Covering vinyl brick mold

last month

We just realized that our contractor installed the wrong type of window in our remodel. The understanding was that the window would match our existing windows and be trimmed in cedar. He's installed a vinyl window with some type of vinyl trim. Now he's saying that we can simply frame around it. This would extend the trim out several inches and I'm concerned it's going to look horrible. Should I push to have him replace the window or is it possible to trim over the vinyl with acceptable results?

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PRO

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

last month

last modified: last month

Few levels here...

- As others have said, your original window is just direct set glass with stops inside and out.

- What is installed is a vinyl window with integrated J channel. Unless you are having vinyl siding installed (doesn't sounds like it will be the case?), this isnt the best application for that.

- As others have also mentioned, there are some concerns with workmanship shown. Most of which won't likely be a huge issue given the location, but when combined with the window selection they may point to the competence and knowledge (or lack thereof) of the person that is completing this work.

You mentioned that this is part of a larger remodel, perhaps this guy does good interior finish work or something like that, but you may want to reconsider options on the window install.

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Comments (17)

John Lott
Original Author
last month

New installed viny window.
John Lott
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month

Existing windows.
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Are there HVAC vents under your windows that this is occurring on? Do you have any type of blinds/shutters/shades/draperies on these windows? I ask because we had the same issue in our last house that had all vinyl windows. We had plantation style blinds (not shutters) that stayed closed the vast majority of the time. We would get mold along the base of the window where vinyl meets glass and then along the top of the bottom sash frame where it locks together with the upper sash frame. It formed especially quickly on the bathroom window. We figured the air was blowing straight up out of the vent & getting caught between the blinds & the window causing light condensation to form which would never completely evaporate thus causing the mold. We resolved the problem by putting plastic vent "deflectors" on the vents which directed the air out toward the room vs. straight up. We picked them up at Lowe's--I think they're made by the Deflect-o company and ran around $5 each. They just snap on the vent cover. Hope this helps! Here is a link that might be useful: Deflect-o Air Deflectors
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millworkman
last month
Existing window pic is the interior of a fixed wood window, new window appears to be a casement but definitely vinyl. You cannot effectively frame over the vinyl J-channel and use cedar and have it look decent.
PRO
toddinmn
last month
I think i would be more worried about how they installed and flashed the windows. Looks all wrong.
John Lott thanked toddinmn
John Lott
Original Author
last month
Todd - I am getting concerned about lots of stuff. Any specifics you see would be appreciated!
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
last month
Is this in a covered porch? The issue is the plastic (not an approved WRB for cedar) is under the flange. Red flag in that regard, but less of an issue if this is part of a covered porch and not seeing the elements. Still not good...don't get me wrong.
John Lott thanked Windows on Washington Ltd
John Lott
Original Author
last month
Luckily, this is under a covered porch. Could anyone please tell me what the type of existing inset windows we have are called vs. the type of protruding vinyl window they've installed? I'm trying to educate myself for tomorrow's call with the contractor.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last month
Your existing window isn’t a window per se but glass held in place with stops. To maintain an ‘all wood’ exterior you would have needed to order wood windows (which still would not have exactly matched your site built ‘window’)
PRO
PPF.
last month
Pictures of the inside and outside of a window you wish to match would be helpful.
John Lott
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
Here an inside pic of the window we want to match. An outside pic was posted in yesterday's comments. Thank you!
John Lott
Original Author
last month
Inside
PRO
PPF.
last month
Your existing window looks like it was site built -- glass was set into the opening and held in place by strips of wood.

Will your new windows operate, and if so how -- casement, awning etc., or are they fixed?

Is this a remodel or addition?
John Lott
Original Author
last month
New window will be fixed. It's being added to an existing wall as part of a remodel.
cat_ky
last month
I most definitely would not accept a white vinyl window. It needs to match your other windows, or it will stick out like a sore thumb. I would make him remove it, and put in a matching one. I hope you havent paid him for it yet. There is no way possible to get that window to match in.
John Lott
Original Author
last month
Thanks to everyone for the information! It's been very helpful. The vinyl window is coming out and I have arranged to have an insulated glass unit (IGU) window installed. Thankfully, the contractor will not be handling the install.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
last month
Sounds like a good solution.

Covering vinyl brick mold

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

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