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dubdub02170

Wrong windows installed... help!

dubdub02170
10 years ago

So I recently had windows installed. I live in a historical district and need to have wood windows. We are allowed to have aluminum clad over the wood... so that is what I ordered.

About a week after the windows were installed, I noticed that the windows were not aluminum clad at all, but only painted white. When I brought it to the companies attention, they have not given me great options... essentially, they keep saying there is nothing they can do now that they are installed.

I am not unreasonable, but what should I expect to make this right? I double checked the paperwork, and it is accurate... the paperwork I signed.

How much extra maintenance would I have if I had just wood and not clad?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Comments (12)

  • geoffrey_b
    10 years ago

    Look at your contract. See what it states for the make / model / type of window. They are legally responsible to give you what the contract states.

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    10 years ago

    So the paper work you signed says it's an all wood window? If so it's not the end of the world, keep them painted every few years and you'll be okay. If that't not what is on the contract they should certainly correct their mistake. Either way the company should have been more clear on what they were ordering to you, but in the end you have to read quotes and contracts.

  • HomeSealed
    10 years ago

    As stated above, you are entitled to whatever is specified on your contract. If they installed something else, that is on them, not you, and up to you whether or not you are willing to accept it.
    If it was a communication error and you THOUGHT you were getting aluminum clad but did not and they installed what was specified, unfortunately you would not have any recourse. That said, just keep up the paint as FenTaylor said and you'll be fine.

  • dubdub02170
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    No, I am clearly in the right and they are clearly in the wrong... in writing. The only paperwork I signed has a clear X in the box indicating alum. cladding and specifies the color as white. What they installed was the same wood windows minus the cladding.

    I just didn't know if I was being unreasonable to insist on what I ordered. (seems self-evident when I write it out, I guess).

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    10 years ago

    Usually an all wood window is less than an aluminum clad window depending on some of the options. Not many brands do a prefinish paint exterior wood window. What is the brand of window, you don't need to say who you bought them from.

    If in the quote and contract you signed it says aluminum clad windows and you received a different product (wood), then the issue clearly needs to be addressed by the company you bought them from. If worse comes to worse either contact the manufacturer direct to put pressure on their dealer or some sort of legal action (although a last resort, no one likes that mess).

  • HomeSealed
    10 years ago

    What is the manufacturer and model of product? That will often determine whether or not it should be clad. The checked box could be regarding cladding the trim around the window with aluminum as opposed to the product itself being clad.... Hopefully that is not the case however, and you are indeed in the right. If so, it is up to you if you want to demand the correct product, or accept what they installed... perhaps at a discounted rate?

  • mmarse1
    10 years ago

    Great point HomeSealed..the checked box could of very well meant capping/ cladding the exterior trim and not the actual window.

  • Karateguy
    10 years ago

    I agree. Most lines are not sold with an option for cladding. They either come clad, or not. Hope for the best though.

  • millworkman
    10 years ago

    Agreed as Karate states cladding is not an option it is generally a different window line or series. Maybe post a copy of what the order form shows?

  • dubdub02170
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Hmmm... the box could relate to exterior trim. It says "Custom Wrap Windows with PVC Coated Aluminum"

    It looks like the sales person only listed manufacturer, Trimline. Not an actual model.

  • dubdub02170
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    However, looking at it again, while the above section may be relative to trim, a few sections down, there are four colors listed, and white is circled. Looking back at the manufacturer's website, the only option that has four color options is cladding color - white, almond, cocoa, and bronze.

    Additionally, it also says (on manufacturer website) that custom colors available... and on the order sheet, it says "Other__________"

  • millworkman
    10 years ago

    Impossible for us to tell from here without seeing the paperwork. It sounds like you have a clad order form again without seeing it........... However says the Legend Series is Clad and the Liberty is All wood but that is on the Trimline order-form.

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