Help!!!! Windows?

Garrett

I do not know where to start.....
If you were to go to a house built in the last 5 years, and customer came to you and asked you to fix a broken window, and this window that needs to be replaced is a standard new construction vinyl window with a nail flange and no built in J- channel. what would you offer to replace it with?

You ask, whats this guys point?
My point is I want to replace it with another new construction window. I would remove the siding, install new window, use flashing tape and re-lap the housewrap, and re install the siding. To me this is a no brainer. BUT! the catch-22 is i do some work for a big box store and this job went through them, and they want me to cut the old window out build a wood box and put a replacement window in and cap the exterior? IS THIS A STANDARD PRACTICE? and i am the one in the dark? any imput good or bad would help.

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DavidC

Get the manufacturer's installation instructions for the brand your dealing with. Have the install manager (or whatever the title) show you where in the instructions they accept this as an approved practice. I think he will back track, they can't knowingly ask you to install anything contrary to the instructions. If they insist on their plan, insist on a release of liability waiver.

Do you know what the problem is with the existing window? My first thought is that it probably does or will affect more than one window.

Good Luck
Dave

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user38755

This seems to be standard operating practices for most large installation companies. You have the right idea though. They only want you to turn a profit for them. I have repaired many installed just as you describe. They all leaked somewhere. And the damage caused over time would most likely be to more than just the window. We have dug all the way to rotten flooring and sills. Just make it very clear to who ever is responsible for the project what your objections are and why.

Garrett

the reason for the customer wanting to replace the window which is actually 2 double hungs mulled together, is the upper (sash)? on one window has broken glass. I was thinking a glass co. could make a new one but I am not supposed to un-sell a job

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Garrett

thanks for the replies! I was hoping that someone that did windows day in and out would give their imput. I do like the idea of someone shoing me in the install instructions where a replacment window was designed for this? only way i see a replacement window is taking out wood saches and installing a replacement pushing it out to the blind stop.


thanks again!

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72chevy4x4

this probably doesn't 'benefit' you, but open the upper sash and look for a manufacturer's label at the top of the channel. If one is present, it would have details which would help to reorder a replacement sash. Seems a little silly to replace the entire window when the broken sash can be taken out and replaced.

HomeSealed

It is not uncommon or incorrect to build a buck frame and use a replacement style window in many applications..However, if the rest of the windows in the home are installed in a different manner and would look totally different, I don't see the logic behind that. To me, it is about the same amount of work either way. In fact, there is probably less cost in material by r&i-ing some siding and making it match. It was probably just a salesman who sold the job and didn't know what he was talking about.

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HomeSealed

...also, as previously mentioned, you should be able to just get the customer a new sash being that they are fairly new. I assume that you aren't in a position to make that call though.

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A W Smith

Isn't the window sized and sold already? did the salesman size the window or are you measuring it? does the homeowner understand that it is not going to match all the other windows in the home from the exterior? It is common for glass shops to re glaze replacement window sashes. The glazing stops usually snap off from the outside. If you are dealing with a salesman's commission you may be committed to replacing the unit as its not your sale. It will take just as long to unzip the siding and replace with a new construction flanged window as it would be build a jamb and then have to cap and J it. Twin windows from a home center will probably not come mulled. They will come with an H mullion seperate. Even with new construction. You will probably have to cut away the side nailing fin to use the H mullion and caulk the top where they join or water will flow down the H mullion and get inside at the sill.

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jocobe

How will the homeowner feel, if he finds out after the job, how much more cost effective it would've been just to replace the sash/glass? How will that play out if he vents to his friends and neighbors?

You can replace the sash or take the sash to a glass company for repair. I'm replacing two pieces of glass today from a 'break in' called in last night.

You can charge a hefty hourly rate for service work, so it's not like you're doing it for free.

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Jake Stevens

Can you post a picture of the house.

Garrett

thank you to all who replied! I have lost this job(re-assigned) to another installer and will probably be black balled out of the window install program due to me not just doing as told. Being that i am a sub-contractor for them i cannot lower my standards just to get the job. I feel that a sash replacement is the first option and then a new construction window and lastly a bucked frame and replacement window. I really hate that i am a part of a system that is taking away the work from local guys only to have them re distribut it at a lower cost to some of the same guys(me)and due to less pay the customer is getting less quality and so on....Sorry for venting,any questions i will answer.

Thanks

Dave

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grob62

I used to feel just as you do, however primarily a sub contractor, you are pretty much have to follow the old adage the customer is always right, and in this case your installation company or GC is your customer. Their customer is the home owner and it is not a good thing to do to tell your customer that he is wrong. It is even worse to tell their customer that they are wrong. The homeowner is probably not going to give you more business no matter what happens, the GC would but if you question them or make them look bad to their customers they won't.

As a sub you are free to not accept a job from your GC if you don't feel it's something you want to do. But I would pick my battles a little more carefully if I were you. This was not going to hurt anybody, it wasn't a safety issue, only a personal opinion issue. I have taken out some perfectly good windows and doors only to put in something that was far inferior and threw the better product in the dumpster. For instance I removed a beautiful Andersen French Wood sliding patio door and put in a crappy vinyl product because it was the job assigned to me. If I had refused to do this, somebody else would have done the job and the only difference was I would not have received a paycheck for it. If the homeowner didn't like it they would not have any recourse against you, they would deal with the GC.

As for Standard practice, I have buck framed and installed replacements hundreds of times. I actually like doing it because it's more labor that I can charge for. Maybe the HO will like it so much he will want all of his windows done that way.

I will tell you I totatly agree that this was not the way that "I" would have done it. But being part of a team means supporting the guy who pays you and backing him up. Get used to doing things the "wrong" way or else get used to being unemployed. It's all part of being a contractor.