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Replacing windows and fenestration components is a complex engineering challenge. Retrofitting windows without a proper assessment of the building envelope can often lead to problems in the future, particularly in light of recent changes in building standards regarding thermal and energy-efficiency requirements.
There are numerous standards, quality control programs and third party testing programs that have been introduced in recent years with regard to replacement and upgrade of exterior walls and windows*.
Kleinfeldt's specialists, possessing over 30 years experience helping condo and building owners, can evaluate your walls and windows and assist in replacement strategies. We are able to maximize your return on retrofit investment and ensure that all thermal and energy building standards and requirements are met. We have the experience to accomplish these tasks inside a tight timeframe and with minimum disruption to your tenants.
In addition to specification and assistance in fenestration product selection we can also assist in on-site testing and perhaps most important above all – on-site inspection.
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Most Common Window and Door Installation Deficiencies
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- Failure to read, understand and execute the manufacturer’s installation instructions correctly
- Manufacturer's installation instructions inconsistent with codes and standards
- Manufacturer's installation instructions fail to identify complete installation requirements
- Failure to integrate coupler and corner mullion detailing into the fabric of the building enclosure
- Failure to receive windows with a quality review at the job site
- Improper selection and use of common installation tools and failure to have the anchors, flashings, water and air management materials, tools and finish materials from the start of the job.
- Failure to ensure the safety of all involved in the fenestration installation.
- Failure to protect the window from damage during storage, handling and installation (and inspect the window prior to installation for any defects or damage.)
- Failures to install fenestration products plumb, level, and square. (PLS)
- Failure to “Integrate” product with the other elements of the wall system; (Structural, air, water)
- Improper sealant selection and application (including curing, bond breakers and backer materials)
- Failure to install flashings without proper splice seals and end dams.
- Failure to coordinate a second line of defence against water penetration from one contractors' work to another.
- Inadequate or improperly installed structural ties, anchorage, setting blocks.
- Failure to provide working joints to accommodate construction tolerances, structural deflection and thermal movements.
- Failure to check that that all operable elements move freely and function correctly (by operating the operable elements of the fenestration product and hardware.)
- Failure to ensure that all accessories and other components of the fenestration product assembly are present, such as screens and hardware
- Failure to provide operation and maintenance requirements to the builder and ultimately the Owner
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(*For example, the Canadian General Standards Board has in place an insulated glass unit standard for performance limits on the durability of window edge seals., There is also the Canadian Standards Association A440 standard, applying to windows constructed of diverse materials, which measures and rates a window's airtightness, watertightness, wind resistance, condensation resistance, forced entry resistance, ease of operation and other requirements. In addition, it defines minimum requirements for other components and materials, such as weatherstripping, finishes, adhesives and thermal performance, in order to ensure that all windows are designed to allow for on-site re-glazing. In addition the Canadian Government currently has an ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program in place and owners of most low-rise, multi-unit residential units (MURBs) that do not exceed 3 storeys in height, and some mixed-use buildings are eligible for government grants that cover a portion of the cost of energy-approved window replacement.)
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