new windows being fitted next week - how do I tell if they are OK?

Question

I need to check that the windows have been fitted correctly and sign a customer-satisfied note but what do I need to look out for?

These are wood-framed double glazed windows and a wooden front door.

Answer 1

Make sure they use a caulking to seal the units that has Tytainium Dioxide in it. This will keep the Ulrtravilot light from the sun from destroying it. If you look at windows that have been in for a while you may notice that there is a small line between the caulk and the surface it is in contact with.. It gets to look dirty too. This is where the caulk has sepperated from that serface. Work to cut out all the old and replace with new quality caulk. DO NOT SKIMP ON THE QUALITY OF YOUR CAULKING. The sealing of the new window and it staying sealed for years to come is one of the most important thing you will do to make your investment pay off. Many complanies use cheap caulk, even painters caulk, that will not last for more then a year. The caulking needs a good adhesive and expansion and contraction quality as well as being able to be painted over in case you want to paint any molding. . Make sure they caulk all areas that has any chance for air infiltration. Not just next to the window. Do both inside and outside. If trim is there do any and all sides of each trim. A quality replacement window will only work as well as the installation. If air seeps around the unit, it is not saving you the money intented on . Let alone have a good comfort zone.
There is also a rubber sticky backed material that should be put in the opening before the window is set in. It keeps any moisture that may be created from sitting on your wood frame work and rotting it out.
Replacement windows should be built to fit the opening. They should be a bit smaller then the opening and not be forced into the opening. They are not made to be able to support the wall frame. Any weight they hold on the frame can cause the sealed unit to fail way before it should having to have the sealed unit replaced. There are many companies that force a stock sized window into a none stock size opening. Reducing their costs in having to order a window that fits like it should. The opening should not have to be altered to fit the new unit. Nore should the new unit have to be forced into the opening.
I myself like to stuff fiberglass insulation in any spaces around the new unit to further insulate that space. Remember not to compact it.Compacting fiberglass insulation packs the tiny dead airspaces in the insulation and reduces insulation values.
Be careful if using some type of "foam" insulation. Many window manufacturers will not warrent their own windows if this is used. Due to the expansion problems of it.
Remember when putting the inside trim back on to caulk it both on the window frame side as well as where it meets the wall. Someone good with a caulking gun can do this without creating a mess like some always do.
Air infiltraton is the biggest cost expense in both heating and cooling. Keeping air infiltration as little as possible is a major key. Installation is the key to getting the most out of your investment.
Make sure you can see no light around any opening unit, rather windows or doors, If you do, you are loosing out. I prefere both interlock as well as a bubble seal weatherstripping on door.You should be able to open that door and position it stopped in any place with it not move in or out. If it does it isn't installed plum.
You seem to already have the windows ordered so I will not get into what to look for on that area. Argon gas is good but disapates in time. Low - E glass is a must tho.
I am now 51 , been doing windows since early 20's. Ran two factories, installed thousands of them and sold as many. Worked for major weaterization companies in all fields of windows so do have a little experience. I hope all of this will help you to know what to look for. kenney g. in Portland , Oregon

Answer 2

You should be there when the windows are being installed and look for the following things:
1. If the windows you are replacing are very old(60-80 years) they will have ropes and weights holding them up. When they install the new windows make sure they are filling the voids alongside the windows with insulation(this is the space where the ropes are).
2. Make sure they caulk inside and outside of the frames
3. Make sure everything is level and goes up and down ok.
4. Make sure all of the windows stay up when opened.

Answer 3

One of the things you can do is after they are put in and before you pay the bill go window to window slide them up & down and pull them out as if you would be cleaning them, both up & down. Also be sure to ask for a key to tighten springs. I had some windows which became very loose after a few years and the only way I could keep them up was to lock the windows, otherwise they creep down . Then we went to manufacturer and they supplied the key but before it was troublesome.

Answer 4

I would turn the garden hose on full blast from the outside to be sure there are no leaks. Other than that, I don't know.