gap below window
This time I posted a picture so I don't confuse the issue. There is a 3/8" gap between the window and the ledge. I need something to fill the gap - The white item on the ledge will be placed in front of the gap after I fill the gap to stop the hot/cold air that is pouring into the room.
are these replacement windows?
If they are, te installer goofed up.
If this is new construction, the trim carpenter goofed up.
Go buy a can or two of low expansion spray foam to fill the gap. DO NOT overdo it. Might be a ...»
A day later, when the foam has hardened, cut the ooze off neatly with a knife and add your white trim piece
Sherrie, not a real big issue here for you to fix. You want to purchase blue spray foam in a can. This product only expands slightly more once it comes out of the can. It is designed to fill spaces just like this around windows and doors. In any case fill this space as much as you can ...»
Once its done you can purchase white plastic molding such as a 1/4 round or even a shoe molding at most of the big box stores. This can be cut to fit from end to end. Simply using a very little thin bead of contractors adhesive along the length of the molding where it will sit on the ledge set it into place then using a few trim nails fasten it into place. If any tiny gaps still remain you can use a latex caulk with the end cut so it just comes out and fill the tiny spaces. Rub any excess off with finger and little water and once dry you can paint it if need be. If your real careful you can just glue the molding into place with the adhesive and if it fits well, your done!
Next time, when hiring a contractor, don't make a decision based upon price. Find out if the contractor has a brick & mortar office or is it a mobile office. If there were a permanent place of business you would be able to stop in and speak with someone about the problem.
One Man, yup crappy job but the windows open & close nicely & that is more important to me than the gap. I trusted the Big Box boys to send qualified people. I should have complained then, too late now. ...»
I do not only look at price as I have Pella windows installed in my bedroom & I will post about them later - far worse job than Big Box job & I know it is not the windows. Not Big Box installers either.
I also have Anderson windows in the Sunroom & they are perfectly installed and the oldest windows in the home installed by a wonderful contractor that became so busy he quit "little" jobs. It all comes down to buying good material & finding a qualified installer.
It's OK because it could be much, much worse & I'm learning a lot and I may find a great person at Hometalk. I'll pay more attention next time.
Here's another suggestion:
Try cutting out "benign" strips of styrofoam board and filling in the rest with basic caulking ...»
Is there any easier way to plug the 3/8 gap and also insulate this area?
You will be fine with this method.
We decided to do the window job tomorrow with the blue product . I'm positive it is the right thing to do. I am so happy to do it the right way.
It's critical to properly insulate bay windows and large window walls.
What was the situation they started with?
My guess the rest of the window is also not properly sealed as well. Its anybodies guess on this.
I don't remember seeing the gap with the older windows. But obviously I've been unaware so I can't swear to it.
I became aware of the gap when Hometalk people helped me properly finish the cedar shelf under ...»
Next we will put what I think is quarter round to cover the gap. It will be so nice looking.
It's almost done, thank you for all the help. Photo tomorrow.
I hope I can help someone as much as you have helped me. I will save a lot of electricity with this change. I've seen a 5 Degree difference in a large room.