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Leaking Windows

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by PDILLM, Oct 29, 2012.

  1. PDILLM

    PDILLM Well-Known Member

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    I had the joy of waking up to a leaking window in the front of the house. Does anyone have any recommendations for someone to call once the storm pases? Based on the amount of water coming in I'm afraid it isn't a small problem. :bawling:
     
  2. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    I'm having the same problem! The windows on one side of the house leak when the wind blows the rain sideways into it. I'm thinking of checking with Roofer911 but haven't called them yet.

    http://www.roofer911.com/
     
  3. lilpea

    lilpea Member

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    A few people in SW stated they are experiencing the same issue. If you look at the SW HOA group page, you'll pics and comments

    If your home is in SW, the manufacturer of the windows is Patriot Windows. You can contact Van Metre's customer care department to confirm which series of patriot windows your home has.

    http://www.vanmetrehomes.com/pages/customercare.asp

    Or you can contact Patriot directly (especially if your home is still under warranty).

    Patriot 1-800-999-8400, ext. 6730
     
  4. MJD

    MJD New Member

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    Looks like some of our Patriot windows are leaking as well :(
     
  5. hbaum44

    hbaum44 New Member

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    We're in the same boat. SFH in SW w/ leaky windows. At least 6 of them!

    Thanks for the info, Erika!
     
  6. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Are the windows defective /of poor quality, or were they poorly installed?
     
  7. Erickson Family

    Erickson Family New Member

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    Our only damage is a leaky window on Vestals Gap :(
     
  8. 1grtchr

    1grtchr Member

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    When we moved into SW in 2005 as soon as we had strong storms we had several leaking windows. Because of our elevation we get the winds a little stronger and likely were able to detect leaking windows very easily. A lot had to do with the installation. Both of our kitchen windows, the flashing was not done correctly, so VM had to pull off our siding on the exterior and redo it. Our transom window above our kitchen door that lead to the back yard also leaked and they had fiddle with the way it was installed as well. So...for us, it was a lot about lack of paying attention to details when they were installed. We also had a leak in our main entry window (above the front door and hard to get to), again installation. None of our windows had to be reordered to fix the problem so I chalk it up to poor installation. Now we have a roof issue that apparently has leaked for years but only able to detect now. :(
     
  9. 1grtchr

    1grtchr Member

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    Forgot to mention, we were told that our windows came from a company owned by Van Metre.
     
  10. BroadRes

    BroadRes New Member

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    We got our horribly leaking and drafty windows in our Washington Homes home replaced last year through Keith Newcombe of Newcombe Construction and couldn't be happier! No more drafts, warmer home in winter, cooler home in summer, and lower electric bills to boot! A great investment that we will enjoy for years to come! NewcombeConstruction@comcast.net / 703-887-4601. Tell him Lisa recommended him.
     
  11. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    I think the windows we have are really low quality...I had leaks yesterday too. I complained before about how drafty they were but was told it is not a "warranty" issue. We move in June 2005 so warranty is not applicable any more (I assume). I have not looked into replacing them for fear of overall cost but it is really frustrating to see the blinds actually moving during windy days.....
     
  12. BroadRes

    BroadRes New Member

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    Yeah, I feel your pain...we used to have that too, but not anymore with our new windows.
     
  13. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    How many windows did you replace? Did you have any big windows done as part of this? And what about an average cost per window? I wonder if there are incentives too related to energy efficiency and taxes....
     
  14. BroadRes

    BroadRes New Member

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    We live in a single family home and replaced all of our windows (including 3 small basement windows)...approx. 26 windows in varying sizes in all. It was nice because we were able to put in some with wind outs (in kitchen), some with obscure glass (bathroom), a big picture window, etc. We also had all of them framed with wooden moulding which added beauty as well as funtionality. The draftiness with our old windows was uncomfortable, but the water leaking in could have eventually caused major structural damage so we felt it was worth it to upgrade. Our contractor (Keith Newcombe) was very particular and made sure he treated our home like he would his own. We have no problems with leaks anymore which gives us great peace of mind. I really can't say how much each window cost. We had to order custom sized vinyl windows (they worked the best since we had vinyl originally) and the cost of wood moulding has changes since then. Keith can give you an estimate for your particular home if you call him.
     
  15. Chance3

    Chance3 New Member

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    We had 9 leaking windows on the west elevation, but in past storms we have had them leak on the east side, so it just depends on which way the wind is blowing. We also had a leak into the ceiling of my garage, so based on the dormer above I am assuming it has to do with poor flashing.

    For those that have had Patriot or Van Metre address the problem through warranty, what is the warranty period and how much did they do? Just provide new windows or did they handle the replacement, siding, and flashing?
     
  16. Ulala

    Ulala New Member

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    I am experiencing the same issue with the transom window above our living room balcony door and i believe it's due to faulty installation of flashing in the brick facia. Water was dripping down through cracks in paint of the trim leading me to believe that water is somehow collecting above the sill. This happens when the contractor doesn't terminate the wrapping paper properly. I am thinking about calling Van Metre but am afraid that they will simply say my warranty was up 3 years ago.. this could be a bigger problem than the quality of windows. We ought to put a collective action on this.
     
  17. Ulala

    Ulala New Member

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  18. Roofer911

    Roofer911 New Member

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    There is an excellent chance that the windows that are leaking are not the source of the leak but instead the windows above or improperly installed gutters, siding or the roof. With our free infrared moisture detection scans we can tell immediately where the leak is originating from. If anyone here would like a free estimate, please send us an e-mail to roofer911@aol.com and on the subject line please write: Attention Steve: Broadlands and I will respond immediately.
     
  19. pauleyc

    pauleyc Member

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    Try to give them all call. The builder was just recently at my house to remove all the siding and flash a bedroom window that I was having problems with and I bought in 2003. Granted I have had problems every couple of years .. but they keep showing up!

    While not perfect, Van Metre continues to impress me with customer service and I would buy another home from them today. YMMV but treat people professionally (and not as if you are entitled) and you will be surprised what you get in return.
     
  20. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    I've called 3 times and got no returned calls or anything, I'll try again, but I would never buy a home from VM again, based solely on their lack of Customer support, before, during and after the sell. I do think our house is a great value, but they lack CS details.
     

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