What to do if you see a snap in replacement windows

Snap in replacement windows can be due to several causes. The most common of them all would have to be incorrect installation by the contractor. More often than not, it is not due to a manufacturing defect. If it is however, such as those that occur in cars, the company will recall all the products and replace you with brand new ones. This is very rare for windows though since a crack is very obvious to the human eye and the windows will not be shipped out in the first place. The first step you should take is to consult your contractor.

After installation, you may notice a snap in the frame of the replacement windows. Instead of a solid vinyl or aluminum frame, it looks like a crack ran through the grills. This is unacceptable of course because there may be leaks into your house when the rain comes. If you enquire about it to your contractor, there is a good chance he may admit to the mistake caused and offer to do a new one for you. There are inconveniences of course such as the waste left behind if he were to install it all over again. The real problem lies when he do not want to re-do the installation for you all over again.

It may not be of much help if you were to go to the manufacturer itself. True there may be a warranty, but chances are they will not replace your window if they find out the snap in the replacement windows is due to human fault and not their manufacturing defect. You may wish to give the NFRC a call to see whether they can help you settle such a dispute. Ultimately, it is the homeowner that loses out in terms of time wastage and additional cost incurred. The best thing to do would be to prevent such a case from happening at all.

After engaging the contractor, be at home when he has finished the job. Immediately, do careful and close inspection of the replacement window. Test for air leakages if the window is supposed to be air tight, snaps or cracks in the frame, broken glass etc. If you sense something is amiss, do not hesitate to ask and question the contractor. It is also good to hire contractors that are related to you in some way, such as your friends’ or relative’s recommendation. In this way, they are less likely to abscond on the job as they have a greater sense of responsibility.