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Sunday, August 15, 2010
What is the price of vinyl windows
Lead Rule for Window replacement. New RRP law.
The Lead Paint Renovation Law
On April 22, 2010, the new EPA Lead; Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule went into effect. The rule applies to all persons who are paid to perform renovation, repair and painting projects where painted surfaces are disturbed in pre-1978 housing, child care facilities and schools where lead paint is present. The rule contains requirements to distribute an EPA informational brochure in advance of the work and to follow lead-safe work practices outlined in the training, including proper clean up and verification testing to determine compliance with the rule, as well as requirements for proper record keeping. The rule requires EPA certification for contracting firms and contractors performing the work. Window and door replacement is impacted by the rule.
So now the government wants to regulate Lead paint removal, huh? I guess there just isn't enough work for them in the Gulf with the oil leak and all...right. Effective April 22, 2010 (Earth Day ironically enough) the EPA put into place very strict procedures that all renovators, including window replacement companies, must follow or be subject of fines of EXACTLY $37,500 per day! Hmmm, wonder what the meaning behind that number is? Oh well, I digress. Seems that the EPA wants to make sure that Window Replacement companies are held responsible if they circulate lead paint dust or particles into the homeowner's environment without cleaning it up properly. On the surface, this sounds like a great idea because Lead Paint has long been linked to developmental issues with children under the age of 6 and birth defects in pregnant women. But upon further review they have created a 3-headed monster that they will not be able to control. First, they cannot inspect companies effectively to hold negligent installers' feet to the flames. Second, they open the doors for home improvement companies to make this another profit stream when they overcharge unsuspecting or uneducated consumers with good 'ol price gauging. Finally, there is no provision if YOU, the homeowner decides to do this on their own. That's right you can tear your own home apart to your little old heart's content and no problem with the government at all. You can unknowingly expose your children and pregnant wife to the very thing that the rule was intended and designed to eliminate, They at least tried to try Jack Kevorkian for helping people assist in suicide. Here they say "Go right ahead and kill yourself, we don't mind at all". The basic premise of the rule is simple and has 3 components:
1. Communicate to home owners what you are going to be doing and have them sign off on it.
2. Eliminate all dust and debris from leaving the work area by containing it and using safe practices while working in the area.
3. Clean up afterward in such a fashion that there no mess that could be left over for any of the occupants to have to deal with.
Most companies are charging beetween $50 & $125 per window installed or even a fixed percentage of the total of the sale of up to 10%-25%. The current Opt-Out is going away very soon and all window replacements will be subject to this type of red tape, regardless of size or region of the country unless your house is built AFTER 1978. You can check out all of the details at the EPA's websitehttp://www.epa.gov/lead/. So when you get the estimate from your local contractor and it is more than you thought it was going to be, remember that there is still even more that you never asked to HAVE TO PAY, but the EPA thinks you should pay for the changes that they think should be made. Perhaps they have a solution for th Gulf Oil issue, too...
On April 22, 2010, the new EPA Lead; Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule went into effect. The rule applies to all persons who are paid to perform renovation, repair and painting projects where painted surfaces are disturbed in pre-1978 housing, child care facilities and schools where lead paint is present. The rule contains requirements to distribute an EPA informational brochure in advance of the work and to follow lead-safe work practices outlined in the training, including proper clean up and verification testing to determine compliance with the rule, as well as requirements for proper record keeping. The rule requires EPA certification for contracting firms and contractors performing the work. Window and door replacement is impacted by the rule.
The EPA’s ruling goes into effect April 22 and it requires that lead safe practices are used during any Renovation, Repair or painting project (RRP) done on homes built before 1978 where lead is present. This ruling means big changes for contractors accross the country - including your favorite Universal Windows Direct window installers.
The EPA’s ruling addresses certain types of renovation, repair and painting projects (including window installation) that disrupt lead based paint in homes and child occupied facilities. The ruling promotes education homewoners on the dangers of lead based paint. It also requires that contractors use lead safe work practices on job sites where lead paint is present.
- All companies must hold the Certified Firm designation by the EPA.
- Every worker on the job site must hold the Certified Renovator Certificate from the EPA, or have been trained as a non-certified worker by someone who does.
- Every homowner must receive a copy of the “Renovate Right” brochure prior to the window install beginning. Homeowners must sign a receipt of the pamphlet, and in some cases may choose to “opt out” of the lead testing.
