opinion, which I believe I am entitled to present in a discussion." You take my suggestion out of context initially for your commentary and also went at Oakley about it (which was, afterall, in reference to my very own post I might add). She wasn't talking to you either. Though we can't go near whatever you have to say? *Even* when it's in reference to our own posts? LOL. It works both ways. This is the net and a free world. Freedom for ALL to express their opinions. We're all equals here, and on this earth. You are not the only one who is free to speak their mind. And then again, you were the one going into your peeve about how people should 'raise young girls" and how mothers were raising their boys as well for that matter. Not just your own. I wasn't telling you how to raise your daughter. You were telling us how to raise ours in case you didn't notice. What I actually was saying, and it's hard to articulate, is that bad and abrasive attitudes and behaviors on male-female issues (I will not even attempt to describe those) is not something I would want to instill in *my* daughter. I don't think it helps matters any either. Self confidence and independence, of course. Wasn't really referring to *you* specifically, because I don't know you from Adam, but you were going off about things. For no real reason I might add. Which is a good deal what I’m talking about, how I wouldn’t want my daughter to feel or behave towards others about being female. I don't think anyone would *not* want their daughters to be independent, resourceful and successful women. Dependent on no one, male or otherwise. Sons as well. That doesn't mean not handling every or one particular situation oneself is somehow falling short. I wouldn't want to instill that in my child either. Or that it's somehow not alright to ask for help when you need it. Don't be putting words in my mouth. Speak for yourself. You have no idea what my views on life matters are. That's bizarre. As I said, I was referring to certain interpersonal behaviors and attitudes, not *yours* per se. Though you obviously have one. So much so that it 'sets you on fire.' Well, your pot is burned black. And if you go around acting like this, when there isn't even an issue at hand, you do contribute to giving women a bad rap. I do object to that because it affects me, in a number of ways. Though you certainly have the right. As do I. Yep, this thread does demonstrate why it's best to let the men handle things between themselves, just as Oakley already noted. And like she said, if you don't know what we're talking about with the guys working things out, it just can't be explained. Wouldn't bother me a bit to let someone else handle him. A relief at that (and I am very independent and resourceful). That's what the authorities are going to be doing for her anyway. I hate oppression in all forms. And I do find your posts to be oppressive. You have no right to tell anyone here to sit down and shut up. I don't like it any better when it comes from a man. And I don't think you're at all sorry for hijacking this thread. I'm not wasting any more of my time on this chaotic nonsense and what was a simple suggestion, to be tried or tossed out by the OP, which she did at the get-go. Other than praying for the wellbeing of this dog. I hope the fines work and he doesn't lose his home. He’d likely be euthanized. Especially in this economy where so many have lost their homes and the no-kills are filled.
...See More
Need drapery fabric problem advice
Q
Comments (31)
123bdesign: Am not sure what you mean by a day worker? If the work room has a day worker why would he/she even be motivated to surprise me or why would they even feel that I needed to be surprised???? Am totally confused as to why a work room would have a day worker and why they would be involved with the drapes. Just to recap, these creases were there from the moment they arrived at my home delivered by the installer who works for the decorator. When I saw the creases I asked the installer if they need to be steamed out and he said no absolutely not and that it would only make the billowing worse than it was. No, the decorator did not share any information with me as to characteristics of the fabric. Unfortunately I have learned after the fact that the decorator is probably not familiar with these things---mea culpa, poor choice of a decorator. Regarding the work room, the woman who owns the local work room did come to my house to measure and discuss the drapes but never mentioned anything about the fabric.. Then she turned around and outsourced it to a huge work room all the way across the country and yes, as you said, their job was just to make the drapes. I was never made aware that she was going to outsource the job. Another mea culpa, poor choice of a local work room by a decorator who was a poor choice. As I said above, this has been a very costly learning experience. shady lady2: I don't know what you mean about mounting the rod higher up. The creases would still be there and still very obvious because the fabric billows and so what might be folded to the back with a different fabric does not occur here. With the billowing there are very few back folds----so the creases are all pushed out to be visible. Hope I am explaining myself. I have given up with this job and my only recourse is to post an honest review of the decorator and work room on the local angie's list and move on.
...See More
need some urgent advice on window seat vs. bay window
Q
Comments (25)
Sophie - I disagree. I did not design this. I have no pretensions to being a designer and for many other aspects of the renovation we have indeed had formal plans drawn up. [I also know from experience that having an architect involved is far from a panacea .... but that's another story or stories]. For this room we knew we needed to replace the large leaky picture window and instead of replacing in kind we asked whether it would be possible and reasonable to build a window seat and what would be involved. We showed the contractor many pictures of window seats and shared the required dimension ranges (not exact dimensions) from various articles. He said a bay window would take care of it and no separate plans were required. I include the manufacturer's literature excerpt that says their Bay and Bow windows can be used as window seats. It seemed (and actually still seems) a reasonable solution. Projection Window Bay and Bow windows are like a piece of fine furniture for the façade of your home. These unique windows project from your home, creating additional space that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a window seat or displaying meaningful trinkets. Our vinyl windows (typically double-hung or casement windows) are inserted into a solid frame to create this unique look that adds style to any home. Bay windows typically have three lites (one central fixed lite and two flanking operational lites) at 20-25-degree angles. Bow windows most commonly consist of four lites, all of which can be fixed or operational, set at 10-15 degree angles. The contractor asked us to describe what we wanted to the window vendor as well and we did. We never used the term bay window. We only talked in terms of window seat. The window vendor also did not dissuade us or suggest we needed an addition instead of a window. The window vendor spec'd the window we needed. Given that we have 8 foot ceilings - this would have been a really good place to catch that a 52" bay window wouldn't be long enough to provide a seat at a reasonable height off the floor. I think that's the key flaw here - plus someone's telling us that (unless I'm wrong) we weren't going to get the wood backing. Tomorrow should be interesting ...
...See More
macattac
15 years ago
It sounds like you're at the end of your rope with this thing. Clearly the air drafts are a big problem, and may or may not be part of the condensation/ice.

