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Replacement Windows Problems
Read consumer reviews of replacement windows problems and how they handled them.
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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
Replacement Windows and Heat
A specific question: I moved into the house I'm in about two years ago, and had a building evaluation (quasi inspection) done. The fellow told me that I should be careful when getting replacement windows, due to the solar incidence on the east side of the house (in addition to being on the east side with direct solar impact, it also is close to a lake that reflects sunlight and UV, from early morning to noon, onto the east side of the house).
Are there window materials that do better in this environment than others? The evaluator thought the additional heating to the east windows would be a factor to consider when specifying replacements.
Dan - Homeowner - from 2022
[Site Editor's Answer]
Dan, I would say that a top tier vinyl window should be able to take that sort of heat. What I wouldn’t do is use a dark colored vinyl on the outside — this can void the warranty and over time because the dark color attracts so much heat that the frame can begin to bow. Vinyl has come a long long ways, but it still has some limitations. In the case of severe heat, most homeowners should consider aluminum clad windows. These aren't very energy efficient (although they have also come a long ways since the 1950s), but they are strong as heck.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2022
Remove & Clean Slider Window
We have had these windows for at least 20 years. While trying to clean the windows from the inside, I slipped the window out of plastic notched holder at the top & the notched holder at the bottom of the right sided window. How do we get the window back in the holders? Because the metal is at least 1/8” longer than the window width we can’t get the window back on track. Besides all of this, we are elderly & the window is heavy. There are screws on the side at the top & bottom. Do these loosen the metal prongs?
Please help. Thank you.
LaVerne - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Hi, maybe try this link on youtube. It's entitled "How to Remove & Clean Slider Window Tracks & Frames"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0E7uOQazHc
If this doesn't help, you could go to yelp.com and look for a local window repairman. Call them up and ask them the question — they might be able to explain the process over the phone. If it's complicated, they may be able to fix it for you for a nominal fee. Try to get a price up front if possible.
All The Best,
Dane - Site Editor - from 2019
Wrong Patio Door Ordered And Installed
We recently ordered many windows and a sliding glass door for the patio. The door opens left to right but the salesman ordered the door to open right to left. Even the foreman who came to measure noticed it was ordered backwards. When the door arrived, it was still backwards. The crew said nothing. Instead of ordering the right door, they turned the door upside down and installed it. We immediately complained to the foreman and the owner, both said that doors are built to be installed either way, so they are not going to replace it and make it right.
Do we have a legitimate complaint? I don't want a door with the etching upside down in my line of sight and an upside down handle and lock. We paid over $1500 for the door and just want it done right.
Nanci - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Answer]
I think you have a legitimate compliant, they ordered the door wrong. Now how do you get it fixed?
The foreman has a boss and I'd tell him that they need to fix it because you paid $1500 of your hard earned money for it. Be nice about it, but if he says "no," tell him you will need to talk with his boss about it. If the boss won't budge, you are stuck. You could always lodge a complaint with the BBB or threaten it and see how this plays. I hate this stuff, but it happens all the time.
I've never heard of a door being able to be installed either way.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Whistling Windows
Hi Dane, We had 9 windows installed in July 2015 & most of them whistle, all of the have condensation. The installer came back & chalked everything he thought might be the problem (DID NOT WORK). Another guy (from Alside) came out & replaced two sashes (AGAIN, DID NOT WORK) same problems!!! I replaced one window 10 years ago with some cheap window from Busy Beaver and it's doesn't sweat or whistle & I never installed a window before. Sooo frustrating. The recent high winds the last couple of days made it hard to sleep or hear the TV. It sounds like the house is haunted. One note, I opened the window from bottom & whistling continued. I open the top same thing but when I opened both at same time it stopped. That tells me it the windows not the trim. Please help!!!
Mark - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
Mark, without seeing the problem, I can't really diagnose it. It could simply be the way the windows sit in the frame, but I would tend to say that the installers screwed up, especially considering that you installed a window and haven't had any issues. Whistling comes from air passing over an open gap so there are plenty of places for this to happen (it's a similar concept to blowing across the top of a bottle). Unfortunately, since you've had the installer and Alside come out, I'm not sure what relief you are going to get beyond what they've done.
You can find an independent installer and pay them for an hour of their time to come out and give you an opinion. The other option is to call local companies and ask for a bid on replacement windows (even if you're not in the market). They're free and you are going to get unbiased opinions. I would also suggest taking some video of the windows with your phone to show anyone who comes out exactly what the problem is.
I wish I had better advise for you, but this is probably what I would do.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Related Topics: Alside Windows Reviews