- If the home is built pre-1978 it must be tested for the presence of lead paint.
- If lead based paint is present, the window installers must follow lead safe practices and lead dust containment throughout the project.
So now the government wants to regulate Lead paint removal, huh? I guess there just isn't enough work for them in the Gulf with the oil leak and all...right. Effective April 22, 2010 (Earth Day ironically enough) the EPA put into place very strict procedures that all renovators, including window replacement companies, must follow or be subject of fines of EXACTLY $37,500 per day! Hmmm, wonder what the meaning behind that number is? Oh well, I digress. Seems that the EPA wants to make sure that Window Replacement companies are held responsible if they circulate lead paint dust or particles into the homeowner's environment without cleaning it up properly. On the surface, this sounds like a great idea because Lead Paint has long been linked to developmental issues with children under the age of 6 and birth defects in pregnant women. But upon further review they have created a 3-headed monster that they will not be able to control. First, they cannot inspect companies effectively to hold negligent installers' feet to the flames. Second, they open the doors for home improvement companies to make this another profit stream when they overcharge unsuspecting or uneducated consumers with good 'ol price gauging. Finally, there is no provision if YOU, the homeowner decides to do this on their own. That's right you can tear your own home apart to your little old heart's content and no problem with the government at all. You can unknowingly expose your children and pregnant wife to the very thing that the rule was intended and designed to eliminate, They at least tried to try Jack Kevorkian for helping people assist in suicide. Here they say "Go right ahead and kill yourself, we don't mind at all". The basic premise of the rule is simple and has 3 components:
1. Communicate to home owners what you are going to be doing and have them sign off on it.
2. Eliminate all dust and debris from leaving the work area by containing it and using safe practices while working in the area.
3. Clean up afterward in such a fashion that there no mess that could be left over for any of the occupants to have to deal with.
Most companies are charging beetween $50 & $125 per window installed or even a fixed percentage of the total of the sale of up to 10%-25%. The current Opt-Out is going away very soon and all window replacements will be subject to this type of red tape, regardless of size or region of the country unless your house is built AFTER 1978. You can check out all of the details at the EPA's websitehttp://www.epa.gov/lead/. So when you get the estimate from your local contractor and it is more than you thought it was going to be, remember that there is still even more that you never asked to HAVE TO PAY, but the EPA thinks you should pay for the changes that they think should be made. Perhaps they have a solution for th Gulf Oil issue, too...
cost difference to install windows rather than hire a contractor
Assume you're upset with the way your old windows look and work, and you decide it's time to upgrade your home to some new vinyl replacement windows. You get a few contractors to come out and give you quotes. After they leave, you're shocked at the prices. Having to get financing to replace your windows just doesn't seem right.
Let me explain why the vinyl windows can be so expensive. In most cases, you're paying the salary of the salesman who comes over to give you your "free" estimate. Then, you have to pay the salary of the installers that will be putting the windows in and finally you have to pay the owner of the company. Of course there's also the office staff that needs to get paid, as well as their rent, business expenses, office supplies, insurance, workers compensation, and advertising costs. In some cases there is a broker who acts as a middleman, and he or she gets a cut too. No wonder you need financing! Now imagine if you already knew how to shop for windows, how to measure for new windows, how to remove the old windows, and how to install the new vinyl replacement windows. You've just eliminated everybody that was having to get paid! All of a sudden you can afford to replace your windows without financing them.
It's important to properly measure for your windows. If you order them too small, you're going to end up having to shim in order to get them to work. Even if you do get them to work, you're probably going to have problems. And if you order them too big, you're really in trouble. Chances are you will be ordering more windows. So, measuring is very important. Fortunately, it's also very simple. We are dealing with old double hung wood windows here, so if that doesn't apply to you, don't worry. Future articles will discuss other types of windows. In the case of the wood sash windows, you want to measure the width first, and height second. When you go shopping for windows, always give the dimensions as WIDTH X HEIGHT. To measure your width, you want to pull a tape measure from the top right corner to the top left corner. Put the tape measure in that 1 1/2" pocket where the window frame slides. Measure to the sixteenth of an inch. Do the same thing at about the midway point, right above where the window locks. Then, raise the bottom sash and take the same measurement at the bottom. If you can't raise the window for whatever reason, go outside and measure from there. You will have to remove the screen though.
