Insulation on Replacement Windows

10 years ago

I had Marvin Infinity windows installed to replace my old Acorn aluminum frame windows. I had air coming in around the old windows but I have the same air coming in around the new Marvin ones. The distributor said that they couldn't use foam and could only use caulking as the new windows are custom sized and any gap around the window is covered by sheetrock. He said there was not sufficient space between the window frame and wall opening to use spray foam and that the caulking alone is appropriate. An engineer I had look at it and he said the same thing. I only changed the windows (which had new double glass by previous owner) to correct the air leakage around the frame. I accomplished nothing. Any thoughts?

Comments (3)

millworkman
10 years ago
Pictures would help but that does not sound correct at all to me.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
If the gap is 1/8th or tighter, sealant is sufficient for providing the air seal.

Post up a picture of the interior and the exterior.

Depending on where the air is coming from, it may or may not be a window issue.
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HomeSealed
10 years ago
If the window has a larger gap between the framing and it is only the drywall that is a tight fit, I'd like to see the drywall cut back to allow for adding foam. Depending on how it was installed, it could have possibly been added from the exterior as well unless it has a nailing fin. If OTOH it is just a tight fit all the way around, caulking that gap is acceptable and should seal the opening.
The other thing to keep in mind (and I'm sure that this is not what you want to hear), is that the Infinity is far from the most air-tight window assembly on the market. It is a nice unit, well-built and pretty, but when I have a client with air-tightness and energy -efficiency on the top of their priority list, I recommend other models. In addition, you could very well have an installation issue. Even with that window, you should not be able to FEEL airflow.
Lastly, and not to rub it in --but for the benefit of others, changing your windows to address air infiltration around the perimeter of the frame is a pretty extreme solution. Depending on how things are orientated, simply popping off the casing and foaming the gap would have achieved that goal if your old windows were still serviceable.