We moved into our newly constructed home in December (we live in Iowa). Noticed immediatley that the windows (single hung)leak air around the bottom corners and then on the sides (where the window slides up and down). This is very obvious when it is cold outside or the wind is blowing. We live in the country and do not have any wind blocks. We contacted our contrator who spoke with company where the windows were purchased and eventually made it to Windsor. A Windsor serviceman has replaced the weather stripping in one window and it still leaks. Windsor now wants all the weatherstripping replaced and the weep holes also weatherstripped. I think it is a waste of time and just want the windows replaced with a different brand. Anybody out there had the same problem?? Is this our reponsibility to fight Windsor or should the contractor be doing this? Is it to much to ask of the contractor to replace the windows with a different brand? Should we have to pay for the installation of replacements?

Typically the builder is responsible for the windows in the first year. After that, you're pretty much on your own. If you choose to replace them, don't go with the cheap vinyl. Go with Andersen or Marvin. You'll pay more, but they'll last.

art skaggs

That's interesting because the contractor is talking about cost of replacement like it would be our responsibility. I can understand it being our cost to upgrade but the actual replacing I didn't know?
We are absolutely fed up with Windsor and are looking into a different brand.
Thanks for your response.

Are your windows installed properly by this i mean square and plumb? The Next Dimension Vinyl Single-Hung window is what Windsor calls a "side-load" operating sash design in which the bottom sash actually sits inside the frame of the window.

"Side Load" Operating Sash Design
- Higher strength than tilt unit
- Better air sealing qualities
- More pleasing sight lines
- Easy removal of sash for cleaning
- Doesn’t require compression or friction to resist air infiltration

So the sash is actually sits behind the frame on the inside.

You might check out the squareness and plumbness of your windows with a level and a tape measure, if you find they are not square you should get with the installers.
We have been using Windsor Windows for 3 years and a builder here uses nothing but the vinyl single-hung window and has reported nothing to us.


Thanks,

Matthew Burr
Buyer - Windows and Doors
Arkansas
mburr@cbmcci.com

According to the windsor service tech it doesn't appear to be an installation problem.
He says they are pretty much idiot proof when it comes to installation.
I assume when you say you have used these windows you are using them in Arizona?
We live in Iowa and have only had these windows in the winter. On warmer days 40+ degrees non windy days we don't notice the leakage as much. Speaking with Windsor these windows are only tested at 20-25 mph winds. One night we could see our drapes moving when the wind was blowing approx. 30 mph. We have spoken with other window manufacturer and have had one out to the house and they say we can expect some leakage but shouldn't see the drapes move. I understand they are wanting to sell me their product but I can also see in my heating cost that something is not right.

BTW - So far the people that I have spoken to at Windsor are telling me to have the window tested at my cost. If I can prove that they are not meeting their specs then they will help us. Until then they are not willing to do anything. Even though we as the customer are not satisfied and can show them that the windows leak a lot. Since Windsor is a local company for us I even suggested having a higher up in the corporate food chain at windsor come to my home and tell me that the leakage I have would be acceptable in their homes - they of course declined that invitation saying it would be an opinion.
I personally consider that not standing behind their product. I am currently still trying to go through the chain of command at Windsor.

CALL THIS PERSON HE IS THE SALES REP. FOR THE IOWA AREA.

JIM ERBES
1-800-218-6186

YOU MIGHT ALSO CONTACT
GRANT KETEL - FIELD SERVICE
AT THE SAME #




THANKS,

MATTHEW BURR
BUYER - WINDOWS AND DOORS
MBURR@CBMCCI.COM

I have already spoken to the field service manager and am not sure what good it will do to talk to a sales rep. I am currently waiting to speak with the boss of the field manager. Slowy making my way up the chain of command to someone who can give me an answer and actually be the one with the authority to do so.
Also spoke to an attorney who is advising small claims court against the contractor.
Priced Andersen and Marvins replacement windows - Andersen quoted $18,000 and Marvin quoted $14,000. This is for 13 windows and one sliding door. According to the contractor we didn't pay anything near that for the Windsor windows and door. But I have also heard never settle with the first estimate you are given they will come down on price.

I also have Windsor Windows and they are leaking and rotting. I have the Heritage Series installed when the house was constructed in 2001. Does anybody have specs for the Heritage Series of windows from Windsor? We've had a structural engineer consult with us during the Summer. About all of the Windsor Windows are carrying very high moisture readings. High moisture readings become a leading indicator to future rotting and leaking.

CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WINDSOR WINDOWS. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE HERITAGE SERIES FROM WINDSOR. THEY HAVE THE PINNACLE SERIES (ALUMINUM-CLAD OR PRIMED WOOD), NEXT DIMENSION (VINYL), AND LEGEND SERIES (CELLULAR PVC).

KOLBE AND KOLBE HAS A SERIES OF WINDOW CALLED THE HERITAGE SERIES. SOMEWHERE ON THE FRAME OR GLASS SHOULD TELL YOU WHO THE MANUFACTURE IS.

THANKS,

MATTHEW BURR
BUYER - WINDOWS AND DOORS
VILLAGE HOME CENTER / dba COOPER BUILDING MATERIALS
4650 HIGHWAY 7 NORTH
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, AR 71909
EMAIL: MBURR@CBMCCI.COM