Problem with Starmark 900 Series

[Dimes]

I had 12 Starmark 900 Series (by Okna) installed last year in my home.

I never though to check them for drafts as I assumed they would be perfect.
But this week (right before I was about to order another dozen) I noticed that there are discernible drafts in almost all of them.
As you look at the window, think where the top sash meets the lower sash, the drafts are coming through the side jam where the weather stripping is - i.e between the sash and the frame.

Now I live in MA, and temps have been below 32 for a month or more, with some nights as low as single digits and colder. I was wondering if maybe the composite material had contracted leaving gaps.

What should I think of this? Is it fixable? And should I order another batch.
Got them for $750 installed, which for triple glazing, seemed like a good deal.

Please help.

Thanks.

[Window4U (IL)]

The windows may not have been shimmed properly. That would be the first place I'd look anyway. The space between the sash and frame should be equal all the way up and down. If the gap is larger near the middle then the window may need an adjustment to the shimming.
Have you had your dealer come out for a service call?

[Windows on Washington]

$750 for that window isn't a good deal...its an AMAZING deal and bordering on unsustainable if the dealer has to service them.

The first thing to check is what Dave (aka Window4U) said. Take a look a the reveals on the interlocks and the jambs.

Those corners will be the area where you will have some leakage and please note, some air leakage is necessary and unavoidable in an operating window.

The corners can have tabs installed in them as well as draft blocks should the adjustments be correct already for additional tightness.

[Dimes]

Thanks guys - I have a call into the dealer. Will let you know how it goes.

Can you explain "Take a look a the reveals on the interlocks and the jambs" - what are Revels and interlocks?

Thanks again!

[Windows on Washington]

The reveal is how the sash aligns with the other sash, the jambs, and dam leg.

Post a picture up of your window and I will put arrows on it.

[HomeSealed]

Lift the lower sash and drop the upper sash each about 1/4". Are the resultant gaps even all the way across (or at least close)? If so, the window is square. Next, look at the gaps on the sides where the sashes touch the frame. Is that even, and does it have consistent contact of weatherstripping between the two?

[Dimes]

Looking to add pictures of my window - do I need special permission to do so?

[Windows on Washington]

Host them offsite (i.e. photobucket, snapfish, etc.) and then you link them here.

[Dimes]

http://i.imgur.com/24sVSzE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/3Q0AmH8.jpg

Here you can see the difference and the gap.

Every window has a gap like this with a air infiltration in each case.

What do you suggest?

[masterext]

I've installed numerous starmarks and never had an issue like that. There is a possibility that a manufacturing defect can be the issue. If it is, okna would take care of it quickly.
Did the company send an installer to take a look at your issue yet in order to rule out an installation mishap?

[Dimes]

Yes - they have someone coming out this weekend. It's just a sub-contractor who does work for the company I bought them through though as opposed to a window expert per se - so not sure how qualified he will be to make a determination on whether it's just an adjustment that needs to be made, or a defect.

I'll report back on what he says.

Is there a test you can do for air infiltration?

[Windows on Washington]

Nothing need to test there. They need to loosen the screws and adjust the jamb jacks.

Were they like that going in?

[Delaware Mike]

From an installation standpoint, leaving a gap like that is completely unacceptable. Even if somehow the window was made incorrectly any good installer would have called his boss and had them come out to take corrective actions to make right even if that required the manufacturer to remake something.
Hopefully, the technician can cut the caulking free and jack the sides in to make correct contact and even the reveals out without too much grief.

[Window4U (IL)]

It looks to me as if nothing is wrong with the window and that it is caused because the window was not shimmed properly at the middle of the window.

[HomeSealed]

I agree with the other pros. Shims/jamb jacks needed at the meeting rail. 97% likely an installation issue based on the pics.