Window problem repair or replace
by
Joy
+4
I have an large Millard window with sliders on each end. It is a retrofit window install about 3 yrs ago. I have experienced air leaking, ants and flies making their way into the house through gap in slider window and main glass. I think the window is falling out of place, because it reacts to pushing against it. Is this repairable or does the window need to be completely replaced. Goleta,Ca
Goleta! One of my happy places and you get to live there, awesome! Milgard windows are of decent quality, sounds like poor installation. There is supposed to be weather stripping in the gaps. I have a similar window in my master bedroom. Here is the link to Milgard, I would contact their customer service reps first to see what they suggest. Pull out your paperwork, it may still be covered by your warranty.
https://www.milgard.com/
I agree with Naomie. Sounds like a bad installation. Still should be under warranty. Call Milgard with the problem. They do not like or want unhappy customers. You may even be lucky enough to get a new window.
Get some silicon caulk, caulking gun and pry bar, and some spray insulation.
First I would check the caulk around the outside of the window, and recaulk around the window so no water or bugs can get in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuo9VezTID8
outside.... now on yours you would caulk where the window frame meets the wall.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD8ahaObf4E
Milgard windows are good windows and as your window is only 3 years old you should not need to replace it. Regardless whether the installation is wrong or the window is faulty call Milgard customer service first. They will help you determine if it's not correctly installed. If that's the case you may have to remove it and install it correctly. If it's the window they will replace it. Resist any temptation to apply caulk, siicone or spray insulation. All of those things will only make it worse or difficult to remove it if necessary
I agree with most of the above, contact the manufacturer. My son works for another manufacturer installing and repairing windows and he tells me all the time about them being put in wrong causing issues, he says that he can usually correct the problem in one visit.
Take the casing or what is called TRIM BOARD off the window from the inside being careful not to break it. Working slowly around the casing as it pulls lose you can use the pry bar of a hammer to do this. Be sure to put your hammer on the WALL side not the WINDOW side so you don't break the glass of the window while you remove the trim. If you break the trim wood keep the original pieces so you can cut another the same. The installer did not use gap filler spray foam for windows and doors and that is why you are getting drafts and bugs. The window is fine and no need to replace it. Just take off the inside molding and spray that stuff all around the opening that you will see when you remove the inside molding. It will dry and then it will not be wobbly anymore. Simply put the molding back with some small nails and you are done. IF the foam comes out toward the room a bit just wait for it to dry and simply cut it flush with a steak knife. Easy peasy and you are done.
Check out our window repair video on this homepage https://www.303windows.com/