The majority of the time all three of those measurements will be the same. If they're not the same, use the SMALLEST measurement. Now subtract 1/4" from that measurement. This is your width for the new window. The height is a bit tricky. If your window sill outside slopes downward for water drainage, you have to make sure that you measure from the HIGHEST Point of the sill. You want to measure from the top right corner to the bottom right corner. Put your tape at the top where the upper sash closes. If the bottom has a 5/8" high inside wood sill piece to prevent water from coming inside, you need to raise the bottom sash and run the tape past the 5/8" sill and down to the high point of the sloped sill. Do this in the middle and on the left. Once again, take the smallest measurement, but this time deduct 3/16".
On the other end of the quality spectrum, you can buy an economical replacement window that will not have the tilt-in feature. The mechanism that holds the window open will consist of a block and tackle assembly made up of a spring and string. Another mechanism in lower quality windows is called a spiral tube balance. These lesser grade assemblies are notorious for failing after 5-10 years. The spacer material used on lower quality windows will be aluminum or something called swiggle seal. And many times the U-Value of these lower grade windows will be up around .50. The thing to remember is that a window that uses a super spacer more than likely isn’t going to use a block and tackle balance system. It would be like buying a new car with leather interior and no power window and door locks Follow those guidelines and you will have a good idea what quality you are buying. Once you make the decision and purchase your windows, it's time to get them home and take out your old windows.
This is your height. If you order your windows using these dimensions, they'll fit perfect and leave just enough room to adjust if needed. The final step is to measure the depth of the pocket where both sashes slide. By depth, I mean from the point outside where the top sash rests against the outside wood stop to the point inside where the inside bottom sash rests against the inside stop. This measurement should be between 3 1/4"- 3 1/2". The reason you need to know this dimension is because not all replacement windows have a 3 1/4" depth frame. You want a replacement window that's going to fit right into the existing pocket of the wood frame. If you purchase a window with a 2 5/8" frame depth, you're going to have approximately 3/4" to fill. That means buying new wood stops for the inside of the house that are 3/4" wider than the existing stops. Get the 3 1/4" frames and save yourself a lot of extra work. Now, if you're on a really tight budget, the lower grade windows will be the 2 5/8" frame, and you will have to get the wider trim. But that's something you should weigh in your mind, whether the money saved on the lesser grade window is worth the extra expense and time of installing new stops around the inside of all your windows.
So, now you have the measurements and it's time to go shopping. What should you look for to know you're getting quality windows? A top quality double hung replacement window will have tilt-in sashes that allow you to clean the outside glass from inside the home. All double hung windows have a mechanism that keeps the window in the open position. The better windows use a state of the art mechanism known as a constant force balance coil. All replacement windows will have double glazing, meaning there will be two panes of glass in each sash separated by a 1/2"-5/8" spacer material around the edge of the unit. A quality window will use an intercept spacer or something called a super spacer. Find out the U-Value of the window. The lower the number, the better insulating properties. You want a window with a U-Value under .40. There is a special glass called LowE that will lower that U-Value number. In fact, most quality windows include LowE as standard. Those are the main things to ask about when window shopping.
Let me explain why the vinyl windows can be so expensive. In most cases, you're paying the salary of the salesman who comes over to give you your "free" estimate. Then, you have to pay the salary of the installers that will be putting the windows in and finally you have to pay the owner of the company. Of course there's also the office staff that needs to get paid, as well as their rent, business expenses, office supplies, insurance, workers compensation, and advertising costs. In some cases there is a broker who acts as a middleman, and he or she gets a cut too. No wonder you need financing! Now imagine if you already knew how to shop for windows, how to measure for new windows, how to remove the old windows, and how to install the new vinyl replacement windows. You've just eliminated everybody that was having to get paid! All of a sudden you can afford to replace your windows without financing them.
It's important to properly measure for your windows. If you order them too small, you're going to end up having to shim in order to get them to work. Even if you do get them to work, you're probably going to have problems. And if you order them too big, you're really in trouble. Chances are you will be ordering more windows. So, measuring is very important. Fortunately, it's also very simple. We are dealing with old double hung wood windows here, so if that doesn't apply to you, don't worry. Future articles will discuss other types of windows. In the case of the wood sash windows, you want to measure the width first, and height second. When you go shopping for windows, always give the dimensions as WIDTH X HEIGHT. To measure your width, you want to pull a tape measure from the top right corner to the top left corner. Put the tape measure in that 1 1/2" pocket where the window frame slides. Measure to the sixteenth of an inch. Do the same thing at about the midway point, right above where the window locks. Then, raise the bottom sash and take the same measurement at the bottom. If you can't raise the window for whatever reason, go outside and measure from there. You will have to remove the screen though.