Usually if condensation is the only problem then we go down the road of humidity etc. Icing is a bit trickier - If you are truly getting frigid air blasting thru right where the ice is forming, then i guess we will have to assume that is the culprit, though it could just be enhancing a seperate issue of high RH.

1. Are there other big problems? (balance's or seal failures?)
2. How many of the windows are actually "horrible" regarding drafts, ice etc.

I ask theses questions because putting replacement windows in a 2 year old house - that already has insulated glass units might be an unecessary (huge) expense. Not to mention that you will most likely be shrinking your egress windows down below the minimum, the obvious appearance of replacements etc. Yes, you could do a sash kit - but you already suspect a bad installation on the frames.

At let's say, $600 a pop, and assuming you have 20 windows you're looking at $12,000. If you were to determine the "only" problem you are having is this terrible airflow, you could do a whole lot to fix this for a whole lot less than 12k! You could bring in someone who really knows their stuff for a few days to put in a heavier weatherstrip on the marginal windows and go a bit further on the really bad ones. This would include removing trim and getting the frame plumb, level & square.

Are the airgaps even between the sash and frame? This would indicate that possibly the sash were made to small.

Are the airgaps crooked? This would indicate something isn't square - could be either the sash, the frame OR the install.
skydawggy
15 years ago
Or you could contact Crestline and see what the warranty on the windows is. If they offer a lifetime warranty, explain your problem and then request they send a rep out. If they say it's an improper install, get that in writing and contact the builder.
hearmilo_comcast_net
13 years ago
I know I am reading an old post, wonder how your new windows are.I also have a fairly new home, 9 years old which is all Stone and custom built,o.k. WHY would my builder(Faucher Builders,Westbrook Ct.)put in the lowest,crapiest ,draftiest windows and doors when I requested Marvin? He lied alot but and never came back to fix immediate noticed problems,not closing and very drafty. I Now Have wATER LEAKING IN,ROTTEN CASINGS,HOUSING AND THE HARDWARE HAS FALLEN OUT OF MOST ALL,NOW i HAVE TERMITES IN MOST ALL NINE FRENCH DOORS AND 17 WINDOWS!tzHESE WINOWS CRANK INTO HOUSING THAT IS BARE UNFINISHED SOFT PLYWOOD,AREBUGS AND WATER LEAK INTO THE CHEAP CRANKS,WHICH AN INSPECTER TOLD ME HE ALSO DID NOT PLUM . sO UPSET!
abeg
13 years ago
Our company was been manufacturing vinyl windows for 25 years. I have been on service calls that long. If you really want wood windows, I'd suggest reading my article on wood window designs. It's from 25 years of experience that I have that opinion.

Here is a link that might be useful: Design considerations for wood windows so they will not rot
millworkman
13 years ago
Beautifullhouse, you would probably get better informed info and advice from people other than shameless spammers grasping for straws if you formed somewhat legible sentences, used spell check and learned the proper use of capital letters.
abeg
13 years ago
I agree that Beautifullhouse could have worked on the grammar a bit, but I think the emotion is ok, assuming the facts are presented accurately. It looks to me like a combination of poor installation and a bad window system. That's a recipe for emotion if ever I have seen it. Poorly designed clad-aluimum systems are just bad products. I've seen it too many times. (For the casual peruser of this forum, I am an owner of a vinyl window manuacturer, so factor that into your opionions of my post and any other of my posts, I am also a "hands on" degreed mechanical engineer.) Good design should have a way for the water to escape without ever once getting the chance to touch the wood. Unfortunately, most clad wood designs are optimized for production costs and not long-term viability of the product.

Here is a link that might be useful: clad window design considerations
skydawggy
13 years ago
Abeg, are we going to have to put up with you spamming every post? If so, I'll just stop reading when I see your name on a post. I'm a window dealer but I post here to try and help consumers, not to promote my company. You would have far greater credibility if you followed suit. As it is, it just looks like you are here to garner business without paying this site's owner. YMMV

Window Problems - Need Advice

Comments (9)

ibwindows

skydawggy

Related Discussions

macattac

skydawggy

hearmilo_comcast_net

abeg

millworkman

abeg

skydawggy

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US