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Just to give some back ground here I live on some acreage in a 1 Story and half house. It is not uncommon to get 30 - 45 knot gust. At the time of installation my home was 12 years old. The previous windows were a Marvin builders grade which was starting to fail. We did our homework and went through numerous window replacement companies. RBA came out and did their sales pitch and we loved the windows. We bought 26 windows at a cost of $22K. We went with the Window inserts instead of the full replacements. With the installation process we were a little concerned when we saw the RBA team doing their work. The team was being very frugal with the foam. We raised concern that it gets very windy out here where we live and they need to be very plentiful with the foam. We were assured what they were doing would suffice the need for the installation. Throughout the summer the windows were good. The real problems are starting to now. With heavy gust (30-40 knots) the windows leak air, especially around the double hung windows. Which for our case we only got 2. We have several picture windows that are fixed. These windows leak air worse than our old windows. So we are going to see how good the warranty is for this company. From what we have seen from the replacement windows these have the best ratings over other competitions. From what I have read about the replacement windows it is all about installation. My wife and I are getting ready for a long haul battle. For this amount of money we SHOULD not be having these issues. I know for people this can be emotional, however I am pretty calm and always look at the facts.
After reading reviews of RBA windows experience, I too am close to filing a deceptive practice lawsuit. I had the same "hard sell" that I need to purchase the windows today before the price goes up. Unfortunately the salesperson convinced me that these were the best windows on the market. So I bought it. The problem is I live in a townhouse and the Board needs to approve the window selection. In the contract there is a place to check that says the windows will not be made until the HOA approves the windows, so I checked it. Needless to say, 2 weeks later I get a call from RBA to set up an installation day when the windows had not been approved by my HOA. So now, RBA refuses to refund the $7400 for the measurement and continues to state that I signed a contract. Talk about deceptive practice and a rip-off company! Signed: an unhappy consumer in Huntington Beach, CA.
I purchased 26 Renewal by Andersen windows June 2010 and boy am I sorry now. Paid over $23K. Most of the windows are casement and are working fairly well except where the windows were installed in the opening (leaks air), but the two worst offenders for air leaks that I have are the double hung windows. Once faces North the other South. These two double-hung were over $11oo a piece since the windows are 3.5x6.5. Right now I have 35+ MPH NW winds (as I write it is now 45+) and the window is howling with air pouring in... and I mean pouring in. These double hung windows are the worst I have ever had. My original old Marvin windows didn't leak air this BAD.
Andersen's solution is to insall a new window kit. They said this is a known problem with the windows where the air pours in around the block and channel of the windows, at the top of the frame, and not to mention under the sash. If it is known problem then why is Andersen adressing the issue up front?I have plastic up on the inside and it is bowing and is under strain. We are suppose to be to 4 degress tonight with the continual strong winds so my poor old furnance is going to get a costly workout.
I also have air leak around the edges of my large picture windows. Nothings about these windows is tight. The installation was not correct in my opinion and they have already been out several times for warranty work.
I would not recommend Renewal By Andersen Windows. Might as well go with WIndow World like my mom did as she has ZERO issues with her double hung windows. So I would not agress with the old saying you get what you pay for because this does not hold true with Andersen Windows. They are just costly without being effecient at keeping wind/heat/cold out which really is the whole purpose of a window right?!? Well see what happens with their recommended fix.
BTW - My Andersen Frenchwood Door is failing too. More air is coming in than with by old Pella Sliding Door. This door was recommended by Andersen to stop the straight direct West winds. Well it is not keeping the wind out! Air is coming in at the hinges, around all entry sides and all along the bottom. At least it doesn't let rain in like my sliding door.
After th 4th effort by RBA technicians to stop the flow of cold air resulted in the windows no longer being able to be opened I also am looking into litigation concerning deceptive sales practices. That process in retrospect was a full court presss of deception and outright lies, most notably during a visit to the RBA showroom where, fortunately, I had company - a witness. We were told - as she put her hand to the window - that there would be no difference in temperature at the window from the room itself. After consecutive sub zero nights I measured nearly twenty degrees difference.
Here's my blog that details my ordeal:
http://leakyrenewalbyandersenwindows.blogspot.com/
I've filed a complaint with the Kansas Attorney general.
Here's my blog detailing my ordeal with RBA:
http://leakyrenewalbyandersenwindows.blogspot.com/
To follow up to my last post, I have filed a complaint with the Kansas Attorney Generals office, http://www.ksag.org/page/file-a-consumer-complaint. I encourage you to do the same. The Southard rep told me that "all windows leak air". I think that they should disclose this before you sign the contract, don't you?
I have the EXACT same problem with the 200 series windows I had installed in new construction this summer. The installation was done correctly and the window frames are square, however the sashes do not have a good fit. In the recent blizzard we had snow coming in where the two sashes meet on either side. I bought these windows for the Anderson name and will be filing a complaint. If there is a class action suit I want in on it. They've been out for "warranty work" multiple times. The fit and finish is horrible.
I am considering a lawsuit against RBA-looks like there may be enough people in Kansas dissatisfied with RBA that a class action suite may be possible.
If you haven't yet resolved your problems (and I suspect you haven't, based on my experiences with RBA), I am considering a lawsuit against RBA for deceptive sales practices and inferior product (my windows leak air too). Maybe there will be the possibility of a class action suit, just by the comments I have read on the internet.
I too have this problem. I purchased $200 worth
of andersen original weather stripping and it is not
worth a dime. The air blows in and you can feel the frosty
snow entering the room.
Nice work andersen!