
No matter what type of task it is, there is always going to be that one DIY person that will attempt to do the job themselves even if they’ve never done it before and have no experience. Many people like to try certain renovation projects themselves in order to save themselves some money in having to hire a company to do the work. Window installation in Brampton is one of those tasks that a DIY type of person will try to do without any experience, and there are a number of mistakes that can potentially occur.
Installing your windows improperly can cause a whole bunch of different problems, such as:
- Water damage throughout your home
- Inefficient seal
- Skyrocketing energy costs from month to month
Window installation in Brampton is one of those things that is better left to the professionals. It’s not in the same category as painting a wall or clicking together some laminate flooring. Windows are a very expensive investment in your home, and because of that, you’ll want them installed right the first time so you don’t have to go back and try fixing your butchered installation job in the future when water is leaking into your home.
Sometimes people also run into the unfortunate circumstance of hiring a handyman or someone that said they knew how to install windows and they did the job wrong. This can also lead to just as many issues as trying to install them yourself. Window installers do the job for a living. They know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how. There are too many tiny mistakes that can ruin your window installation that it’s worth just spending the extra money to get them installed.
What Are Some Common Mistakes That Can Happen While Installing Windows?
Measurements
The first and foremost error that many people make when starting the window installation process is taking their measurements wrong. This mistake is easily avoidable, but it happens quite often among DIY people wanting to accomplish their own window covering ideas. Taking the wrong measurements can cause things like:
- Water leaks
- Air leaks
- Malfunctioning of the windows
- Appearance looking off
Caulking Job
If it’s your first time installing windows, an easy thing to mess up is the caulking job, and some people downplay the importance of a good caulking job. Caulking the perimeter of your windows after installing them will prevent the elements from outside from getting into your home. A caulking job should be one continuous seal around your entire window. There shouldn’t be any gaps or missed areas where the caulking isn’t sealing to.
When you’re caulking, you’ll want to make sure that the surface is clean of any debris and dirt. It helps to clean off the surface with a bit of isopropyl alcohol before caulking. Caulking won’t effectively stick to surfaces that are caked in dust and other particles, so cleaning the area before applying it is crucial to ensuring a good seal.
After you apply the caulking, you’ll also need to get a caulking spatula to tool it into one smooth surface. It takes about thirty days for caulking to dry, so you’ll want to inspect it every now and then to ensure it’s had a chance to settle.
Stains
Window installation can be a messy job for those that don’t know what to expect. If it’s your first time applying caulk, it tends to get pretty messy and can cause stains on and around your windows. If you end up noticing any stains, make sure you clean them up as soon as you can.
Weather Proofing Barrier
According to our friends at plumber Toronto, to prevent drafty air and water from getting into your home, you’ll have to install flashing. This can sometimes be overlooked and it will result in a draft getting into your home if it is.
Improper Shimming Job
Shimming is a very important part of the installation process that is also sometimes overlooked by inexperienced window installers. Shims are what spaces out the windows between the frame around the window. You’ll want to place your shims on the top, side, and bottom of the window. Shims are essential in ensuring that the window will remain square. You’ll want to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure your window shims are spaced apart properly. If you don’t do a property shimming job, the window can look distorted and will slide out of position over time, and that can cause problems with the window’s functionality.
What Are Some Signs That My Windows Weren’t Installed Correctly?
If you’re thinking that you didn’t install your windows properly, there are a couple of things that you can keep an eye on:
Gaps
Inspect your windows from time to time and see if there are any gaps between the wall and the window frame. This can happen from not taking property measurements before and after they installed the window. No one wants to see gaps between their windows. Gaps will lead to moisture and cold air getting into your home. It can also result in water damage and increased energy bills every month. Gaps can also lead to increased noise pollution from outside.
Messy Caulking Job
A messy caulking job is a tell-tale sign that the seal around your windows won’t be as good as it should be. A messy caulking job will cause things like:
- Air leaks
- Drafts
- Water damage
- Increased energy bills
Energy Bills
Drafty windows are one of the first things you might notice after realizing your window installation in Brampton wasn’t as good as it should be. Go to your windows and hold your hand up against the window and window frame and see if there is any air coming through it. If you do feel air pouring through it, your energy bills will reflect that. Your air conditioner will be working harder to compensate for the hot air getting through your cracks in summer, and your furnace will be working overtime to keep your house warm in winter.