I have read many posts re: Simonton windows leaking air and would love any fresh opinions on my situation. We recently had Simonton replacement windows installed in our 1970s home, via Home Depot. We have a lot of air leaking in on the sides of the windows and actually coming up the window wells (where the windows slide up and down) on either side. When the wind blows, our curtains look like sails. Simonton retro-fitted foam plugs in those wells, one over a large weep hole at the bottom of the sill, and another at the middle of the well, to try to stop the air. It's not working. The installation guy says he did nothing different than usual with our install and apparently is "one of the best" so they tell me. Hearing my story and problem, do you think the fault for this air infiltration would most likely be due to bad installation or faulty windows? I'd love any advice. Thank you in advance. :)
Christy in chilly NJ
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There are 3 possible reasons for the air getting in.
1.) the windows are not squared. It could be the window opening wasn't square, it could be the installation person was not smart enought to square the window.
2.) The windows have a gap between the sashes and frames. Poor quality manufacturing.
3.) The installers did not insulate and cover the outside of your home properly and the are is coming through the frame and the wall.
Do the candle test. Light a candle. Hold it away from the window. Move it slowly around the outside frame and see if the candle flutters. If it does the problem is either 1 or 3. Do the same thing near the glass, if the candle flutters it is reason 2. Reason 2 is call for brand new windows made by the company. Reason1 or 3 means you need to ask for another installation crew or service crew to come out to your house and fix the problem before you take them to court.
1.) the windows are not squared. It could be the window opening wasn't square, it could be the installation person was not smart enought to square the window.
2.) The windows have a gap between the sashes and frames. Poor quality manufacturing.
3.) The installers did not insulate and cover the outside of your home properly and the are is coming through the frame and the wall.
Do the candle test. Light a candle. Hold it away from the window. Move it slowly around the outside frame and see if the candle flutters. If it does the problem is either 1 or 3. Do the same thing near the glass, if the candle flutters it is reason 2. Reason 2 is call for brand new windows made by the company. Reason1 or 3 means you need to ask for another installation crew or service crew to come out to your house and fix the problem before you take them to court.