The majority of the time all three of those measurements will be the same. If they're not the same, use the SMALLEST measurement. Now subtract 1/4" from that measurement. This is your width for the new window. The height is a bit tricky. If your window sill outside slopes downward for water drainage, you have to make sure that you measure from the HIGHEST Point of the sill. You want to measure from the top right corner to the bottom right corner. Put your tape at the top where the upper sash closes. If the bottom has a 5/8" high inside wood sill piece to prevent water from coming inside, you need to raise the bottom sash and run the tape past the 5/8" sill and down to the high point of the sloped sill. Do this in the middle and on the left. Once again, take the smallest measurement, but this time deduct 3/16".
On the other end of the quality spectrum, you can buy an economical replacement window that will not have the tilt-in feature. The mechanism that holds the window open will consist of a block and tackle assembly made up of a spring and string. Another mechanism in lower quality windows is called a spiral tube balance. These lesser grade assemblies are notorious for failing after 5-10 years. The spacer material used on lower quality windows will be aluminum or something called swiggle seal. And many times the U-Value of these lower grade windows will be up around .50. The thing to remember is that a window that uses a super spacer more than likely isn’t going to use a block and tackle balance system. It would be like buying a new car with leather interior and no power window and door locks Follow those guidelines and you will have a good idea what quality you are buying. Once you make the decision and purchase your windows, it's time to get them home and take out your old windows.
This is your height. If you order your windows using these dimensions, they'll fit perfect and leave just enough room to adjust if needed. The final step is to measure the depth of the pocket where both sashes slide. By depth, I mean from the point outside where the top sash rests against the outside wood stop to the point inside where the inside bottom sash rests against the inside stop. This measurement should be between 3 1/4"- 3 1/2". The reason you need to know this dimension is because not all replacement windows have a 3 1/4" depth frame. You want a replacement window that's going to fit right into the existing pocket of the wood frame. If you purchase a window with a 2 5/8" frame depth, you're going to have approximately 3/4" to fill. That means buying new wood stops for the inside of the house that are 3/4" wider than the existing stops. Get the 3 1/4" frames and save yourself a lot of extra work. Now, if you're on a really tight budget, the lower grade windows will be the 2 5/8" frame, and you will have to get the wider trim. But that's something you should weigh in your mind, whether the money saved on the lesser grade window is worth the extra expense and time of installing new stops around the inside of all your windows.
So, now you have the measurements and it's time to go shopping. What should you look for to know you're getting quality windows? A top quality double hung replacement window will have tilt-in sashes that allow you to clean the outside glass from inside the home. All double hung windows have a mechanism that keeps the window in the open position. The better windows use a state of the art mechanism known as a constant force balance coil. All replacement windows will have double glazing, meaning there will be two panes of glass in each sash separated by a 1/2"-5/8" spacer material around the edge of the unit. A quality window will use an intercept spacer or something called a super spacer. Find out the U-Value of the window. The lower the number, the better insulating properties. You want a window with a U-Value under .40. There is a special glass called LowE that will lower that U-Value number. In fact, most quality windows include LowE as standard. Those are the main things to ask about when window shopping.
wood windows or vinyl windows, which is better?
Those who've made the decision to replace their existing windows with new energy efficient ones have made a choice that will save money on fuel bills and provide their loved ones with unbeatable insulation and security. The decision-making process doesn't stop there though, now you must choose which style and type of replacement window to have installed.
When you replace windows with new vinyl replacement windows, the type of vinyl unit you install depends on a number of factors. The sizes that you have existing, architectural design, age of home, character distinctions all play a factor in selecting the appropriate vinyl replacement window. Some landmarked historical homes have specific regulations on the type of alterations that can be done to the exterior in order to keep it true to the original character, however most people will have no trouble installing vinyl windows in whichever style and design they want.
There are pros and cons to both varieties of windows. Wood windows have a more traditional and classic appeal. High quality hardwood can last many decades and insulates well when properly maintained. Wood does require regular maintenance and upkeep to protect against moisture (warping, rotting, decay) and termite or carpenter ant infestation. With proper sealing and regular painting or staining, wood replacement windows will last a long time.
