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Old 02-22-2021, 09:40 AM
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Default Window installed incorrectly - advice on what to do

Gang,

We had an exterior reno this past summer that we are quite happy with except for one of the 10 windows was installed incorrectly and the window sticks when opening/closing (have to push it for it to open). Window is a large awning style. Siding is Hardie Board flush to windows (no trim).

Builder initially told us that Lux (window manufacturer, but not installer) would adjust and take care of it (which they have attempted to do - beyond their responsibility [in our opinion] as they did not install the windows). It's taken a couple of service calls (and more time then we wanted - but our works schedules are irregular) but Lux service tech says they cannot do anything as the window was installed incorrectly (FYI, it's 1/4" out)...

Builder says they will reset the window but have to cut the window out (as with most "retrofit" window installs this is normal - I understand that), but now this changes the entire look as one of the 10 windows will be different than the others...

We want to preserve the look we have with the reno (and windows) as we paid a lot (a lot for us) for this look.

What to do?

Do we put up and shut up? And live with a sticky window to preserve the look?

Have them reset the window with the altered look? And live with one window not like the others? Or maybe have them change the look of the 9 other windows?

Have them remove the Hardie Board siding and reset the window and reinstall the Hardie Board to preserve the look we paid for? Probably the most expensive of the options, which is why the builder doesn't want to do this?

Are there other options to consider?

What say ye, AO?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers

Peter
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Old 02-22-2021, 10:29 AM
Smoky buck Smoky buck is offline
 
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Is it the window was installed a 1/4 out or was the opening framed 1/4 out?

Either way the builder should fix it correctly to keep the look. The first is an easy fix if there is room to shim it properly. The other might be possible to fix by with a planner creating enough room to shim the windows square. Worst case the opening needs to be re framed

If you like the look I would remove the siding and hardy board removed then reinstall the window. Personally I think the builder is being lazy and cheap because this is not a hard job for anyone with glazing experience

I assume this is a recent purchase and the issue was reported early. If so this is a failure on the builders part and should have been found when inspecting for deficiencies. Personally I would be demanding the builder fix it correctly at no cost if this is a new purchase

This is my two bits
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Old 02-22-2021, 10:34 AM
fishtank fishtank is offline
 
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How sticky is the window in the winter ? And does it close completely ?
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Old 02-22-2021, 10:54 AM
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The first thought I have is did they use spray foam insulation around the window?
I’ve seen that cause grief many times as the foam expands it jams the window.
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Old 02-22-2021, 11:07 AM
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Good luck trying to remove Hardie Board siding and re-apply it without damage.
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Old 02-22-2021, 12:06 PM
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Jamie Black R/T Jamie Black R/T is offline
 
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They did a nail fin window and buried it under the siding correct?

Nail fin windows are made for framers to bang in on new construction in the quickest, easiest fashion possible.

They are never set right and never shimmed properly in my experience. Bang bang done.

Theres usually enough adjustment in the truth hinges of an awning to get it right after the fact.

I would assume LUX has tried adjusting the hardware and failed...but I cant see why. I havent run into one ever that was out by that much.

Is this a huge awning?
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Old 02-22-2021, 01:07 PM
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Sticky enough that it's super annoying!

Yes it closes completely.

Quote:
Originally Posted by fishtank View Post
How sticky is the window in the winter ? And does it close completely ?
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Old 02-22-2021, 01:10 PM
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Yes it's a big awning (not quite as big as allowed)!

Yes they buried it under the siding!

One of the first suggestions from the Lux tech (supposedly their most experienced tech) was to re-drill the hinges. I have followed up with Lux directly as to why this suggestion wasn't a consideration in the end (and was not presented to the builder)...

Waiting to hear back.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamie Black R/T View Post
They did a nail fin window and buried it under the siding correct?

Nail fin windows are made for framers to bang in on new construction in the quickest, easiest fashion possible.

They are never set right and never shimmed properly in my experience. Bang bang done.

Theres usually enough adjustment in the truth hinges of an awning to get it right after the fact.

I would assume LUX has tried adjusting the hardware and failed...but I cant see why. I havent run into one ever that was out by that much.

