Wondering if our new home vinyl windows were installed properly?

16 years ago

We are building a home just north of Dallas and are using Atrium vinyl low e argon double pane windows. The framers installed the windows the other day. I started to read about proper installation of vinyl windows and they didn't follow the steps I read about.

All they did was place the windows in the openings, level them and then use a roofing staple gun to attach them to the outside frame. (I am not sure if they used a roofing gun - they look like large staples. Not nails)

Anyway, they did not lay any flexible flashing on the window sills first, like I read about nor did they put any silicone or sealant on the fins before they nailed them up.

I spoke to the builder about it and she said no one does that around here. But she wants to read the info so that is good. She and the other builders she referred to have been building homes in very upscale neighborhoods for a long time so I hate to question her on this. But...

She said they will caulk all around the windows and then wrap the house with Tyvek and then use some kind of tape to seal around the windows.

Can anyone tell me if I need to talk to her again about this - does it sound right?

Ginny

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Comments (4)

Michael
16 years ago
STOP! the process and contact the local building department before proceeding with siding.

Michael
theporchguy
16 years ago
gopack,

Normally most window nailing fins have slotted holes that are there for a reason, to accomadate galvanized roofer type nails that should be centered in the slotted holes to allow for movement. When joining vinyl to wood, these nails should just be snug, not too tight and centered in the slotted hole.

You see vinyl and wood are two completely different materials that both respond to temperaure and moisture in different ways and should be free to easily expand and contract. If staples were used randomly. right through the nailing fins anywhere - nothing moves.

Remember your window warranty is void if the windows are shown to be improperly installed. Check the window warranty exclusion section. What do you think?

Bye, bye

The PorchGuy

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guy_exterior_man
16 years ago
PorchGuy-with all due respect, the holes in a vinyl windows nail fin are to be nailed tight against the wall sheathing. There can't be any movement or sliding of the window. The window must be sealed properly to avoid any water or air infiltration. Leaving any fasteners loose can open the potential for leakage and possible mold.

Gopack-your new windows should have come with an installation guide (which is what you were reading I hope). This tells the person installing the windows how it must be done. Back caulking the nail fin is a "MUST", it's your last line of defense. When a contractor tells you "this is the way everyone does it", doesn't mean it's the right way. There are a lot of contractors doing things wrong out there.

I would have them pull every window and re-install them according to the guide. That guide is code! It must be followed exactly as it's printed or your warranty is voided.
jake_2008
16 years ago
They definitely should have been flashed with a window tape during the the install. Using a roofing nail is the preferred method, but using a staple will work and there is nothing wrong with that. But as I already said THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN FLASHED!!. If you have any questions I would contact the window manufacturer, as guy exterior man stated, they warranty may be voided. Also 9 times out of 10 it is never a good thing when the framers install windows, they are normally not trained in the way windows should be installed, and it is the last thing they have to do on that jobsite before moving to the next and are normally in a hurry.

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Wondering if our new home vinyl windows were installed properly?

Comments (4)

Michael

theporchguy

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guy_exterior_man

jake_2008

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