Vinyl replacement windows will also last for many years. It requires considerably less maintenance than wood, and costs a fraction of what wood frame windows cost. The only maintenance you will need to do in order to keep your windows in like-new condition is routine cleaning. You will never have to worry about painting or staining with vinyl which makes everyone happy.
Vinyl replacement windows can mimic the natural look of wood. This is important for those who want to keep their home looking traditional, but don't have the budget for high-quality hardwood. Wood replacement windows, however off the homeowner the ability to change the color of the window any time they wish with just a coat of paint. With vinyl, you will not have the option to change the color if you desire to someday down the road.
The main factors that will influence your decision to purchase either wood or vinyl replacement windows are budget, maintenance, architectural design, color range, insulation and soundproofing. Both wood and vinyl windows offer excellent insulation - and modern replacement windows are extremely energy efficient. Because vinyl windows have been made to look like wood, a lot of people opt for vinyl. However, those who want to stay within a traditional look will choose wood. Whichever material you choose, replacement windows will save you money on your fuel costs and provide your family with privacy, insulation and security and peace of mind.
Are vinyl window replacements worth it?
Purchasing new vinyl windows for your home may not seem like a necessity when it comes to improving your home, but I'll show you why replacing the old windows in your house can greatly improve the comfort and resale value.
Vinyl windows in particular can improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and security of your home. It can also reduce annoying outside noise and even improve the exterior looks of your house as well.
There are many other benefits of choosing vinyl windows that you should know about too:
First off, if you are considering the costs of your new windows you should keep in mind that this project may end up saving you money by lowering your fuel bills. If you're located in a cold wintery region, a great deal of energy is wasted every time winter rolls around. If heat is seeping out of windows all winter long, your heater must replace the air with newly heated air.
Also, the cold air that can seep through old windows can easily cool down a room, which means your heater must work harder and for longer periods of time in order to maintain a constant temperature.
Many vinyl windows can reduce the amount of UV rays that sneak into your home. UV rays are notoriously related to fading furniture, floors, photographs, and surfaces. Also, UV rays are commonly associated with many health risks as well such as skin cancer. If you would like to keep your family safe, and your furniture safe, having new vinyl replacement installed may be the best solution available for you.
The replacement of old windows may also be used as a security measure, along with being an energy efficient addition. Old windows usually have very weak locks that can easily be broken through by burglars. Older Windows sometimes do not even have any locking or safety system in place. Just having new looking vinyl replacement windows may alert potential burglars that you have strong windows. Burglars will often target homes with old windows because they are so easily broken into (and very quietly).
If you live on a busy street, you will definitely find the constant noise from your neighbors and your street to be fairly busy at times. If you add new vinyl windows to your home though, you will no longer have to deal with excessively loud neighbors or busy streets because most of the sound coming from the outside of your home can be eliminated through the use of vinyl windows with insulated glass. A standard clear vinyl window will not help much because it doesn't have the sound insulating properties that highly efficient windows today do.
If you're considering making significant improvements to your home, vinyl windows may be a perfect solution to do. If you're hesitant about the price of this type of product, you should keep in mind that this type of window is one of the most affordable window products you can purchase today. You'll be able to easily save the money you spend on your windows through the savings you obtain from the lowered fuel bills. The benefits of choosing vinyl windows can be fairly extensive but one of the most important benefits that you may see through the addition of this type of window to your home is an increase in the resale value of your home, higher curb appeal resulting in a quicker sale, and general comfort.
Check the links around my blog for more information and I'm sure you'll find more information about vinyl window prices and more information.
Vynal Windows, Vinyil Windows, Vinil Windows
Want to know how to spell it correctly? It's spelled "Vinyl Widows."
I can understand why people would have trouble spelling this word: 1. It's difficult 2. We don't use it that much.
Vinyl is actually a broad term of plastics and it's not just used for windows or siding; you'll also find that flooring, decks, railings, furniture are made out of vinyl.
Medical equipment is often made of vinyl too!
The most important thing to consider when considering vinyl windows is the quality of vinyl used.
Just remember, it's not spelld Vinal, Vinil, Vynal, or Vynil. It's Vinyl.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
What are the best brands of vinyl windows?
