8 Easy Things You Can Do To Make Sure Your
Strathcona County Replacement Windows
Have Been Installed Properly

Don’t Let Bad Installers
Take Your Money

Everyone’s heard horror stories about bad replacement windows in Strathcona County. Installers who did sloppy work, installed faulty products, or created more problems than they solved have caused nightmares for neighbors.

You don’t want this to happen to you, but you can’t go without replacing your windows forever. Doing these simple checks can bring peace of mind to your project. The easiest way to ensure a great window experience, though, is to hire an installer that demands perfection, like GreenFox Windows & Doors.

Before The Window Replacement Company Leaves

These first four checks can be completed before the installers even leave. If anything has gone wrong, spotting the problem right away can avert major headaches down the line.

Many of these things are checks that good installers perform as they go along, but an extra set of eyes never hurts. GreenFox Windows & Doors performs these tests after each window is installed – so you can rest easy and relax while the work continues.

Look For Gaps

Take a good look at your windows, paying special attention to where the window frame meets the surrounding walls and the places where there are moving parts.

A well-installed window will fit snugly into its opening, and the sections of the window that open and close won’t be loose or move in any unusual ways.

If a window is poorly installed or of bad quality, you may notice gaps where the window frame meets the wall or parts that don’t seem to fit together right.

Test Operation

Open and shut each window a few times before your installers leave, testing all parts of the window.

All of the window’s tracks, hinges, latches, safety locks, cranks, and other mechanical parts should move smoothly and stay firmly in place. If there are problems with any of these items, have one of your installers take a good look at them.

Inspect Caulking

Look at the caulk that seals the junction between your window and wall. An experienced installer should be a pro at caulking.

You should see a smooth, uninterrupted line that goes around the entirety of your window. Don’t be afraid to grab a stepladder and look at the top of your window frame, too.

Patchy, sloppy, or missing caulk around the window is a bad sign. While re-caulking may be a simple fix, a rushed job can be a real red flag when it comes to window installation.

Level Check

Look at your windows, and make sure they seem level. If you have an accurate level around the house, set it on any flat surfaces of your window to make sure everything’s square.

Your window installers should be using levels of their own, but true professionals always welcome an extra check.

If your windows aren’t level, that can indicate poor workmanship or, worse, structural issues with your home.

After Your Replacement Window Installation

Checking your windows in the days after installation lets you catch any possible issues early. If you spot any of these problems, be sure to take advantage of your windows’ warranties. The right company will offer a great warranty like ours.

Watch out for companies that offer bad (or no) warranties. With an installer like that, you’ll be in a real bind if your windows fail any of these checks.

Water Leakage Test

Wait for rain, or spray your windows with a hose (from the outside, of course). Inspecting your windows from the inside for any signs of water entering through the windows can reveal whether any issues are present.

These sorts of window failures can lead to serious water damage, so check your windows thoroughly. Just make sure to wait until the caulk has properly set before you do this.

Feel For Drafts

Put your hand around the edges of the windows, or see how you feel when you’re sitting near them. If you can feel air coming through any hard-to-see gaps, you’ll need to make sure your windows are properly sealed.

Condensation Check

If you notice a little condensation on the inside or outside of your windows now and then, it isn’t the end of the world. But if you see condensation between your window panes, you have a serious problem.

Condensation between window panes means a failed seal or manufacturer defect – and it can greatly compromise your window’s ability to insulate your home. If you spot this issue, get in contact with your window replacement company right away!

Energy Bill Monitoring

Keep an energy bill from the month before your project and compare it to the one the month after your project. (Exclude the bill from the month your project was completed.) Alternatively, you could compare the month after your installation to the year before’s bill for the same month.

Your energy bills should go down after replacing your windows. If your energy bills have gone up without a good explanation, your installers may have improperly installed your windows, causing air leakage and lowering your home’s energy efficiency.

When it comes to replacement windows in Strathcona County, you should hire a company you trust. Even the best can make mistakes, though. These simple checks can make sure everything goes smoothly. If you’re ready to get your free quote, call GreenFox Windows & Doors at (587) 809-5694 (NORTHERN AB) (825) 862-0070 (SOUTHERN AB).