Replies

1. 
   Jim_Orban | Nov 04, 2000 02:21am | #1

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   Barbara, you are looking at ALOT of problems down the road from this. these windows definitely need to be flashed acording to manufactures specs or it will void any warrantys for one thing and will leak for sure. INSIST that the builder installs correctly, take pictures, don't pay him until the work is done right. Not on the plans???? half of what is involved in building a house is not on the plans, i.e. staples on electric wires, corner bead tape and mud on drywall, tape on HVAC piping. This stuff is just part of the project. What about the building inspector, did he sign this off? you did pull permits right!!! If this guy is cutting corners on something as cheap as window flashing what else is he cutting out. sounds like a case of BUYER BE WARE.

   good luck

   Jim

1. 
   Dave_Richeson | Nov 04, 2000 04:35am | #2

   *Barbara, caulk is a maintenance item. It is never used in place of proper flashing. Remember the golden rule of construction; " he who has the gold, makes the rules!" Don't let your builder get away with this one or you will be hiring some schmuck like me to repair you still new home in a couple of years.

1. 
   Barbara_Eagan | Nov 06, 2000 06:50pm | #3

   *Yes the builder pulled permits. We have not had the final framing inspection yet and nothing has been mentioned to date by the building inspector(Orange County Florida) about windows. There have been numerous things she has had corrected, however. I will not pay until flashing is done. Thanks Jim.

1. 
   Jim_Orban | Nov 07, 2000 09:25pm | #4

   *Barbara, just a quick aside... go to the 'designers should use a hammer first...' thread to see about what's on plans and what's not and what we think of them.Jim

1. 
   Mike_Mahan | Nov 07, 2000 10:09pm | #5

   *The plans probably don't show any caulking either. I wonder why he bothered. For that matter I have never seen a set of plans that showed how windows were attached. Maybe he didn't use any fasteners. But the plans probably do call for installation according to manufactures specs or accepted practice. What he is trying get away with is unacceptable.

2. 
   Barbara_Eagan | Nov 09, 2000 05:48pm | #6

   *Jim, I cannot figure out how to find that thread you're talking about?The construction superintendant states the TyTek is sufficient sealing for the windows and that cap flashing on first story windows is all that is needed as the second story windows are under the eves. He said there have never been any leaking problems and he refuses to do anything about the windows. Any suggestions about how to force the issue? I don't intend to pay until I know things are right. Barb

3. 
   Michael_Eckert | Nov 10, 2000 02:17am | #7

   *Barbara,My first job was working in the engineering department of an aluminum window Manufacturer. One of the least favorite jobs was going out to a site to troubleshoot installation problems. Number one on the list? Improper flashing installations by the contractor.Call the manufacturer of the windows and ask for the name of the company president and their address. Send pictures and a nice letter detailing your concerns. If there is concern on their part a field representative will contact either you or the contractor.Best of Luck,Michael Eckert

2. 
   Barbara_Eagan | Nov 10, 2000 10:42pm | #8

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   My builder is installing the aluminum windows in my new home without the flashing or sealing shown on the window manufacturer's installation details. He states the plans do not call for this. The house is wood frame two-story with hardiplank siding, located in Florida. Two friends in the construction industry have told me wind and water will penetrate. I, of course, know nothing about construction. The guy performing the work states the installation is not correct, but the builder told him not to flash on the sides and rear of house as it is not on plans. They did flash the front bay windows. Any suggestions on how to deal with the builder on this or is caulking sufficient. Thanks. Barb Eagan