Discussion Board Forum for Vinyl Windows

If there is evidence of air infiltration, the lack of insulation is not the problem. As I've learned in this very forum, insulation will not stop air flow, only slow it down.

It's the caulking/sealant that stops the air. Hopefully they are sealed enough to create the desired dead air space.

Does the Simonton 5500 have a name? Something like Prism Bronze or Prism Platinum?

You said "they were a tight fit"... The instructions for my Simonton windows state: "If gaps between the unit and the opening are less than 1/8" the unit may not require insulation. When this occurs Simonton recommends an exterior and interior perimeter seal to create a dead air ...

You said you're not comfortable with home visits yet, but that might be the best idea. Perhaps the pros won't like this, but why not have a couple of home visits so you can learn what you need to know before you start your research? I didn't even know what questions to ask until I talked to a window...

I'm taking off the storms and painting the exposed wood, not wrapping it. The windows were measured just inside the sill and made 1/2" shorter than the rough opening. That measurement seems to be correct, but had I thought about not using the head expander before hand, I would have added a 1/2&...

Thanks Randy! I'll call hem in the morning and see if I can get a copy. I was looking at the Simonton site and they have link to the same Remodeling Online page that you sent me to. It'll be intersting to confront them with their own ad if it does indeed contradict their e-mail to me. BTW I replied ...

I'm installing some Simonton windows and I've hit a snag. I want to raise the window up so I can avoid using the head expander. When I raise the window high enough so that it is behind the upper stop, the sill expander that snaps into the bottom exterior of the frame is off the sill by about 3/8&quo...

Randy,

Do you know where I can get a copy of Remodeling Contractor, perhaps on-line?

I'd love to see the ad so I can point it out to Simonton.

I love a good fight!

I e-mailed Simonton customer service about the use of Great Stuff Window and Door foam with Simonton windows. My main question was whether or not acetone would damage the vinyl. The Great Stuff can says that uncured foam can be cleaned with acetone. Here is the response: "We do not suggest usin...

Vinyl windows are made from PVC, right? Simonton and DOW both told me that it's safe to clean uncured foam from vinyl windows with acetone. This site says acetone should never be used with PVC. What am I missing? http://www.coleparmer.com/techinfo/ChemCompResults.asp The Material Selected PVC Intera...

2 foam related questions: The Great Stuff for windows (blue can) can says uncured foam can be cleaned with acetone. Can I assume that the acetone will not harm the vinyl? I've been practicing trying to neatly fill a 1/8" gap with the supplied straw and it's pretty tough, even after pinching the...

Just to let you know that bronze replacement windows are available... Visit their sites to find a dealer in your area. http://infinitywindowsbyhws.com/News.asp http://www.harveyind.com/product_info/vinyl_replacement_windows/classic_double_hung.asp http://www.milgard.com/getting-started/compare-our-p...

When I remove my aluminum storms, I expect to have bare wood stops.

Should I prime these stops prior to installing the windows? Will this help the caulk retain some of its moisture?

I'll take recomendations on caulk brands also. The stops will eventually be painted white.

As always...thanks!

Window4U - Thanks for your last response re: the expander header. Now I have some insulation questions - If my windows come 1/4" narrower than my rough opening, I should have a gap of 1/8" or less on each side. I read somewhere (this forum?) that gaps of 1/8" do not need to be insulat...