This is a picture of a large double-hung vinyl replacement window installed "sideways" as a slider. This is a very common occurrence in this area, since several vinyl window manufacturers used to tell installers and homeowners that thier windows could be installed this way, with no problems. What? On this window, it is pretty easy to see that there is a problem. The bottom of the window has no real sill, or any way to remove the water from the bottom track, so the result is that debris and water accumulate, until the moss grows (Yes, that is moss growing at the bottom track of this window). So, as a home inspector, I have a diliema: I report that the window is installed incorrectly, and that moss, water and debris are accumulating. But hey, the manufacturer says it's A-ok to do. So now what? I have seen these installed this way for years, sometimes they even leak inside the wall below the window, causing hidden damage. So, because certain window manufacturers were too lazy to design a separate window for slider applications, and then lied to the public about using the same window for both applications, and it has caused damage and limited functionality, doesn't mean I can "let it slide"? (No pun intended). I'm just wondering if this is only a "local" phenomenon, or if other parts of the country have the same thing going on? You are invited to join the group "Home Inspector's Corner" and see what home inspectors are blogging about. This posting, and the words written within it are the intellectual property of H.I.S. Home Inspections LLC. All opinions, advice, information or comments contained here are for the express purpose of social interaction among the membership of Active Rain. No other use of this material is authorized, without express wriiten consent of the author(s). Reproduction without written consent is prohibited.
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!
H.I.S. Home Inspections (Summit, Stark Counties) - Canton, OH
H.I.S. Home Inspections, Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector
Dennis,
Some vinyl windows are designed to be installed sideways, and have the proper weep holes, sill design, etc to properly deal with water accumulation. If your windows have an open track on the bottom that doesn't look like it can let water out (to the outside), then it could be a problem.
Most vinyl double-hung windows also tilt in. If a slider does this, then it probably is a double-hung design installed sideways.
Jul 14, 2008 11:41 PM
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County
Never seen this. I guess you report it, the seller shows the manufacturer states it is ok. I guess this protects everyone except the window sill.
Jul 14, 2008 11:50 PM
H.I.S. Home Inspections (Summit, Stark Counties) - Canton, OH
H.I.S. Home Inspections, Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector
I would like to hear from some other inspectors. Have you ever seen this in your area? How do you report it?
Jul 15, 2008 01:09 AM
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector
Kevin, while I have seen some single hung windows installed on their side to make them sliders, I have never heard of a manufacturer that thought this was OK. All of them around here have very different operations. The spring mechanisms wouldn't work or would have to be removed on any single hung installed on its side----sounds just plain looney to me:) Not to mention the weep hole issue.
Jul 15, 2008 02:26 AM
H.I.S. Home Inspections (Summit, Stark Counties) - Canton, OH
H.I.S. Home Inspections, Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector
There are at least 3 vinyl replacement window manufacturers locally that I can think of, who I have personally contacted, and have stated that they use the same design for slider installation as the double hungs. (One of the maunfacturerers at least has a "special cover" that can be purchased to make a sill). the other two, offer nothing special for the sideways installation. Plain looney sort of sums it up.
Jul 15, 2008 05:08 AM
RE/MAX Solutions- OZARK MISSOURI - Mount Vernon, MO
MO Broker - Mt Vernon, Monett, Aurora, Barry & Law
Hey, Kevin, I just dropped by to see what you are up to and gross you are showing off pictures of my refrid. (How's that for paying attention to content in a post?) Hopefully your groups are doing well and you find our group a comfortable place to be your 5th place to post. Lets us know how this gets resolved. Have a hard time believing the seller didn't clean that up a bit before the inspection- things that make you think huuhh ? have a great day- Cheryl
Jul 15, 2008 07:53 AM
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029
It must be a local thing Kevin. I guess that the manufacturer is just crazy for saying such a thing. I have not seen any of that here in my area.
Jul 15, 2008 09:21 PM
MC2 Home Inspections LLC - Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis home inspection service 317-605-3432
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA
Kevin: I never knew that people would hang a window sideways. That seems strange for the company to even promote. I can see where it puts you in a tough spot.
Jul 16, 2008 01:37 AM
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector
Sometimes "wrong" is wrong no matter who says otherwise:) Rembember when the consensus was that the world was flat? (Well I don't mean "actually" remember:)
Jul 16, 2008 01:50 AM
Reveal Property Inspections - Clarksville, TN
I haven't noticed that here in my part of TN, but I'll keep my eyes open for it now. But to answer your question about whether or not to report it even if manufacturerers say it is okay, I would write it up. It is not your place to say whether or not the manufacturers allow it or not. You just report on defects and areas of concern. If I saw a leak from that type of installation I would report it for sure.
Jul 16, 2008 04:15 AM
Rainmaker
67,228
67,228
Kevin Corsa
H.I.S. Home Inspections, Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector
Comments(14)