Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
10/13/2006 1:41:57 PM EDT
We just had new vinyl double hungs installed this past July.  Should any amount of air be leaking where the two panes meet when closed?  I can feel a small amount of cold air leaking at various points along that location.  I have also verified the air leaking with a match flame, which flutters in various spots.  The windows have a 35 year warranty on parts and labor.  Is this something I need to call and have them adjust?
10/13/2006 1:46:30 PM EDT
[#1]
Are you talking about where the upper sash meets the lower sash?

If yes, is the window fully closed and locked?

If yes, then no, there should not be air leakage.
10/13/2006 1:49:01 PM EDT
[#2]
Yes, where the two sashes meet and both locks are engaged.  Both sashes are fully closed.  It isn't an large amount of air but I can definitely feel it on several windows.
10/13/2006 1:51:28 PM EDT
[#3]
What AR10 said.  You should have no leaks when the windows are closed and locked.
10/13/2006 1:52:46 PM EDT
[#4]
However, the seal will not be perfect on the edges (left and right).
10/13/2006 1:54:28 PM EDT
[#5]
That's where I'm feeling some of the air from.  So it shouldn't be totally airtight where the sashes meet?
10/13/2006 1:58:40 PM EDT
[#6]
Depending on what type of seal the windows have will determine how much leakage you get.  If you just have the "fuzzy" weatherstrip, they will leak and overtime, they will leak worse.  If the two sashs have an overlapping type seal, you shouldn't have any leaks and odds are they will be tight for many years to come.

Most window manufacturers just use the weather strip and do not spend the added money on a better seal.

ETA:


It is hard to see in this photo, but above the weatherstripping on the top sash and also on the corresponding location on the bottom sash is a u-channel.  These two channels overlap when the window is closed and seals up very tight.  This is a very expensive window however.
10/13/2006 2:05:17 PM EDT
[#7]
[beavis voice]uhhhh...mmmm...like, you said...double hung[/beavis voice]

BTW...one post away!!!
10/13/2006 2:05:22 PM EDT
[#8]
I'm gonna call the company and have them check them out again.  Actually I think there are both types of seals, where the sashes interlock and they also use wool for weatherstripping.