The loss and gain of heat through windows are responsible for between 25%-30% of heating and cooling energy use in a home. If you want to save money on energy bills, you need to get home window installation right.
Installing home windows properly is an important part of having a comfortable energy-efficient home, but making mistakes can cost you. Unfortunately, homeowners who try to handle window installation on their own often make big errors.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this window installation guide, we’ll list the 7 common house window installation mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Ignoring the Instructions
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when installing windows on a home is that they don’t follow the specific instructions from the manufacturer.
While window installations will be similar for all manufacturers, there are often small differences to take note of. Sometimes a window will need to be handled differently due to the materials used and its construction.
Be sure to follow the instructions for the manufacturer and be aware of all the different details that go into your window installation to make sure you get the job done right.
2. Making the Wrong Rough Opening Size
Another big mistake that homeowners make with window installations is that they don’t measure the rough opening properly and use the wrong size.
It’s important to measure a rough opening carefully during home construction and ensure that they’re the right size. Always follow recommended manufacturer sizes for rough openings and don’t make them too large or too small.
A rough opening should be just a bit wider and higher than the window itself. Make sure that you take the proper measurements when constructing the walls of the home to avoid issues.
In addition to this, make sure that the jambs are the right size as well. The sizing should be calculated properly before choosing a window to install.
3. Improper Use of Spray Foam
Not using spray foam correctly is also a big mistake to avoid when installing home windows.
Adding too much spray foam or using expanding spray foam around the window’s perimeter could cause problems and damage the window frame. If you use expanding spray foam, it could end up splitting and cracking the window frame and could even damage the window as well.
Don’t try to correct installation mistakes with spray foam as this could cause damage to untreated wood. While you can use spray foam to seal a window in place, you need to be sure to be picky about the spray foam you use.
4. Incorrectly Installing Weather-Resistant Barriers
Another common problem with installing windows is failing to take weather-resistant barriers (WRB) into consideration.
Whether-resistant barriers will do a lot to help to keep energy bills low and will prevent drafts and water leaks. Without sealing the WRB to the window frame correctly, there could be leakage and drafts.
Weather-resistant barriers should be installed properly so that they’ll do a good job of preventing the transfer of water and air. All dust and debris should be wiped away before installing flashing tape to ensure that there is a tight seal.
5. Failing to Install Nailing Fins Properly
When installing a window, you should also avoid installing the nailing fins improperly. Nailing fins help to secure the window and keep it together while you install the shims and screws.
Be sure to check the placement of the window carefully to ensure that it’s not out of place at all. Double-check that you’ve centered the window and that everything is completely level before fixing the nailing fins.
If the placement of the nailing fins is off or they’re slanted, there will be problems with your installation.
6. Not Installing High-Quality Windows
A big part of having a great window installation is simply making sure to install high-quality windows. Many homeowners regret not installing quality windows in the very beginning and they suffer for it for years to come.
Make sure that you make it a priority to invest in quality windows if you want to experience better energy efficiency and durability. Low-quality windows won’t do a good job of keeping your home energy-efficient and may not be worth the trouble.
Be sure that you’re only buying windows from reputable sellers and brands and be sure to inspect windows before installing them to identify issues.
7. Failing to Hire a Professional
In addition to purchasing high-quality windows, you should also be sure to use a professional installer.
While it will be more costly in the short term, hiring professional window installers can be well worth it in the long run. Hiring an experienced professional to install your windows can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
It’s important to get a window installation right the very first time, so you need to be sure that professionals handle the installation for you. If you make small mistakes or miscalculations, then it could end up being very frustrating to deal with. It could lead to reduced energy efficiency n your home and poor window functionality.
Make sure that you understand the benefits of hiring professionals for window installation. Remember that it’s usually best to avoid a DIY installation when it comes to the windows of your home.
Avoiding the Most Common House Window Installation Mistakes
If you want a house window installation to go smoothly, you should make sure that you don’t skimp on the details. Be sure to avoid the common mistakes listed above if you want to improve home energy efficiency and be satisfied with your home’s windows.
Are you trying to get help with window installation and repair in Grand Rapids? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.