Homeowners in the midtown neighborhood of Pittsburg, KS sometimes notice a bay window that looks like it is slowly sagging away from the wall. That situation is a serious problem for any property owner. Window Installation in Pittsburg, KS is not like swapping out a standard double-hung sash. The structure projects out into open air, and gravity does not take days off around Crawford County.
Property owners often run into trouble because they treat Window Installation like a regular replacement project. Window Installation is different. The following sections outline the biggest pitfalls to avoid during Window Installation.
Skimping on Exterior Support Brackets
A standard window sits flush in a structural rough opening. A bay window hangs off the side of your house, cantilevered out into the elements. If a contractor tries to tell you that steel cables or simple knee brackets are not necessary for a smaller span, do not hire them.
Without proper knee brackets or tie-rods anchored deep into the wall studs, the sheer weight of three glass panes, insulated headers, and wooden framing will pull away over time. Our Kansas winds and seasonal weather shifts do not forgive shortcuts on structural framing during Window Installation.
Ignoring the Roof Tie-In
A bay window needs its own tiny roof, and that means tying into your existing siding and house wrap. If whoever installs it treats that miniature roof like an afterthought, you will end up with leaks that travel right down into your living room subfloor.
- Flashing has to be stepped and integrated behind the siding, not just caulked on the surface.
- Shingles or metal roofs on the bay need proper slope so rain water does not pool against your main wall.
Skipping Proper Insulation Below and Above
Because a bay window juts out past the thermal envelope of your home, the floor and ceiling cavities of the projection are completely exposed to outside air. If the crew forgets to spray foam or pack tight insulation into those cavities before finishing them off, your new window will turn into a massive draft generator come January.
Neighborly Window Installation always makes sure those hidden pockets are fully sealed up so you do not feel a cold breeze every time you walk through the room. Take your time, vet your installer, and make sure they are focusing on the structural side of the job just as much as the glass itself for Window Installation in Pittsburg, KS.