Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

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badgerx23
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Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 9:32 pm

Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#1 Post by badgerx23 »

So finally getting our new windows installed and feel disappointed. Regretting not going with Okna. I got home today to see the first two installed windows and the included pictures was what I saw. Then after unlocking the other window one lock refused to relock. Are these normal issues or should I be concerned? Have a call into the sales company, but just needed to see if I’m overly mad. Had builder grade windows replaced and the look just makes me feel like nothing changed.
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Windows on Washington
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

Looks to be some spacer bar issues. Have you called the installation company? Start with them. That should be a covered warranty replacement.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#3 Post by HomeSealed »

Both of those items are in need of correction. You'll need new glass or sashes to address the weird spacer issue, and on the window not locking, first make sure that the top sash is pushed up all the way. If you still have trouble locking, open both sashes 1/4" or so and see if the reveal is fairly consistent from one side to the other (it should be). If its not, there an installation issue and it might be time to worry.

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TheWindowNerd
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#4 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Also it looks like there is a tolerance issue with the glazing bead.

badgerx23
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Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 9:32 pm

Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#5 Post by badgerx23 »

Couple more windows went in and oh boy. My main question is, is this acceptable spacing for a replacement window. If you need me to measure other things I can.
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badgerx23
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#6 Post by badgerx23 »

AE8027AF-B247-4A13-A73F-5A4A23E233EB.jpeg
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HomeSealed
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#7 Post by HomeSealed »

Its very hard to say exactly what is going on there, but I don't see a huge red flag in terms of the measurement. The distance from j channel to window frame looks about normal to accommodate new trim. Are these set in rough openings or in are they pockets (I assume full frame based on the exterior trim being gone but I have to ask)? If the latter especially, the sill may be sloped which will make the gap at the bottom look like more than it is.

Do you have any interior pics?

If you can be home as they piece together the exterior trim details and take some pictures that would be helpful. The main concern is that the top of the window is treated with head flashing which doesn't seem to exist in the current picture but may still be in process.

Did this company do the siding too? The windows look a little banged up on the outside.

badgerx23
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#8 Post by badgerx23 »

Full replacement would be correct. The window measured 69.5 top to bottom and the inside was 70 to 70.5, so the measurements seem right. Surprised the outside looked as large as it did. I saw the blue markings and not sure how it got there but these windows have had some serious quality control issues from the Polaris factory. The rain/snow has pushed schedules around and made it hard to sync up schedules. I feel like they have been just putting folded trim around that large perimeter, but can’t say right now for certain. The inside is already covered with a vinyl trim.
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Windows on Washington
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#9 Post by Windows on Washington »

A lot to unpack here. Not a lot that I think is screaming quality installation.

badgerx23
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#10 Post by badgerx23 »

That’s what I was worried about. Despite the good feedback and conversations, I feel like we made a bad choice. Wasn’t the cheapest option, thought I did decent enough research, sometimes you catch a bad break. :-/

badgerx23
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#11 Post by badgerx23 »

I’m going to keep documenting everything since this is just a nightmare. So today the installers caulk gun broke. So hopefully the siding companies still make my siding color. They caulked over the weep holes on one window. Some windows appear to be sloped wrong and rain is pooling against the window pane. Hopefully others can learn from my mistakes/issues
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badgerx23
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#12 Post by badgerx23 »

More photos, sorry for the wrong rotation
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Windows on Washington
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#13 Post by Windows on Washington »

Have you contacted the installer and/or company owner?

badgerx23
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#14 Post by badgerx23 »

Yes in contact with both. The business owner has said to write down everything and send him a list of what is wrong and he will take care of it. I contact him daily though since some of these issues seem more major than minor. This thread has become more of a documentation for others as to things to be aware of. After seeing some of the quality control and installation issues, I just worry more about potential installation issues that are hidden that I can’t see.

masterext
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Re: Polaris Thermaweld Plus install

#15 Post by masterext »

Quality control with a manufacturer has absolutely nothing to do with installation quality, they are completely separate.
There will always be a certain level a variability when it comes to welds on a window , some may seem a tad cleaner than the other and well within the realm of acceptability.

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