When shopping around for window replacements for your home, you will probably receive several estimates from contractors. As the homeowner, you naturally want to keep your project cost as low as possible. So when you see the lowest price in the mix, you may be tempted to go with that contractor without considering the repercussions. However, there are several ways that cheap window installation can cost you more money down the road.
Window installation isn’t just about hanging a window on your wall. The quality of the installation dictates how the window will perform, how long it will last, and how well it protects your home. By understanding how inferior installation can cost you more time and money, you can avoid costly mistakes and feel confident in your decision the next time you replace windows.
Continue reading to learn why cheap window installation can cost more later.
Window Performance Depends on Installation
Just because you purchase high-quality windows doesn’t mean they will perform to their full potential. Many homeowners spend weeks comparing windows to find the right combination of window features.
Window glass packages, frame materials, energy ratings, and warranty perks are all important but worthless if your installation is flawed.
When installed properly, your windows should be:
- Square & level
- Sealed correctly
- Insulated properly
- Fastened securely
- Weatherproofed
You shouldn’t notice any performance issues when your windows are installed correctly. Unfortunately, many cut-corner installations cause problems with your window’s performance right off the bat.
Air Leaks Lead to Higher Energy Bills
There are many telltale signs of poor window installation. One of the most obvious is air leaking into your home. Small gaps and holes around your window frame may be difficult to spot but can have a huge impact on your energy bills.
These little imperfections allow air to escape and outdoor air to enter your home. Not only will you feel the temperature changes, but your HVAC system will have to work overtime to keep your home comfortable.
Over time, you may notice:
- Higher utility costs
- Drafty rooms
- Hot & Cold spots
- Lower comfort levels
The savings you put towards that cheap installer will disappear every month when you see your energy bills.
Water Intrusion Can Cause Major Damage
One of the main purposes of your windows is to keep rain and moisture outside. Your window should act as a shield between Mother Nature and your home.
Flashing, sealant, and proper waterproofing techniques should direct water to run down your exterior wall. Many lower-priced installations skip crucial steps or use subpar materials.
Instead of flowing down your exterior wall, water will seek out every crack and crevice around your window. Once water penetrates your window, you put your drywall, framing, insulation, and even your indoor air quality at risk.
Water damage can lead to costly repairs like:
- Damaged Drywall
- Rotting Framing
- Insulation Failure
- Mold Growth
- Structural Damage to the Wall System
You may not even know there is a problem until your damage is done. The cost of water damage can end up costing you much more than the inexpensive installation.
Cheap Installations Often Use Lower-Quality Materials
Sometimes the low price is more than just cheap labor. Contractors have been known to install windows using lower-grade sealants, flashing, insulation, and fasteners.
While these products may not be visible after installation, they have major impacts on how your window performs over time.
Cheap materials tend to break down faster when exposed to the elements. Temperature fluctuations, rain, snow, and humidity can shorten the lifespan of low-grade materials.
As your materials break down, you will start to experience leaks, drafts, and operational problems with your windows.
Operational Problems Become Frustrating
Windows are meant to open and close effortlessly. They should easily lock and maintain a proper seal when closed.
Poor installation can cause misalignment and lead to immediate operational problems. Homeowners often complain about windows sticking, failing to lock, or not sealing when closed.
Some common causes for this are:
- Out of Square Installations
- Poor/Shotty Shimming
- Uneven Support
- Poor Fastening
What may start out as a minor annoyance can turn into bigger problems with your home’s security and energy efficiency.
A window that functions properly today will continue to function properly years down the road with a proper installation.
Warranty Problems Can Become Expensive
Believe it or not, some homeowners think that their warranty will take care of them if anything ever goes wrong. Window manufacturers typically require that their products be installed by a professional.
Installing windows incorrectly can void your warranty immediately or cause the manufacturer to deny any future claims. Once a claim is denied, you are now responsible for the repairs or replacement that should have been covered.
Always work with a reputable company that has a track record of doing business for years. The lowest bid may not provide you with anything in writing should problems arise down the road.
Premature Window Failure Reduces Value
A window that is installed correctly can last for decades. But something as small as a poor installation can drastically reduce your window’s lifespan.
Exposure to rain, air, structural movement, and pressure can cause your window to fail much quicker. Failures can occur to the window and surrounding materials.
Homeowners are then stuck having to repair or replace their windows much sooner than expected.
When you consider the lifetime of your window, a proper installation will always be worth more than what you save by using a cheap installer.
The Hidden Cost of Repeat Repairs
The frustrating thing about bad installations is that the costs don’t always happen all at once. You could spend the next several years repairing things like:
- Leak Sealing
- Damaged Trim Repair
- Moisture Intrusion
- Repainting
- Insulation Replacement
- Mold Remediation
While these costs may not seem like a lot on their own. They can turn into thousands of dollars after many years of repairs.
By then, the homeowner already spent much more on repairs than what they would have saved with a quality installation.
Experience Matters in Window Installation
Window replacement should never be looked at as a one-size-fits-all solution. Every home is different, with many variables to consider when installing windows.
Wall construction, moisture management, structural integrity, and exposure to the elements are just a few of the many factors that can affect your installation.
Knowing how to identify these concerns and take corrective measures is what sets an experienced installer apart.
Choose Value Instead of Price
When you receive window replacement estimates from contractors, don’t simply choose the lowest bidder. A reputable contractor should offer you:
- Professional Installation Techniques
- Quality Materials
- Manufacturer-approved installation
- A Strong Product Warranty
- Experienced Installation Crew
- Ongoing Customer Support
All of these things play a vital role in your windows performing correctly for years to come.
The upfront cost may be more than what you were hoping to spend, but it can save you money in the long run.
Invest in Your Home the First Time
Now that you understand why cheap window installation can cost more later. You can make a more informed decision the next time you have windows replaced.
By cutting corners during installation, you leave your windows vulnerable to air leaks, water intrusion, operational issues, warranty voids, and premature failure.
Trust Semko, Inc. for your next window installation project
Here at Semko, we feel that windows should be installed with the same care with which they are sold. Our installation crew has years of experience following industry-best installation practices. We strive to provide you with windows that will not only look great but perform better than you expect.
Contact Semko today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you protect your home and investment.
