Thread: Retro fit windows

Do any of you say anything about visible flashings or lack of in dealing with retro fit windows?

Thanks,
Mike

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Originally Posted by fritzkelly

I usually say something like:
Flush fin windows are installed in the existing window frames. Flush fin windows are vinyl or aluminum replacement windows that depend on caulking rather than flashing to prevent moisture entry. Keep the exterior frames well caulked to help prevent leaks.

Does that include Brick Veneer ?

The trouble with homes in the U.S. is that they're not built with cavity wall systems. A truly well built wall will have a veneer siding with drainage provisions built into it. Basically, walls that don't breath and drain will have moisture related problems. For those of you who doubt this, consider the buildings in Europe that are hundreds of years old.

In the U.S. the building industry has been "commercialized" and has gotten away from the science of construction. We wrap our homes in Tyvek because some company tells us it's the right way even though tried and true 30 lb felt paper is far superior. The caulk manufacturers sell us on the wonderful benefits of their products when in fact caulk is often responsible for moisture being trapped in walls. Our timber has been re-engineered to grow faster and as a result the wood is softer and less dense with less strength and an astonishingly quick decay rate. I'd have to say that our knowledge of construction has regressed, not progressed.

Well said Eric,

I typically see 50 + year old homes with little to no moisture issues if maintained due to wall cavity drainage plane construction practice, proper cladding installation technique and good quality older-growth lumber. The newer addition added to the 50 + year old home most often has moisture related problem due to the lack of the above - just had one today with termites in the 10 year old vinyl-sided addition due to a lack of proper ventilation, vapor barrier, etc. but the original house had never been treated and had no "bug" problems. They don't build em like they used too!

This is an auto-comment we put in whenever we see retrofit windows:

Note about retrofit (replacement) windows: Retrofit windows are inspected for proper operation and visible evidence of defects such as damage which results from leaks. This inspection report cannot guarantee against leaks. To do so would require water testing with specialized equipment by a specialist in this field which is beyond the scope of a home inspection.

Replacement windows are not flashed the same way as original windows. They are most often inserted into the opening of the old window and sealed with sealant. A leak at the original window may not be remedied by the installation of retrofit windows. It is important for you or a qualified professional to inspect the windows after the next rain for any signs of leaking. Failure to do so can result in property damage including damage to the framing members, flooring and drywall.

Where I am, we can go months or even years without heavy rain. The cause of a leak can go for years without being identified. If the original window had a leak, at the flashing for example, a retro fit window may not cure the problem. Since we don't water test, we have to disclaim this potential for hidden defects.

Originally Posted by Eric Barker

The trouble with homes in the U.S. is that they're not built with cavity wall systems. A truly well built wall will have a veneer siding with drainage provisions built into it. Basically, walls that don't breath and drain will have moisture related problems. For those of you who doubt this, consider the buildings in Europe that are hundreds of years old.

In the U.S. the building industry has been "commercialized" and has gotten away from the science of construction. We wrap our homes in Tyvek because some company tells us it's the right way even though tried and true 30 lb felt paper is far superior. The caulk manufacturers sell us on the wonderful benefits of their products when in fact caulk is often responsible for moisture being trapped in walls. Our timber has been re-engineered to grow faster and as a result the wood is softer and less dense with less strength and an astonishingly quick decay rate. I'd have to say that our knowledge of construction has regressed, not progressed.

Thats very interesting Eric, I learned something today