It’s almost Halloween, and so today we’re sharing with you some truly terrifying tales. Cue the spooky organ music, because we’re about to tell you about scary things that can happen when you DIY window installation!
We can understand the appeal of installing your own windows. Many visitors to our Apex, NC area window store believe that they can save money and time by installing their own windows.
But, read on to learn about just some of the frights that DIY window installers have faced.
1. Water Seeps Into Your Walls
Many people watch our installation crew work and say that lifting and setting a window squarely into frame must be the hardest part of the job.
But, our foreman and his window installation team will tell you that caulking their finished work is the part of the job that requires the most skill.
That’s because a poor caulk job is more than just unsightly. If you aren’t thorough and exacting in your caulk application, small gaps or micro-tears in the caulk job will allow water and moisture to permeate the seal and seep behind your window.
Over time, the buildup of water around your window will penetrate your walls, leading to rot in your drywall and possibly in the wall studs.
Unfortunately, we are often called in to replace windows when homeowners see signs of moisture damage in their walls. In most cases, when we learn that these homeowners had attempted DIY window installation at some point. The culprit for their rot is usually poor caulking.
2. Your Windows Aren’t Airtight (Which Means They Aren’t Energy Efficient)
A DIY window installation may sound like a great way to save money. But, we encourage you to consider the costs you’ll face if your installation isn’t perfect.
We know, nothing in this world can be truly perfect.
But a properly installed window is the closest thing we’ve seen.
A properly installed window is one that’s plum, level, and square. To achieve this precision requires extensive measuring across angles and planes. It also involves accurate shimming, which is a craft unto itself.
If homeowners attempt DIY window installation and don’t achieve this ideal balance, a lot of bad things can happen.
Their windows may:
- Be hard to operate (becoming ‘stuck’ when opened)
- Fail to latch
- Allow water and moisture to enter the home
- Develop gaps allowing air to flow into the home
If you’ve read our guide to energy efficiency in windows, you know that installation is a key component in achieving your window’s stated energy rating.
If your window isn’t installed properly, it will not be as energy efficient as advertised. Poor installation of energy efficient windows will, over time, cost more in heating expense than a less energy efficient window would cost.
In short, it makes very little sense to buy an energy efficient window and install it yourself. You are negating the cost savings you just paid for.
Bad DIY Window Installation Can Damage Windows Beyond Repair
In extreme cases, we have seen shoddy DIY window installations result in damage to the window unit so severe that the window had to be replaced.
We have plenty of examples of this. Recently, we visited a homeowner who noted extreme warping of their windows. The corners of the unit were intact, but the window bowed out in the middle to the point that it was expanded beyond the casing.
We learned that, during DIY window installation, this homeowner had used expandable foam during installation. Professional window installers know that non-expandable foam is essential to use during installation. Expandable foam will expand to fill any available space. This homeowner’s windows were compressed by the foam, and caused the window to bow.
Unfortunately, this homeowner’s ignorance of the right products to use during DIY installation wound up meaning a full replacement of all the windows in their home.
Summary
Replacing your windows shouldn’t be scary. That’s why you need to work with a team you trust, who will ensure that every step of your window selection and installation is flawless.
When you’re ready to trick-or-treat yourself to new windows, fill out the form below to tell us what you need.
We’ll make sure your new windows look gourd-geous!
Happy Halloween!
