Why should you hire a Window Professional to Install your replacement windows?
When it comes to replacing the window in your home finding an installer you can trust can make the difference between a dream job and a nightmare situation.
What are some of the benefits of a professional installation?
- Guaranteed Correct Sizing
- Proper Flashing and Water Proofing
- Full Warranty Application
These are all issues that APlus has witnessed in the Richmond area when a window is not properly installed. If you want to avoid costly surprises then you may want to think twice before installing windows on your own or hiring a guy who can “also install replacement windows”.
Guaranteed Correct Sizes
There are a lot of standard sizes in the world of windows, a common mistake is assuming that all your windows are one of those standard sizes. This can result in a window being significantly smaller than it could be, or too big that it won’t fit the opening. A properly sized window should be just small enough to fit inside of your existing opening while allowing for a minor amount of space around the frame to allow for expansion and contraction. If its too tight then your window may become difficult to open in warmer weather. Too small and your will feel it when a cold breeze hits the frame. There are plenty of examples that we have seen over the years of a window being well off form its best size and the installer, eager to finish the job, just makes it work, often with a sloppy result. Don’t let that happen to you. Trust the professional installers and measure technicians at APlus Windows.
Proper Flashing and Water Proofing
When it comes to water there are a few things that all window installers know. It will always flow downhill and it can create quite the mess if it gets behind something that lets it do its damage without being detected. Think about the vinyl window, that cannot rot, but sits inside of a wooden frame that can. Improperly installed windows can be a danger to the exterior walls of your home. An improperly caulked and sloped installation can allow water to get in behind your flashing and beside your window slowly rotting the wall until the result eventually becomes visible (usually inside the house). These issues do not usually happen quickly and by the time the issue is discovered you could be left on the hook to fix the costly mistake of an amatuer window installer.
Full Warranty Application
Window warrantys can great offering peace of mind knowing that if you should have issues with your investment there is a way to get the parts to fix it on the manufacturers dime. Manufacturers may have a way to get themselves off the hook though. Most manufacturer’s warranties state that the window must be professionally installed in order for their warranty to be in affect. That means that if you are not able to show that your window was indeed installed by a professional window installer, the manufacturer very well may make the claim that your issue is due to an improper installation and refuse to honor your warranty. Further more, a professional installer often has the contacts with these manufacturers to not only help you make sure the correct parts get ordered under your warranty (how many home owners know to ask for a new block and tackle balance system when they window doesn’t stay up), but they also have skills and familiarity with the window to make the repairs for you.