Discussion Board Forum for Vinyl Windows

I haven't posted here for awhile because I'm so blasted busy. But it's nice and quiet in the office this morning. So I'll offer my nickels worth on this one. I've installed a couple jobs with the Pella Impervia window. I haven't had an issue with any of them at all. They aren't the most beautifully ...

Filling the weight pockets is definitely something you learn as you go. I can't even try to figure out how many of these I've done over the years. I think we've tried every method possible to fill these voids. There are a couple easy ways to do it that we've found. The first method can be a bit diff...

I base all our installs on the interior finish. If the existing window has stops that are built into the frame or has to be cut in order to install the new window, we do it from the outside. When you cut the inside stops out or have to remove the trim to get at the stops, it's time consuming and mes...

I agree with W4U on the Winter installation. The entire installation process changes for us when the cold weather hits us here in MN. During the warmer months we have one installer just tearing out windows. Another installer will start installing the widows right behind him. Depending on the window ...

I can't believe anyone has been in the trade for 30+ years and never insulated the weight pockets. Sounds like a salesman who's new to the trade. Removing the windows would be suspect to damage. The best way to do it is like NEPA stated, removing the interior casing. It comes off very easily if you ...

Once you hire a Licensed Contractor to do your work, your safe in most states. If the company you hire is licensed in your state the burden becomes theirs. If you hire someone non-licensed the rules change because they really become your employee. The WC laws were made to protect employees on the jo...

Patty, Do your windows have interior trim around them or do you have a drywall return? If you have interior trim (or sometimes called casing) it's easy. Just leave the wire under the window in a corner. Then when you decide to activate an alarm system all the installer has to do is remove the trim b...

Any installer ordering tight fit windows sets themselves up for serious issues. When ordering insert windows I always subtract a 1/2" in width and height, depending on the sill slope. If there's a sloping sill I only subtract a 1/4". You have to allow room for proper shimming and insulatio...

The area your speaking of is called the "Weight Pocket or Weight Cavity", not sash. The sash is the portion of the window with the glass that you lift up & down. The weight cavity should always be insulated when replacement is done. The area is more like 4" x 4" on the outsid...

tdrewk11, the Schuco window can be installed just like any other new construction window. Back caulk the fin with silicone (100%) and set it in the opening. You'll need to shim the window square and level with spaces on all four sides to add insulation. It's pretty much a two man operation with one ...

DerbyDad, don't beat yourself up on a mistake that's made all the time. Most of us never use the head expander for the same reason you've found. It looks horrible and throws the inside of the window away from the stop at the top of the opening. It's a waste of vinyl as far as I'm concerned. You woul...

We use Great Stuff in the blue can. It's a polyurethane foam that repels water and stops air infiltration. The Dow product isn't a good choice (no disrespect to you in anyway W4U) we found that the Dow product (that cleans up with water) works like a sponge when cured. Put some in a clear plastic cu...

Happ44, The Simonton window that's made for HD is a good window, if you get the best one they offer. I'm not up to date on what HD offers but they used to have a Good, Better, Best choice for their customers. This is the same deal Sears used to offer their customers also, because they're pretty much...

Kimmer, I'm a little baffled that they aren't using Low Expansion Foam around their windows. It's a known fact that fiberglass insulation does not stop air infiltration. I know I've never seen anything on a Schuco window stating anything about warranty void if foam was used. I've installed the Schuc...

Kimmer, If you have an installer from MN telling you fiberglass insulation is the way to go, send them packing. Any good installer knows low expansion foam is better in every way. It can be a bit messy at first, but you learn how to use it without issues after time. Survivor, the OC window listed th...