We recently replaced all of our leaky Double Hung windows with "Renewal by Andersen" Double Hung.

The installers removed the old sashes and stops and inserted the replacement unit in the hole, and centered the window unit in the opening. I saw them plumb & shim the sides of the window directly behind the pre-drilled screw holes in the jamb. (actually they didn't use the middle screw hole.)


The team was being very frugal with the foam insulation between the units frame and rough opening, they only insulated the top and sides, leaving the area between the sill and the bottom of the replacement window totally open. Once they completed the installation; the only thing blocking the air flow underneath is the outside metal flashing and the wooden Stool on the inside.

I was very concerned by the incomplete foaming job but they assured me that they HAD to do it that way to prevent condensation. In their own literature it mentions improper installation can occur if the installer does not insulate fully between the window and the rough opening!

Now that it is below freezing our house is cold and drafty. Tonight its 32 degrees outside and using my infrared thermometer the walls and frame around the middle of the window is 64 degrees... But the window Stool measures 50 degrees. Some windows are even colder, you can feel a draft, I've even held a lit candle close to the window seams and the flame bent at the draft.


QUESTION:
Is it ever correct to leave the entire bottom uninsulated?

Um...No.

If anything, leaving that cold area will create the draft that will lead to condensation.

Since this is recent, I would be taking this up with the installation company.

I will be calling them, although all of the windows are cold, around the bottom, I've noticed a few of the replacement frames they installed are skewed, instead of a perfect 90degree rectangle, a few were installed as a parallelogram, so when the window is closed and locked the right side is raised 1/4" and the wind blows in. I have to put painters tape on the gap so my toes don't freeze.

Anderson makes a quality product. Even a great produce can be messed up with a bad install. Unless the install is totally independent and just buying Anderson windows, there is a relationship between the manufacturer and the installers. If the installers are screwing up, the manufacturer will drop them.

From what you describe, you definitely need to be contacting someone high up in the food chain.

Looks like your also posting on DIY Chatroom with the exact same question.
If so you left out the picture of the botched up wraping job they did and there leaving out the center screw in the jambs.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: joecaption,

quote:

Originally posted by Jaybee:
Anderson makes a quality product. Even a great produce can be messed up with a bad install. Unless the install is totally independent and just buying Anderson windows, there is a relationship between the manufacturer and the installers. If the installers are screwing up, the manufacturer will drop them.

From what you describe, you definitely need to be contacting someone high up in the food chain.

However, be careful in this case not to confuse the Andersen company with Renewal by Andersen, which is a franchise. They want you to believe they are Andersen, but they are not.

If the windows haven’t been installed and insulation isn’t top-notch, I would contact the guys at Anderson and ask them to fix it! And I’d suggest you do the same! We have been facing this kind of problem lately; the insulation seems to be sloppy in places. We’ll probably go for new vinyl windows. I’ve checked out championwindows.com championwindows.com; I’ve heard they send their guys over for free in-house estimates.

Taylor Rae, Renewal by Andersen is indeed an Andersen company, and they manufacture their own windows in different plants from the OEM builder plants. Fargo area instead of Bayport.

Andersen does not own contracting companies to install their products in any event, so even with a quality product like Andersen, Jeld-Wen, or Marvin, you need to check out the contractor with the city, state licensing board, and BBB. if you install the best products half-donkey with substandard procedures and materials, you still end up with (carp.)