Demand Quality Installation
Installation is a very important part of the replacement window process. Over 80% of the service issues across the nation on vinyl windows can be directly traced to the quality of the window installation.Many sales people from other companies will avoid talking with you about installation, the reason: they have no idea about how it should be done and have probably never even seen one in progress.
One of the many things you'll want to consider is the cleanliness of the installation crew, not only their personal hygiene but also the cleanliness of the job site. Does the company prep the area that they are going to be working in? Will the company clean up after themselves and leave your home better than when they came in? The cleanliness of a crew can have a major effect on the end results of your replacement window project.
The installation of a vinyl window involves removing the old window in such a way as to avoid causing any damage to the drywall or wood around the window and properly disposing of that old window.
After the old window is extracted from the opening, the opening should be properly inspected for rot, mold etc. any issues should be remedied before the new window goes in. If there was a leak in the old window, often times it could result in rotten window sills and/or damage to the studs in the wall. All of those issues if overlooked by a hurried installer could cause problems for you down the road.
Finally the new window can be installed in the opening. After the window is leveled and squared insulation should be used around the entire perimeter of the window. Our standard installation includes the use if fiberglass insulation and our custom installation implements polyurethane foam insulation. The benefit to the foam is that it ensures the cracks and crevasse are sealed against the weather and doesn't lose it "R" value if any caulking breaks down in the future and water gets into the crevasses around the window.
For some applications a "drywall cutback" custom installation is a great idea. A drywall cut back is when the window is actually over sized so that it fits in behind the drywall or wood returns.
The drywall actually has to be "cut back" so that the window fits flush against it from the outside instead of sliding in between the drywall. This helps seal the inside of your home even more against the sometimes harsh outdoor conditions and makes for a more energy efficient installation. Drywall cutbacks however are not necessarily needed on every installation since they cost a bit more as more time is involved. Most of the time a standard installation is all you'll need.
After the window is leveled, fastened, and insulated it is caulked around the perimeter to give it the final touch and further seal out weather.
Always remember... your windows are only as good as the quality of the installation!
