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| Author: | Irene |
| Subject: | Thermastar windows through Lowes |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-22 06:16:37 |
Any comments or feedback regarding the quality of the Pella Thermastar windows offered through Lowes?
Also, we are planning on using Lowes to install the windows and the subcontractor mentioned that he doesn't use the foam insulation because it might damage the frame. However, the Thermastar installation guide recommends using the low pressure type of foam insulation. How critical is the foam insulation?
| Author: | e-z |
| In Reply To: | Thermastar windows through Lowes (posted by Irene) |
| Subject: | RE: Thermastar windows through Lowes |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-23 19:47:13 |
Dear Irene, first Thermastar is what we use to know as Viking windows out of Home Depot remember?
In my opinion you are getting what you are paying for is a low end window their frame may have 3 interior walls at the most so the frame is not that strong.
In regards to the insulation make sure your contractor uses the low expansion foam, my guess is that he wants to shave down the cost but he needs to do the installation by the book otherwise if you have problems in the future all Thermastar or Lowes need to say is that they were not installed correctly and bam thats it you are stuck with the good old runaround. I have seen it before. The contractor should follow the instructions to the t. and is up to you to make him do it because you are the one living with the outcome not him.It is critical because it creates a thermal break between the aluminum frame and the vinyl frame insulating it and making the whole installation energy efficient. If you have aluminum frames they must stay in place to be correctly installed unless you are breaking stucco and installing them new construction.Or unless you had aluminum windows retroffited into existing wood frames.
Good luck
E-z
| Author: | Guy |
| In Reply To: | Thermastar windows through Lowes (posted by Irene) |
| Subject: | RE: Thermastar windows through Lowes |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-24 15:07:04 |
Hey Irene, If Lowes is installing your windows then they will warranty any issues you have on installation. Pella won't tell you they won't warranty your windows if they were installed by Lowes. They will more than likely come out and look at an installation issue. If it was an installation issue they will go back to Lowes and tell them to fix it. Pella and Lowes relationship hangs on the line. They won't bash each other in the field. It's a bad repoire.
Since we authorized Pella installers I know first hand they would prefer you to use the low expansion foam. Since Pella spent tons of money paying Great Stuff to come up with a pliable low expansion foam. It also acts as an ashesive, bonding the unit to the wall. I guess some of the Southern states use this stuff with only four nails to hold windows in. I'm using nails and foam. Doesn't seem right! Some of the Old School Installers haven't figured out foam yet. It's only been in the past couple years that window manufacturers would even consider using foam on they're windows. The older foam expanded so fast that it threw the window out of square and it would have to be cut out to fix. So most manufacturers stated right on the window sticker"No Foam". Times have changed and Great Stuff Window and Door in the light blue can is pretty much accepted everywhere. I'm not sure if the warranty is voided if you don't use the foam. I will check with the powers above and find out the answer and post back.
Guy
| Author: | Irene |
| In Reply To: | RE: Thermastar windows through Lowes (posted by Guy) |
| Subject: | RE: Thermastar windows through Lowes -thanks |
| Posted At: | 2004-08-27 19:38:48 |
Thanks so much, Guy and E-Z, for your input. I'll talk to the installer and have him use the low expansion foam.