topic Re: Three Year Old Windows Leaking ~ Anyone Else??? in Home

Three Year Old Windows Leaking ~ Anyone Else???

Julie928 — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 18:50:25 GMT

Next month will be three years since my husband & I had new windows installed for our home. We had the entire house done, trim & all to the tune of just under $35,000. We have only had minor issues (a lock breaking, slight draft) in the past and the company has always been really good about coming out & fixing the problem. In the past 2 weeks 3 of our windows have started to leak, the latest one just this morning. The first time the repair guy came out he blamed the roof. I told him it couldn't be the roof as we had a new roof put on the same year as the windows (try again, lol)! Then he blamed the vines from our ivy. I believed him (like an idiot) until the 2nd window started to leak. There isn't and never has been any ivy on that side of the house. He came out again and is now blaming our gutters. There is snow & ice build up in the gutters but every house on the block has the same issue and ironically we're the only one with leaking windows (and the only ones on the block with new windows). (I spoke with many of our neighbors to see if they were having problems.) When we do get ahold of the company we're told we will get a call back & never do. Now we're getting voice mail. I left a message this morning stating that if they do not honor the warranty (which is the law, per their repair guy) then we will have to take legal proceedings. This isn't a route I want to go but I don't know what else to do. I didn't spend that kind of money to stuff towels in the windows. Please know I understand this has been a rough winter but I still don't think three-year old windows should leak. I intend to give the company every opportunity to make this right, in the meantime I guess I just have to deal with it (and invest in lots of towels & buckets). The reason I am taking the time to post this is I am curious if any of you are experiencing the same issues we are. I am realistic enough to know that nothing is perfect. With me, it's all about customer service. Just fix the problem and I'll be happy. Thanks in advance for any replies or advice.

Re: Three Year Old Windows Leaking ~ Anyone Else???

Tzu4u — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:29:22 GMT

I think you have to figure out where the water is coming from. Is the water coming from snow on the outside of the windows, and the windows were not sealed properly? Is it from condensation from the cold outside, and the warmth in the house?

I would have a tendency to blame it on the ice in the gutters. The water has nowhere to go but soak into the house. Do you see any dark spots in the walls near the ceilings above the windows? Just type in 'ice damage to homes" and a lot of information comes up.

There are companies that will come and remove the snow and ice from your roof. It is happening all over here in Ohio. There was a big story on the news yesterday about the problems the ice is causing to homes. I doubt it is your windows.

Re: Three Year Old Windows Leaking ~ Anyone Else???

ChynnaBlue — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:43:46 GMT

I would get a second opinion and see what the new person says. If he or she agrees that the windows are the cause, get it in writing and take that to the window installation company. If the fault is with the windows, I would also ask them to reimburse you for the cost of the second opinion as well as repair the windows.

If that doesn't work, I would contact a lawyer and go to court. If the court finds in your favor and you can't get the money from them, I'd contact a local news agency and have them expose the company.

Re: Three Year Old Windows Leaking ~ Anyone Else???

Julie928 — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:51:50 GMT

Thank you both for your replies. I don't see any dark spots on the walls or the ceiling near where the leaks are occurring. After I posted this I did hear from them. They are coming out later this week and will pull the wood trim out from the windows and make sure they are still properly insulated, etc. At this point all I want is for them to do everything in their power to make sure the windows we are having trouble with were (and still are) properly installed. They may put some extra insulation around the outside of the windows as well. Once that is done if there is still a problem we'll handle whatever that may be. My biggest disappointment was having to beg, borrow & plead to get a call back and someone out here. Sometimes you just need to know that your issue is being handled and not swept under the carpet, so to speak...

Re: Three Year Old Windows Leaking ~ Anyone Else???

Kachina624 — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:32:14 GMT

I had a window leak and when I checked it outside, there was a gap in the caulking. When I re-calked, the problem was solved. The water went through the wall and soaked the floor; you saw nothing around the window itself. Could your water be coming from an ice dam under the shingles and down the inside of the wall?

Re: Three Year Old Windows Leaking ~ Anyone Else???

Tzu4u — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:32:32 GMT

http://www.wallsidewindows.com/hdesk_icedams.html

http://www.batticdoor.com/icedams.html

https://advice.thisoldhouse.com/showthread.php?110587-Help!-Heavy-Snow-Iced-up-Gutter-Leak-in-windows

Water in windows caused by ice dams.