skip to main content

Anderson Replacment Window Smell???

17 years ago

We just had some windows replaced in our family room last week and boy do they smell. Originally we thought it was the caulking, even though they said they used low VOC caulk. But now, a week after having the windows open & a fan venting out the room still smells and we're thinking its the windows.

Anderson said they've never heard of this. No one has ever complained. Just wondering if anyone has experienced this?

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

4 years ago

Urine and Styrene are two different things in this case.

Comments (9)

mlloyd_aol_com
17 years ago
Could it be bad Vinyl? You dont get this from pultruded aluminium from Marvin's Clad Insert windows, or Marvvin's INFINITY replacement line.
chlobo
Original Author
17 years ago
These aren't vinyl windows. They are fibrex, which is a wood/pvc composite.

We had one of their people out today who admitted he smelled the smell and that if it was caulking it should have dissipated by now. But all he offered to do was call the manufacturer about the smell.

Honestly, other than offering to replace them with the wood version I'm not sure what else I'd want.

We haven't been able to use the room since. We've continually vented it for a week now and the smell is still there.
Related Discussions
anderson windows
Q
Comments (0)
I have a bay window-two side windows and one large glass which does not open Pella. One of the side windows has a rotted frame. I am thinking of replacing the entire set with Anderson of some kind. I live in Maine and it is cold. I need a good solid window that will keep the wind out of my home. I have a handyman who is trained in window replacement but am loathe to hire him for this big job. any suggestions on the type of window to choose and whether a talented handyman who builds houses is adequate or insane to hire for a large window replacement? Do I do replacement or completely new windows with new frames? I am also under the gun financially and would love a guess on how much a bay window would cost. Thanks
...See More
anderson window 400 replacement windows
Q
Comments (3)
That appears to be the exterior of the window and if I am correct I see some potential rot/water damage. Are you replacing that before installing the new windows? Also as far as "replacements" and a possible 4th pc for the sill, are you speaing of the exterior? I believe wow is speaking about interior "stool" but I may be mistaken.
...See More
Advice on replacement windows in CA? Anderson vs. Milgard?
Q
Comments (7)
WindowDistributor, we aren't suppose to advertise our own businesses on this forum. Only offer advice and guidance in window questions and issues. As far as your question. FixerUpper18, I'd stay away from big box stores for windows. They generally don't know as much about the products they sell and the brands/lines tend to be lower end. For the west coast vinyl brands Milgard and Simonton are pretty prominent. There are lots of random localish brands especially in the LA area, but I'm not as familiar. The vinyl question just depends on what your budget and design goals are. Vinyl is lower budget and therefore have less colors, more basic look and less design options. Thermal numbers on vinyl are good though. Fiberglass tends to have more color options, some say more sturdy than vinyl, slightly more high end on the west coast it's pretty much Integrity or Milgard for fiberglass, Integrity being a bit nicer imo. And the top of the heap is wood/aluminum clad which is the the most money, many exterior color options, wood interior for higher end look, simulated divided lites etc. Brands for aluminum clad/wood I'd recommend Kolbe, Marvin, Andersen E Series/Eagle.
...See More
Anderson repair or replace?
Q
Comments (2)
Are the sashes failed via negative pressure? You might still get some assistance from Andersen on that.
...See More
Michael
17 years ago
They used caulking on the interior?

What kind of install is that? No interior stops?

Got pictures?

Michael
mike35
17 years ago
I've never heard of a window smelling???? That is strange. If it's possible, I'd remove the interior trim and check the space around the window. Look for moisture. If water has gotten in the opening, it could be wet insulation/wood. Or the installer may have left a sandwich in there!!!!
But seriously, unless the windows themselves has something spilled on them prior to installation, they should have no scent to them.
grmdvt
4 years ago
Not strange. Windows can be smelly. Marvin double hung Ultrex reek like the fiberglass chemical soup the are made of. I have pallet wrap taped to my walls to block out the terrible window smell. It works to block it out. My house has a purple hue of the purple tinted giant Saran Wrap. If the wrap shifts or breaks, the smell comes back into the house. If you are brave enough to sniff behind it, be warned; it is really strong. It smells like the floor compartment of a boat; like fiberglass- because it is. I’m planning on replacing them with aluminum clad next year.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
4 years ago
Seems to be a run of those lately. Have you had the air quality checked?
grmdvt
4 years ago
It is the fiberglass itself from inside the unit. I can’t believe this product even exists. Lately? So maybe my batch is defective perhaps improperly cured or mixed? It is a big disaster for us. This issue is delaying everything. We’ve ripped off all the trim now, again. We had all the trim off before to foam up the windows which helped slightly but not totally. The windows have to go.
HU-383647392
4 years ago
I had all 12 windows in my house replaced in March 2019. My sons room has a smell of musty books when the sun is on the window. I’m not sure if it’s the window or what was previously under the window. What is the best solution?

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

FEEL-GOOD HOME 9 Smells You Actually Want in Your Home

By Design With Science

Boost memory, enhance sleep, lower anxiety ... these scents do way more than just smell good

KITCHEN DESIGN Simple Pleasures: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

By Laura Gaskill

Slugging down any old sludge while pulling on socks is no way to start the day. Learn to brew amazing java and savor the experience here

FURNITURE Old Furniture: Clean, Reupholster or Replace It?

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

A veteran upholstery cleaner weighs in on the options for found, inherited and thrift store furniture

DECORATING GUIDES Solve Privacy Problems With Window Film

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Let the light in and keep prying eyes out with an inexpensive and decorative window film you can apply yourself

WINDOWS Expand Your View with Picture Windows

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

Minimal, pane-free windows make a clear connection between indoors and out

REMODELING GUIDES Renovation Detail: The Casement Window

By Rachel Grace

If heaving open your windows leaves you winded, let the cranks or cam handles of casement windows bring in an easier breeze

FEEL-GOOD HOME What Really Makes Us Happy at Home? Find Out From a New Houzz Survey

By Mitchell Parker

Great design has a powerful impact on our happiness in our homes. So do good cooking smells, family conversations and, yes, big-screen TVs

HOUSEKEEPING The Quick and Easy Way to Clean a Microwave

By Marianne Lipanovich

All you need is water and a couple of other natural ingredients to get your appliance sparkling and smelling fresh again

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Grandma's Kitchen Gets a Modern Twist

By Vanessa Brunner

Colorful, modern styling replaces old linoleum and an inefficient layout in this architect's inherited house in Washington, D.C.

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Give Your Driveway and Front Walk More Curb Appeal

By Laura Gaskill

Prevent injuries and tire damage while making a great first impression by replacing or repairing front paths

Sponsored

More Discussions

Help on picking a patio door

3

My living room has VERY little natural light

23

Need advice re: exterior windows

6

Help with window grills.

21

Retrofit a skylight into existing roof

6