What to do about this window?

Question

In Aug, I had new windows installed. Loved them because they let in so much light with the half screen. I have lots of trees and need all the light I can get. Didn't open them until a few weeks ago due the summer heat. One night, I opened the top window, pushed the screen up behind it. But soon after, I noticed a bug flying around inside, in front of the window. Thought maybe I didn't push the screen all the way up so went to check. I discovered that there's over half an inch of space that's open on the outside. This goes the width of the window. So, anything up to slightly over 1/2' can crawl in thru that space. The screen DOES enclose the bottom window when it's open, but I really want to be able to open my top window. Otherwise, why get windows that open at the top? I contacted the company I bought them from (They're not the manufacturer.) and the woman I spoke with had no idea of this defect. She came out to look and agreed that it's a problem. That was maybe 3-4 weeks ago. I've been told someone else was supposed to come out but after two promises, now he's coming on Monday to look at it. The woman proposed that they can get full screens for the windows. I know that's the easiest solution, but I did NOT buy windows with a full screen and didn't buy windows that let insects inside the house if my top window is open. I loved the idea of no screen on half the window. This is a defect in the manufacturer's design and I shouldn't have to pay for something I didn't bargain for. I saw a friend's windows yesterday -- same concept, but his don't have the open space. His are by Anderson, and I know they're more expensive, but still, mine have a design defect and I want a window that keeps the outside outside!! So far, the company I bought them from is being nice, but shouldn't they get the manufacturer to pay for new windows that keep bugs out??? What's the best way to handle this?

Jimi · Answer

Call the company, who installed the windows, to come back and make it right.  You paid for a good job, you deserve it.

William · Answer

If you don't get any satisfaction from the installation company, go directly to the manufacturer. Document every interaction you have/had with the installation company and present it to the manufacturer. Maybe they'll have a solution or someone else out there that can solve the problem. Manufacturers don't want unhappy customers.

Linda Bunch · Answer

In the meantime...just lay a folded towel down in the well. It will stop critters from visiting and not block your view, keep dust down and help for any quick showers. I know the best idea  is to get the correction done, but who wants to wait to use your windows as intended.

Phil a · Answer

Double hung windows with movable half screens? What brand are they? I see you're in GA, where bugs are numerous. If that is a true worry of yours, full height screens may be your only solution to reliably keep them out. Any moving panel, window or screen, needs a gap to be able to move. Agree that is a BIG gap that needs to be addressed, but I think you'll always have issues.

Phil a · Answer

As a follow-up, the 'traditional' way to use double hung windows was to open both the top and bottom portions so they met in the middle. This allowed cooler air to come into the house through the bottom opening as hotter air near the ceiling left the house through the upper opening. Living in the South as you do, you've probably seen old style 'airplane' bungalows, sometimes known as 'Craftsman' homes (because you could order a house from Sears and build it yourself), with an upstairs floor of all around windows that when opened allowed the heat to leave the house through the top floor windows, drawing cooler air in through the the ground floor windows. This is what they did before air conditioning.

Phil a · Answer

I understand, and as stated, it should be addressed. But, with only a half screen, you cannot open both top and bottom sections of the window to get the usual air flow double hung windows were originally designed for. Maybe that's not important to you, but a single hung window is simpler, less expensive, has a half screen so light flow is better through the stationary top portion and they stop the bugs.

Eroque022810 · Answer

Are all your windows that this company installed like this? THAT would be my first question,then if they are reread the window options of use to see if it states you can use either way. READ small print a d make sure it states this. THEN continue the fight. Do keep the person that sold them to you on your side they have the most to lose. DON'T wait 2 weeks for anyone. KEEP calling but try to stay calm once replaced report them to the BBB. Good luck.

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

You should have this seen to right away.Please,check over every aspect of your contract.There must be some kind of warranty.If they do not fix it soon,get the BBB involved.Copy all your contracts,payments,complaints,and take that to BBB as well!Good luck!

Jan446058 · Answer

We have half screen windows and there's no space like that. Something isn't installed right.

