Vinyl windows, also known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) windows or uPVC (unplasticized PVC) are a ubiquitous part of the residential window landscape, and not only that, there are a lot of them out there. There are many satisfied vinyl window customers and I have seen many good installations, however there can also be problems with vinyl windows. Some problems are common to all windows, others…
Leaks and Problems with Vinyl Windows
Fixing Window Leaks in Tall Buildings
Mark Meshulam is an expert witness and exterior facade consultant for window leaks in tall buildings.As we head into our rainy season, there are many participants in a relatively recent social experiment – life in a high-rise – who will discover that their “building envelope” is not enveloping them as well as it did last season. Just like a bucket or a car tire, a…
Curtainwall Leaks
Whereas windows fit within an opening, curtainwalls fit outside the structure. Curtainwall mullions and glass run vertically past the slabs. Curtainwall mullions are anchored back to slab edges.
Window Glazing Leaks
Mark Meshulam’s inside scoop on window glazing and window glazing leaks. The word “glazing” has multiple meanings where windows are concerned. Glazing can be a verb, meaning the act of installing glass into a frame. Glazing can refer to the portion of the assembly which contains the glass or other glazed-in panels. Glazing can also refer more specifically to the means by which the glass…
Documentary Photos for Window Survey
Mark Meshulam is an expert witness and consultant for leaking windows. Your window leak survey through a large building might be your only opportunity to view certain conditions. Occupants often require prior notice, or are difficult to schedule, so it is important to make the most of your visit. The best way to do this is to take LOTS of pictures. These unglamorous photos will…
Creating a Leak Survey Form
Mark Meshulam is an expert witness and consultant for leaking windows. In my last post, your trusty Chicago Window Expert explained that it is important to notify all building residents that a window consultant will come to view their window leak, and to seek as much information as possible about how the window leak presents itself. I also listed this deceptively simple task:“Create a customized…
Preparing for a Window Leak Survey
Mark Meshulam is an expert witness and consultant for window leakage. Welcome back to our continuing coverage of this scintillating topic, window leaks in buildings. You will recall from our last exciting post, when the Chicago Window Expert is invited to a soggy building to analyze window leaks, first I do a lot of listening and looking around. At this early stage I am gathering…
My Windows Leak!
When windows leak, this is a high priority problems. Left unattended, leaks through windows or walls can cause extensive and expensive water damage.