I have been installing new construction windows in my home as part of an ongoing (and going on too long) overall renovation. After purchasing a new bay window, I decided because of the weight and unfamiliarity with such an install I’d go ahead and hire a professional. Suffice it to say that due to lack of communication between myself and the supplier, and the installer, there was a major problem. Though I was pleased with the appearance and quality of the finishing work on the outside, it was with my great disappointment to find inside that I could not close the side windows and that the sashes formed an obvious angle with the frame. Also, the bottom sill was warped. My window was sagging. Checking around it was concluded that the installer probably didn’t install the cable support system. When I called he told me that there were no cables in the box when he opened it. I was suspicious. I called the supplier and discovered that Marvin does NOT automatically send the cables with unit. It needs to be ordered separately. The installer assumed that with no cables it was a self supporting unit. The supplier assumed that cables came with the window automatically.
The installer has commited to fixing the problem and getting the cables installed. My question is can it be done without ripping out the finished “boxed out” areas of the window below and above? I was thinking of cutting out a circular opening under each mullion where the cables are inserted and opening the roof decking above the window to access the cables and install the cable clamps from above. After doing so, HOPE that the window can be lifted to square and plumb by tightening the cables despite the window being trimed out and “finished” on the outside.
Sorry for the long post. As usual, your thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated.
Replies
I'd call Marvin and ask for the best approach.
And did you look at the install instructions? They should have explicitly stated the need for cables -- if not give Marvin the what for. If cables were explicitly called out then clearly the installer screwed up.
Also, you should consider jacking the window from the outside while tightening the cables.
tough situation.
The few I've put in have had cables-they were Andersen's.
If you installed it on a site built bump out platform, framed accordingly, the of course you wouldn't need to hold it "up".
I'm thinking he should have known, as did the salesman who should have asked-hung or framed under?
Marvin of course could give a shit, but I imagine that in the install instructions there has to be in at least BOLD letters-for platform set only UNLESS you use cables to hold it up..............................or brackets (which can't be just cut out corbels for decoration.
Best of luck on the repair.
Marvin Bay
Just wanted to thank DanH and Calvin for their response. IT IS definitiely a tough situation. I wonder if I should seek "contributions" from my supplier and the installer to pay for a Marvin Certified contractor to make it right.
Jerry
Well.........
Jerry,
I was assuming the installer was going to make it right..................I don't know it's all his fault, as he was given the product by you-am I right with that?
He could perhaps assume that it was what it was.......
But anyone who's put these things in should know that you either set it on a wall with floor below, or you bracket it or return brace it back to the house or you hang it. So, no hanger you make the call back to you the "contractor".
If he supplied the window and the install, it's definitely on him.
Marvin, fat chance. If anything-they give you the hanger.............but if they just once say in the instructions-any of the above scenario, then that leaves them off the hook.
The supplier, if you've purchased any volume from them and they know you're not a builder they should damn well tell you the above parameters.
Depending on how all the above pans out, responsibility has several places to land, but could very well land on your shoulders-the purchaser and the "contractor".
Tough lessons are often hard to stomach.
Best of luck.
Calvin's question
Hey Calvin,
I bought the window and stored it until I secured a contractor to install it. Unfortunately, the supplier did not advise me as to the options for installation (hanging, setting in wall with floor below, or "bracket it or return brace it back to the house"). In fact, I reviewed the order before pulling the trigger and "ASSUMED" everything I would need to install the window would come in the box. This supplier knows that I do much on my own so perhaps they thought I knew best. Still, they should have told me that the cable system was not part of the order and asked me if I needed it. Oh well. I believe you are right that the ultimate responsibility resides with the homeowner in this particular case.
Thanks again for the feedback and your thoughtful words.
Jerry
Jerry
Thank you,
and don't be a stranger here. A calm mind and clear explanation is a real treat at Breaktime.
Best of luck.