Feb 3, 2024
In this video, we will be discussing five common practices that are frequently seen in window installation, but are actually considered to be dumb or ineffective. These practices may seem like a quick and easy way to install a window, but they can actually lead to problems down the line. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting window installation.
Not Using Proper Insulation: One of the biggest mistakes in window installation is not properly insulating around the window. This can cause drafts, air leaks, and even water damage if not addressed. Make sure to use high-quality insulation materials and seal any gaps to prevent energy loss and potential damage.
Skipping Flashing: Flashing is a crucial step in window installation as it helps to prevent water from seeping into the building. However, many DIYers or inexperienced installers skip this step because they think it's unnecessary or time-consuming. But without proper flashing, your windows may be at risk for moisture and water damage.
Installing on Uneven Surfaces: It's important to make sure that the surface where the window will be installed is level and even. If it's not, you may end up with a crooked or lopsided window that won't open or close properly. Take the time to level out the surface before installing your window for optimal performance.
Tightening Screws Too Much: When screwing in your new window, it's important not to over-tighten the screws as this can cause stress on the frame and potentially crack or damage it over time. Use just enough force to keep the frame secure without putting too much pressure on it.
Not Caulking Around Window Frame: Caulking around your window frame helps to create an airtight seal and prevent drafts and moisture from entering your home. Many people often forget this step or don't do it properly, leaving gaps for air and moisture to seep through. Take the time to properly caulk around your window frame for a more energy-efficient and secure installation.
In conclusion, by avoiding these five common but dumb window installation practices, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting window installation. Remember to use proper insulation, flashing, install on even surfaces, avoid over-tightening screws, and caulk around the window frame for optimal performance. If you're unsure about any of these steps, it's always best to consult a professional for assistance. Thanks for watching!
hey guys joh American Window Concepts
and today let's talk about the five dumb
but yet common installation practices
let's
go okay number one let's talk about
mismeasuring Windows I don't know how
many times I have gone to a house where
we're going to replace and they had done
a poor job installing and what we found
was the window was too small and they
used you know steps of trimming to try
to cover up their their gaps the other
issue was
making it too big and then they're
pulling out frames when they shouldn't
have um or chopping wood out in order to
get the window to fit if the window is
mismeasured do not install it take that
back and you order another window that's
going to fit the window properly and you
get it installed do you eat the cost I
do it is what it is the second one is
going to be a big one improper sealant
if you're using caulking that is not
meant for a window install don't use it
I've seen installers um where they'll
use a different type of uh maybe even a
construction glue um and they'll say
well this is this is the best you can
get they'll put an in you know
construction glue and a lot of times
that does not want to move around very
much right expand contract vinal Windows
they are known to expand and contract
with very hot weather very cold weather
so you got to have a caulking that can
withstand that movement the coings that
I use for for our business is going to
be either OSI brand novaflex they do not
disc color and they can put up with all
types of temperatures and they're going
to expand and contract with the window
all day every day no problem they're
going to with uh withstand that kind of
abuse okay number three not adhering to
building codes within your city you have
to make sure that you're putting
tempered where tempered has to be if if
somebody's going out and they're just
putting windows in willy-nilly and
they're not adhering to codes a code
enforcement guide Drives By stops the
whole project and says you need to go
get a permit well guess what your permit
is not going to be signed off all that
money is going right down the drain
number four is you know I'm going to say
it's going to be more for the new
construction style of installations and
we do get those quite often as well is
improper flashing there's a right way
and a wrong way to flash and you got to
make sure that you're doing things per a
standards California boy there's there's
more than one way to flash but the way
we like to do it is we like to do the
bottom first then the legs then the
window goes in and then the head
flashing over the top water runs
downhill so as this water is running off
of or around this window you don't want
to give it an a a door an opening for
water to get inside the flashing and
then inside the 2x4s ultimately
destroying the 2x4s possibly and or
drywall so improper flashing can be
horrible for a window let's talk about
techniques for number five now when I
say techniques let's talk about a this
is this one kills me a retro
installation and the guys ordered a
block window no retro where it should
have lock window for a
single window and what they'll do is
they'll set this inside that window
they'll screw it in and then they'll
take trimming right like an interior
style of trimming it's still exterior
grade but that doesn't in my opinion
mean you go out and you make that be
your retro flange no way because the
Retro flange is part of the actual
window Extrusion so it's stronger it's
not going to break apart from the Block
Frame Window right so they'll put the
block Frame Window in and then they'll
take an interior trim and they'll put it
on the outside and then it'll cover up
any gaps and seal it that way first of
all that's ugly it looks terrible I
don't know how many times I've seen that
we've installed or pulled out old
windows that did that because they were
completely garbage looking they didn't
hold any of the water back so we'd have
to pull all this stuff out and install a
retro window done you know done the
right way there's a right time for block
windows but that's not it anyways guys
last one was a little bit more you know
intense for me because I I don't
understand why anybody would do that but
these are the five techniques I feel are
are poor and that you guys need to know
about before you go out and get your
windows all right guys make it a great
day hey guys if you live in the Ventura
or Long Beach area and are interested in
free in home estimate go to our website
American window concepts.com and we'll
reach back out to you as soon as
possible if you guys find this
information valuable and you want to
continue to learn more about Windows and
Doors subscribe to our Channel thank you
so much