Is this a huge awning?
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Old 02-22-2021, 01:53 PM
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we've installed tens of thousands of windows. When things like this happen, there is usually enough adjustment in the hardware to get things working smoothly. If not, its as simple as pulling the siding, pulling the interior trim and reinstalling the window properly. It's not rocket science and can easily be fixed. It's just gonna cost the framer (or builder if the framer is long gone) some minor back charges.
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Old 02-22-2021, 02:00 PM
huntsfurfish huntsfurfish is offline
 
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Turn it off then restart.
or
Reformat then reinstall.




.









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Old 02-22-2021, 02:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wildwoods View Post
we've installed tens of thousands of windows. When things like this happen, there is usually enough adjustment in the hardware to get things working smoothly. If not, its as simple as pulling the siding, pulling the interior trim and reinstalling the window properly. It's not rocket science and can easily be fixed. It's just gonna cost the framer (or builder if the framer is long gone) some minor back charges.
This ^^^^
I installed thousands of windows.
The installer screwed up (it happens). Just going to take a little time and cost a little of the profit the contractor made initially.
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Old 02-22-2021, 03:01 PM
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Jamie Black R/T Jamie Black R/T is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ÜberFly View Post
Yes it's a big awning (not quite as big as allowed)!

Yes they buried it under the siding!

One of the first suggestions from the Lux tech (supposedly their most experienced tech) was to re-drill the hinges. I have followed up with Lux directly as to why this suggestion wasn't a consideration in the end (and was not presented to the builder)...

Waiting to hear back.
ReDrilling is a terrible option on a pvc window as they're hollow.

So unless you have the metal clad wood option lux offers i would keep that as a last resort. Even on wood i wouldnt feel right filling a brand new window with extra holes just to try and correct a problem that we didnt create.

Id start by yanking the trim inside and cutting the foam out. You can get a fair bit of movement on a large awning even with the nail fins still attached.

If they cant get it squared up from there...yank the siding and start over.
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Old 02-22-2021, 04:27 PM
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So the builder is just cheaping out and doesn’t want to pull all the Hardie on that side of the house?

Quote:
Originally Posted by wildwoods View Post
we've installed tens of thousands of windows. When things like this happen, there is usually enough adjustment in the hardware to get things working smoothly. If not, its as simple as pulling the siding, pulling the interior trim and reinstalling the window properly. It's not rocket science and can easily be fixed. It's just gonna cost the framer (or builder if the framer is long gone) some minor back charges.
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Old 02-22-2021, 04:30 PM
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Thanks for your input everyone. Greatly appreciate it!

P
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Old 02-25-2021, 12:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ÜberFly View Post
So the builder is just cheaping out and doesn’t want to pull all the Hardie on that side of the house?
Sorry i missed this. He only needs to pull it around the window. Very simple fix
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Old 02-25-2021, 07:44 PM
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Tech coming out to discuss options in a few weeks...

My understanding is the way the Hardie is installed, it's not as simple as just pulling around the window..

We'll see what we decide after the conversation.

Cheers,

P

Quote:
Originally Posted by wildwoods View Post
Sorry i missed this. He only needs to pull it around the window. Very simple fix
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Old 02-26-2021, 07:15 AM
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Sounds like you have probably paid a decent price for the work done. If there is a screw up, and / or you are not satisfied the contractor should be repairing the work at their expense. I have become a grumpy old guy over the last little while and I have to say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. They should R and R the siding if necessary. If some of it is damaged they should replace it. Hope that doesn't create issues with color matching. Good luck!
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Old 02-26-2021, 08:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zabbo View Post
Sounds like you have probably paid a decent price for the work done. If there is a screw up, and / or you are not satisfied the contractor should be repairing the work at their expense. I have become a grumpy old guy over the last little while and I have to say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. They should R and R the siding if necessary. If some of it is damaged they should replace it. Hope that doesn't create issues with color matching. Good luck!
x2.

Grizz
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Old 02-26-2021, 09:26 AM
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Yes there will be no (financial) cost and we held back $ until this is repaired.

Cheers,

P
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Old 02-26-2021, 11:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ÜberFly View Post
Yes there will be no (financial) cost and we held back $ until this is repaired.

Cheers,

P
The above is my favorite part of the whole thread. Smart move.
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Old 02-26-2021, 06:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wildwoods View Post
Sorry i missed this. He only needs to pull it around the window. Very simple fix
Vinyl siding yes very easy, Hardie board is solid, not easy.
You would have to remove siding from the top down.
I think you might be able to cut it out and put in an insert but not sure.
Any which way you look at it the builder is gonna pay a pretty hefty bill.
WDF
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