Lowe's Jeld Wen Vinyl Windows Hard To Open

10 years ago

Last summer I had Lowe's install 7 white vinyl double-pane impact resistant Jeld Wen windows in 4 bedrooms of my Florida home to replace 25 year old aluminum single-pane windows. I was going to go with Pella but the depth of the Pella windows was too much and would have caused me to have to put in a different style of blind on each window at a large expense. Lowe's did a great job with the planning and installing. The foreman and crew of 3 or 4 were efficient and professional. The windows have improved my home's energy efficiency. However, they are literally hard as hell to open from a fully closed position. I hope I never have to escape by opening one of the windows in an emergency. I can't break thru the window because they are impact resistant. I realize that they need to be tight for energy efficiency, but this is ridiculous. I have tried silicone spray lubricant which seems to help for a while, but the longer they go unopened they go back to being hard as hell to open...so much that I have thought that I was going to break off or crack the vinyl lift tab. If anyone has any suggestions, please tell me.

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PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

10 years ago

Post up some pictures of the installed window.

Is it level and plumb.

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Comments (10)

millworkman
10 years ago
+1, sounds to me like it may be an installation issue but pictures would definitely help.
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I have been in the window industry for 15 years, and installing Jeld-Wen windows for 10. (Personally I only install Jeld-Wen products, because it's my reputation and I don't want to be out money for repairs down the line.) So, let me just say that PROPER installation is EVERYTHING! It's really not for the average Joe. I even know alot of really good contractors, but their installation of windows is poor. This is a big investment and a big opening for wind a rain to get thru. I totally agree that ANY wood window that is installed improperly or not maintained well will deteriorate. And yes you can find stories of them just like the one on eBay about any window manufacturer. NO I'm not a sale rep. and I don't work for them or anything, I just happen to know alot about the product. Jeld-Wen is JUST the manufacturer, they do not install the product. It is important to do your homework and research ANY product and installer before purchase/hire. There are several different types of windows and options for ALL over the world. Just because a product is available to purchase or is sold in your area - DOESN'T mean that's what should be used! People will sell you what they think you want so they get the sale. I would say about 90% of the window failures I see are not from manufacturing. Is from improper installation OR use of the wrong product for the climate/area. If you must go to a Lowes/Home Depot type store - go during the day 9am to 4pm, weekdays. Anyone who nows the area they work in/and the manager are usally working during normal office hours. OR just ask for the Mill Manager.
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Grande - I'm not promoting Pella at all I'm just offering my opinion as someone who has used them and from contractors I've spoken to. To say they are garbage is contrary to what I have experienced and heard, of course there are better windows and there are also personal preferences involved. However I would bet that you are a window salesman and your comments should have that disclosure so people can understand what your motive is. Comparing JW to Pella is laughable...just look at the comments on this thread. I also steer clear of anyone stating something as fact...with no eveidence to support their "facts". "Anyone in windows knows this, it's a fact" is a very adolescent type comment. If you don't like Pella fine, you're entitled to your opinion, but try to state reasons other than obscure comments packed with innuendos. I am not saying Pella are the best windows, I'm saying they are decent and in my opinion I would use them over JW just from a support perspective. I don't know the other windows you suggested but I did say there are many local manufacturers that offer good alternatives...perhaps those are but I personally don't know.
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toddinmn
10 years ago
I assume you have talked to Lowe's about this. What did they have to say.
hbhbbw
8 years ago
We just replaced some older windows with Jeldwyn as well and I'd put the old ones back in in a flash. We can't get them open for anything. The larger windows work great, but the 3x4' are impossible. We've had their rep. out and the window expert to fix them and he doesn't know what to do either! Buy Milgaurd, we loved our them in our other home.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
8 years ago
I don't hold that product in high regard, however unless there is some malfunction of the balance assembly or something if the sort, these sound to me like installation issues.
PRO
User
8 years ago
Its a garbage product, i was shocked when i saw it. Its also very bulky and strange looking.
Elizabeth Weissman Raschiatore
2 years ago
Had the same issue.I contacted Lowes, the company sent someone and they glide so nicely.
HU-112863158
11 months ago
I agree... most of my new windows do not open easily, and just don't open fully at all... Hopefully Jeld Wen will come to the rescue after contacting them with provided information.
millworkman
11 months ago
" Hopefully Jeld Wen will come to the rescue after contacting them with provided information. "

Don't count on it. Most often opening issues are installation related. And Jeldwen is not known for their positive customer service.
HU-473552301
9 months ago
last modified: 9 months ago
I've installed many of the Jeld-Wen double Hung windows and of lately the top and bottom sash are impossible for a lady to open and difficult for a strong man to open. The problem is that the weather strip that slides into the bottom sash exterior side of the horizontal rail catches on the window frame. Remove this weather strip and the window opens like it should. Jeld-Wen needs to redesign this weather-strip with a longer flange so that it can not lock into the rib that is part of the window frame.

They also need to remove some of the plastic flashing at the bottom of the top sash where the 1" stick on whisker weather strip is installed. The way it is assembled now you can see daylight through this area of the window. I've had to remove this plastic flashing and reinstall the whisker weather strip to get an adequate seal in this area. How do we get this message to Jeld-Wen ??

Lowe's Jeld Wen Vinyl Windows Hard To Open

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millworkman

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