Been doing a phased construction inspection on a new house. They started installing the windows, today.
Three East European guys had about 5 of the lower level windows in. But, they were not properly installed.
- No caulking behind the nailing flanges
- Not all the nails put in
- Typar house wrap not taken over the top flange
- No tape
- No sill flashing
- Not properly shimmed
The main guy, doing the work, said he was a mason, but he was the supervisor :shock:
Got out my handy-dandy portfolio of easy to access installation instructions (which is available on the internet) and did a little class. They took out the already installed windows and, after I went and got the proper materials (Poly caulk, sill flashing, flashing tape, shims, etc) we had a little class.
I installed one window, whoing them all the nexessary flashing details.
- Install sill flashing.
- Caulk behind the nailing flanges.
- Shim the window, in the center of the opening. DO NOT shim the top.
- Nail in all the holes of the nailing flanges.
- Pull back and secure the housewrap above the window and tape that flange.
- Tape the side flanges.
- DO NOT tape the bottom flange
- Cover the taped top flange with the housewrap flap and tape at the corners.
My point is that these guys are building houses in the Chocago area na ddo not have a clue as to how to do it properly, even when the instructions are easily available of the net.
Code inspectors? General Contractor? Proper training for sub-contractors?
Where are the safeguards for the consumer?
Well, at least these guys could understand what they did not know, and were smart enough to be willing to learn.
And, my client’s biggest comment is "Well, wasn’t the house already inspected by the city. Next time I am asked that I will just start laughing.
Hope this helps;