I have sold vinyl windows for the last 27 years, so I've seen an awful lot in this industry. I've seen windows that were touted as being the best, fail. I've also seen windows that no one has ever heard of last decades and are still going strong. It's important to really consider your options and do your research before selecting which vinyl replacement window you should choose, and you should always have numerous estimates from a reputable contractor (at least 3 but the more the better).
Don't be afraid to ask a bunch of contractors to come over and give you a free estimate, that's what their jobs depend on so they should be more than happy to spend some time with you showing you what they offer, what they can provide, and how much they will charge. You would be surprised to see the difference in prices that you'll get, often for the same materials and brands!
Anyways, as far as which vinyl window brands are the best, I'll give you the simple answers. I like things to be straightforward, don't you?
HIGHEST QUALITY VINYL WINDOW BRANDS:
Don't be afraid to ask a bunch of contractors to come over and give you a free estimate, that's what their jobs depend on so they should be more than happy to spend some time with you showing you what they offer, what they can provide, and how much they will charge. You would be surprised to see the difference in prices that you'll get, often for the same materials and brands!
Anyways, as far as which vinyl window brands are the best, I'll give you the simple answers. I like things to be straightforward, don't you?
HIGHEST QUALITY VINYL WINDOW BRANDS:
- Okna
- Sunrise
- Gorell
- Soft-Lite
HIGH QUALITY VINYL WINDOW BRANDS:
- Simonton
- Great Lakes
- Alside
MEDIUM QUALITY VINYL WINDOW BRANDS:
- Jeld-Wen
- Traco
- Atrium
- Certainteed
- Comfort Windows
LOWER GRADE VINYL WINDOW BRANDS:
- Dove
- Syron
- Eco-Shield
- Farley
- Ply-Gem
- Pella Thermastar
Alside Windows MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS FIRST
READ THIS FIRST before purchasing Alside windows!
Have you been shows Alside windows recently by a contractor or salesperson? This article you're about to read will give you the information you need to know about Alside Windows without coming from an Alside representative or dealer. I'll include truthful reviews, ratings, information and prices of Alside Windows so that you can be sure you're getting the product you're expecting (or not).
I am in no way affiliate with Alside Windows,
so you'll get a very honest opinon about them here.
Alside is a company that has been around quite a long time, I believe they first started in 1947. They are based in Akron Ohio and sell their windows through a network of dealers that span the entire continental U.S. Chances are that there is an Alside Window dealer near wherever you are located. You won't ever find Alside Windows in a box store so they aren't as familiar to homeowners as Andersen or Pella for instance, but they are actually a higher quality t
han the brands you typically see sitting on the shelves of Home Depot or Lowes.
There are numerous benefits and disadvantages of purchasing and having Alside Windows installed into your home. I'll try to give you all the information you need so that you can be sure of what you're getting without relying on the salesperson's word alone.
Let's talk about what type of windows Alside makes first:
Alside Windows are made of all vinyl frames, they do not make wood or aluminum frames, but strictly vinyl. One big advantage of Alside Windows is that they are entirely made in America. They're also manufactured from scratch using raw materials (unlike most window manufacturers that piece everything together from different suppliers). This is good because it's both made here in America and also because they are very consistent and give peace of mind that the window design will not be discontinued in forthcoming years.
The range of quality that Alside makes is unique. Alside manufacturers windows that would be considered lower "builder quality" up to high end super efficient windows that will rival the best of them. That's part of the reason that it's difficult to judge the quality of an "Alside Window" without knowing exactly which window model we're talking about. Also, the design model can have various different energy grades of glass, so that even further complicates the issue, but it's ok because I can still help you determine whether you're getting a good deal or should do better (or not do it at all.)
The window that you see installed above is an actual NEWLY installed Alside window that I photographed last year. This window was installed less than a week before I took this picture believe it or not. The reason it looks so bad is because they installed a brand new Alside Window (the Excalibur series) but just caulked it to the old exterior casings without first removing the old caulk. It looks terrible doesn't it?
The window itself is a mid-grade quality model which means it's not anywhere near the best, but it's not in the lower level range that most windows are. Regardless of the quality of the window though, it's the poor installation and lack of concern that is unacceptable in this case. The homeowner simply told me that they went with the "cheapest guy possible." They thought that all windows were the same unfortunately.
When you contract someone or even consider hiring someone, make sure that they plan to re-do the whole exterior casings and remove the old ones, not just slap your new Alside Window in and leaving the old capping still sitting there. Don't make the mistake that this homeowner in the picture above did.
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