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Asking for someone who understands new windows

Footsox | Posted in General Discussion on October 4, 2021 10:10am

Hoping someone here can help.  We are in Florida and ordered new hurricane windows months ago.  They finally got them in stock and scheduled us for installation starting today. The windows are “hurricane impact windows.”  They have aluminum frames and then have a thick piece of pliable plastic between the panes of glass, so if flying hurricane objects hit the windows, the panes of glass might break, but the whole window will not blow out, and the window is held together with this pliable membrane.  OK.  So, some of our windows were supposed to have “Muntins” or grids – making it look like there are several panes of glass, or small windows.  Nowadays, there are not several panes of glass — they simply put the grids inside the 2 panes of glass, to make it look like there are several panes of glass.  So, when the windows arrived, they got the order wrong and none of them have the “muntins” or “Grids” – which is the look we are going for.  They are right now deciding what to do… the on-site supervisor said they could “glaze then after they are installed.”  Meaning, they would come back and add the grids, after the windows are installed.  I think this is just wrong.  I was under the impression that the grids are placed inside the panes of glass at the factory and then factory sealed.  Can anyone give me any more information on why I do not want them to come back after they are installed and add the grids?  I am not sure of the process, but it seems to me the would attach them somehow and caulk around the edges.  I certainly want them factory sealed….  Thank for any info.  I appreciate it.

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  1. User avater
    sawdust_steve | Oct 04, 2021 10:23am | #1

    Send thm back it needs to be done in the factory. Field glazing is never as good and there are no quality control processes in place

    1. Footsox | Oct 04, 2021 10:50am | #2

      Thanks Steve. I pretty much suspected that the factory built windows are better. I am getting my ducks in a row so I can intelligently argue with these window guys, because I suspect they would like to talk us into having them done after the fact, instead of re-ordering them. I would think if they glaze them after the fact, the warranty is a little iffy at that point. I am soooo unhappy with these people. Everybody else in town loves them. I understand that the window manufacturers have had a hard time getting materials, but there have been a few screw ups with this company. I am going to hang in there with them, but they are going to have to re-order the windows with the grids to be re-made at the factory. If anyone has any other "reasons" I need to discuss with them, please let me know. Thanks!!

      1. calvin | Oct 04, 2021 01:20pm | #3

        On special orders that every detail is written out on the order and you and whomever orders has a copy, proceed with gusto!

        Windows are nothing to compromise on due to a “mistake” . If you are not overly inconvenienced, I would advise in sticking to your decision.

        Our home built 30+ yrs ago had 1 Marvin casement that had another name written in marker on the jamb. It fit the order dimensions, size, color and hand. Why not throw in in the hole? Called the distributor and of course, it’s ok, same specs……

        Early low-E days. Hold a match up to the pane and one flame color should be different. That one shows you where the low-E coating is on which pc of glass. Well, no change in color. Still took a Marvin rep to confirm.

        Best of luck!

  2. nate0508 | Oct 04, 2021 04:13pm | #4

    I'm a bit confused... they are site glazing the grilles onto the exterior & interior of the window? Essentially you are going from "grilles between the glass" to grilles on the outside and inside of the glass?

    My only question (I'm not super familiar with Hurricane windows) but why can't the contractor install the windows that are on site and reorder just the sash from the factory and simply reinstall the sash w/ the grilles between the glass once they arrive from the factory? Going from factory installed Grilles Between The Glass to a site glazed solution is a huge change... if you are interested in the site glazed option I would ask for dollars to be taken off the window package. You are in the drivers seat and they will 100% sweeten the pot so they don't have to go back and reorder. Just my thoughts.

  3. florida | Oct 04, 2021 04:47pm | #5

    They aren't going to replace the glass, it doesn't come into play. The fake muntins are just glued to the inside and outside of the glass. No issues at all with doing a field install. There are also small, quarter-inch wide, pieces of aluminum around the edges that have to be replaced as well.
    I wouldn't give them another dime until they're fixed to your satisfaction but the lead time right now seems to be about 8 months for new windows.

    But, I know you didn't ask, but I'll tell you that we've never added muntins to a window but we've sure taken them off. They block an amazing amount of the view and light. I couldn't wait to replace or windows and get rid of the muntins. It also makes the windows hard to clean. I'd say you got lucky.

  4. Footsox | Oct 05, 2021 12:56pm | #6

    OK. A few details. The grids or muntins really go with the style of the house. Most window companies nowadays have them made inside of the panes of glass -- they are between the panes, so easier cleaning - you don't have to clean each pane, but it LOOKS like you have separate panes.... The window company is now telling us they can install the frames that are incorrect, and then install "glass packs" when they have been made. The new "glass packs" will have the muntins/grids between the panes of glass, and the whole "glass pack thing" will be installed within the frame... They said this would be just like replacing a broken window pane.... Does anyone know any more info?? I think we would like to insist on new "factory sealed" windows, but we don't really know why that is any different.

    1. florida | Oct 06, 2021 07:47am | #8

      What brand windows are you getting?

  5. triggerfinger | Oct 05, 2021 08:45pm | #7

    My recommendation is for you to have the windows replaced to meet your specifications. By adding an additional glass pane or two in the field and not the factory, may allow air leakage between the added panes and the original window which can cause fogging and moisture buildup. If you decide to go the way they are proposing, obtain in writing the window manufacturer’s warranty will not be voided, and the local jurisdiction/building inspector approves the assembly.

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