Window adjustments and correction
I recently had 12 replacement windows installed in my home. They were all very close in size: approximately 44″ x 66″. For reasons that aren’t important to this question, the wrong windows were installed. I ordered windows with a .24 U-factor. I got windows that have a .28 U-factor.
My installer is not contesting the mistake and I am anticipating that I will be offered either replacement sashes to bring the windows to .24, or a cash adjustment to compensate for the error.
I don’t know how to begin figuring out which would be the better alternative. I expect to have more detail on this in the next few days, e.g. how much of a cash adjustment, but does anyone have thoughts about how to analyze the 2 alternatives? Thanks.
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Replies
Replacement is an extremely expensive proposition- how much do you hate the installer?
See if you can't figure out what the normal upcharge is for the higher performance glass. Something like 1.5x or double that amount probably wouldn't be an outrageous ask for compensation, and probably quite a bit cheaper for the contractor than a complete reglazing or replacement solution.
Thus far I have a good relationship with the installer. He proposed these alternatives before I requested any specific remedy. And we don't know yet where/how the error occured in the whole process; whether it was an error in the initial order by the installer, the window distributor or the manufacturer. And from that, who should absorb the cost of correcting it.
My question really is about figuring out which is the better remedy. For example: how significant is the difference between .28 and .24? How could you attach a value to that difference to decide which remedy is better. Or, if a cash adjustment is the better remedy, would the amount simply be the difference in the costs of the windows or something more?
I can't get my head around how to start to analyze this. Or am I just overthinking it?
What zone are you in? I would think the farther south you are the less concerned you should be. The difference between .24 and .28 is probably not worth worrying about and I would gladly take whatever reimbursement they offered and put it into more air sealing.
", if a cash adjustment is the better remedy, would the amount simply be the difference in the costs of the windows or something more?"
It has to be more, otherwise they gave you something other than what you agreed to without any consequences. By rights, you could insist they tear it out and put in the other windows. You'd be a prick to do that, but they'd be out of line to suggest or even accept a deal that doesn't compensate you for their mistake.
I am Zone 5. I don't really want a full tearout and replacement. But the installer suggested that the sashes could be replaced with ones giving me the .24.
It seems that the question becomes "How significant is the difference between .28 and .24 given my zone and, I think, the size and number of windows. "
The fair dollar value is somewhere between what it would cost the installer to replace the sashes and the cost it would have been to just have the .28 units to begin with. You don't know what the former amount is, but the installer has a good idea. Exactly where on that spectrum depends on how reasonable you are and how conciliatory they are. Ask them what they are willing to do, cost-wise, to avoid replacing the sashes. If you like that amount, you're done. If not, haggle. I'm guessing you'll probably like their first offer.
Skip, their may also be a difference in solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). That may or may not make a difference to you. Are these windows south or west facing? Do you get a lot of sun and overheat? The difference in air conditioning load and cost might exceed (or not) differences in cost of additional winter time heat.
Bill
How I would handle it would depend if how I felt about the contractor. Did he point out the error to you or did you discover it on your own? Did they try to remove the labels from the windows before you would notice? Did you get the feeling it is his normal business plan, to substitute lower cost materials to boost his profit margins, figuring he can give you a small refund should he get caught?
If you are trying to understand how much more it will cost you to heat your home over the life of the windows and want compensation. That is a complex calculation that a computer program called BEopt could do you would spend about 40 hours learning how to enter the data and get an answer.
U .24= R4.166 and U.28= R 3.571 not a huge difference in terms of dollars.
In terms of comfort how close to the windows are you likely to spend a lot of time sitting? If you do it is possible you could feel the difference in radiant heat the window pulls from your body.
Another comfort issue is the.28 windows will have colder glass on the inside when the glass gets down to the dew point of the indoor air water will condense on the glass. So the windows are the limiting factor in how much moisture you can keep in the air of your home. If you are uncomfortable with humidity below 40% and operate a humidifier, the better windows may be important to you.
If you have wood window sills, this water is a maintenance issue in that you must keep mopping up the water or risk damaging the woods finish.
Walta