MadameRã · Answer

•On the outside this fix will have to take place..
In repair trade(especially for renters though owners like cheap & easy ways too) we come across lots of varied window probs due to the plethera of windows that different properties have.
This WILL sound strange but it has shown to work... you will need a neutral/light colour fish net stockings,& a reasonable price pair(no dirt cheap, stick to the middle grounds); also you will need a cheap nail/staple gun that will go into the type of wood your window is (cheap here does work, just don't expect it to last for years, but sometimes they do).. With you fishnets, cut down the sides to open to make a  wide length; on your outside have the window open to the maximum amount that you'd open them, and roll the edges (of your fishnet length ways)by two fold, but small, & start to staple, allowing a cm inbetween..do this from the top first then stretch to the bottom & repeat///the sides you cut to correct length & do the same.( If you wish to cover the staples then get yourself a matching colour nail varnish a gently paint over a dab over each staple(that will take a bit more time but not a lot,& do a second coat if you can still see otherwise it becomes waterproof.)
Now while this is opened & now complete, place inside(the house) some large cheap plastic bin bags & paper tape just to temp hold for then you will have to go back outside,& give the method one clear coat of clear spray paint..(now you understand to block your inside, its from fumes)... Do this on a clear day allowing overnight to settle into the fishnets, as its changes its strength for the better. Once done you ought to be able to use your windows without bugs getting in, i know as i have had to do this to not only my place but other clients places... & it does fold fine when closing, meaning there isn't really any problems, especially for a reasonably cheap job..[Pending where you are, except Australia, you will get good fishnet stockings on sales at the gals' stores; always buy the largest..from 5-20. dollars, nail varnish cheap,2 dollars & a can of clear varnish paint, max 5 dollars,& cheap nail gun with a packet of staple nails usually granted,another 5 dollars...or use fancy nail in tacks  if you want a different look'... Nice and neat & it works//& simple to do. Happy crafting M®

Deanna Nassar · Answer

Keep list of time and dates that you contacted the company.  They are trying to stall beyond the initial warranty period to say they 'didn't know' or were not called.  Read all info in contract.  Forget what neighbor has; it's a different company and won't help.

Pun12980393 · Answer

I don't know the company your dealing with but that looks like windows I bought from Amazing Siding & Windows.  Good luck if it's that company, they don't follow through if there's a problem.

Ginny · Answer

Horrible job. Does contractor have a home improvement license? If they do, you can report them to your state Home Improvement Commission and possibly get some help there. I would also call Better Business Bureau and report the contractor. A call from your lawyer might help. If you have not paid the entire bill, withhold payment until you get satisfaction (if this is legal in GA). Be nice but FIRM with contractor and do not threaten until you need to. Send ALL correspondence by Registered Mail so that someone from the company has to sign for it. Also, raising a screen to the top and keeping top window open allows heat to rise. I live in MD so I know what heat and humidity can are.

Mfbandit769 · Answer

Get online and read the manufacturer's installment instructions.  If they are not installed correctly, call the installer and get them installed correctly.

Patty · Answer

I would call the manufacturer directly and tell them you have contacted the installer and they have done nothing. If no satisfaction after a reasonable time I would have an attorney  write a letter to the installer and the manufacturer.  It is a shame you have to go thru this. Good luck.

Margie Spenser · Answer

In the meantime, tape the gap!  Do all the windows have the same defect?

Diane Taylor Noel · Answer

I have the same type of window ( not Anderson brand either and the screen is supposed to come down to meet the windowsill and there is no gap.  I would continue to call the company frequently, send them pictures if you have not already.  Be nice but firm.  If no result, you may need to contact the better business  bureau.  If this is a defect then they should make it right.   Could be that this company receive these at a bargain price from the manufacturer & maybe do not come with a warranty from the manufacture just a thought  Do all your windows have the gap? Just wondering! Hope this helps

Jackie Hendricks · Answer

The purpose of screens is to keep the bugs OUT!  Obviously!  This is a negligent installation.  Keep after the company you bought the windows from, do a journal of calls, visits, etc. and if they do not correct the problem, elevate the issues through legal means.  This is unacceptable.

Dawn · Answer

When my mother in-law had hers done the installers put the screens in either backwards or up side down. Check that out. Good luck not necessarly the window as maybe installers. 
Good luck

MadameRã · Answer

As its impossible to actually see what windows you have, i can only go by what i have had to do for repairs to similar 'sounding' windows;& you are right one should not have to do all of this extra work but to often in life 'much' requires rectification as it simply wasn't planed right in the first place..
My only other suggestion is to call in your proffessionals,& never go cheap ,stay somewhere in the middle road when dealing with tradies, again unfortunately in every business there are more only interested in 'getting a job done quickly' & getting the dollars.
My suggestion has worked for many a difficult window i have had to come across,& remarkably the only bigger cost is your time & effort..but if you haven't got that then the experts' will need to be called in... If its your own place check on your insurance, for sometimes they may cover areas to fix for you; though i can only speak about what happens here in Australia,& the tough standards they have on properties, thus pending if things' were done properly in accordance with law times, then you may be eligable; it may be easier where you are.
Can only wish you well on your continued looking to sought the problem out.. Kindest regards M. Rã

Maria Mercedes Townsend · Answer

I would get a quarter round stick, paint it white and cut it in a way it would be a little tight to fit. An inch or so boarder already painted white from any hardware store might work too. Then use acrylic glue or similar to seal d edges. Goodluck.

Ginny · Answer

Let them push but don't pay until the matter is settled to your satisfaction.

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