Drama & Advice needed with window leaks in new construction
Hello there,
thankful for any help or advice on how to proceed. We have these fixed windows in our great room and main bedroom, that had significant water leaks after a big storm this past summer. (We're in New England) The window people were out, and they were perplexed, and said they were all combined in the factory, and installed as one piece, and should not leak, however, they told me that if its a big enough storm, or wind, you'll get leaks. (is this actually true?) Fast forward to the other day- more leaks after a rainstorm (attached photos of water stains) Now- our builder is also confused and is saying this "doesn't make any sense- they have not leaked in months and the flanges are sealed - we have photos of it during construction" . I have a feeling noone wants to take ownership of the problem, and actually fix it... We moved in Dec 2020- and had a year to have the builder fix any issues, so this is an unresolved line item from the first year. Right before we moved in, the guy who was doing the framing of the home, found my email and sent me a list of everything that was not being done correctly during construction... one of which, the windows were not properly being flashed. Unfortunately, midway through construction the framer and the builders relationship soured over payment, and I was looped in with that drama. It is hard to know who to actually believe as the builder said everything's been properly flashed, and there is of course no way to know, unless you pull windows out? Since everyone who actually knows about home construction (builder/ window guys) seem to be 'so confused' by this issue, I've decided to seek some impartial advice, as I of course do not want a beautiful new home with leaking windows!! Greatly appreciate any advice or next course of action to proceed with!!
Comments (11)
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New Construction - Window Advice Requested
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Comments (2)Impervia good window, warranty sucks. to many fine prints. If not mistaken the window is mechanically fasten. Which gives it a not so good air infilteration rating and it has weeping holes. Any window has weeping holes means that water gets in their framing. which means water has to come out those weeping holes. Which means that tempature outside(hot or cold) can blow in your framing and into yor house. Look into a uipvc vinyl window with fiberglass reinforcement,and also are fuse welded on outside and inside(no weeping holes....See MoreNew Construction Rough Mechanical without Windows - advice needed
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Comments (107)I still don't see how water on the inside sill could be caused by the stucco installation if flexible self-adhering flashing was properly installed over the nailing fins. Has that been eliminated as a cause yet? I am suspicious that self-adhering flashing might not be used in this location. IMO exposed sealant is little more than a gap filler in the long run since the sealant will eventually need to be removed and replaced. Such details are inappropriate for buildings that will not have on-going maintenance programs, budgets and building managers. There is a price to be paid for clean modern minimalist facades and the systems are changing so fast its difficult to understand how to install them. It wasn't so long ago when window manufacturers refused to provide installation advice but then they discovered they could use it to void warranties. I think they are by far the poorest source for that kind of information. If they knew how to build buildings they would design better windows....See More
res2architect
2 years agoThe first thing I would inspect is the gutters if there are any (why no exterior photos?).
I would then look at the next most obvious and least expensive to repair possibility which is water intrusion at the left side of the head of the top double windows or the head and jamb of the single window immediately above it. Removing exterior trim to inspect the flashing seems like a simple task compared to searching for a roof leak.
But I suggest you not get too involved in the means and methods because that tends to shift responsibility to you which is what the contractors are already trying to do.
Kelly conroy thanked res2architectKelly conroy
2 years agoI really appreciate the thoughts and advice, im attaching photos of the outside since a few of you have asked to see them, one is from construction... of course I'm not sure what im looking at- but perhaps you all do, and thats why im here... again, thank you. No gutters, and in the window with three panels- is does look like its collecting at the center connectors.
res2architect