Champion Windows

I have recently purchased a series of four slider windows (57”x45”) and one patio door (69.5” x 79.5”) ON 1/3/2022 through Champion Windows. We decided to purchase Champion as this residence already had a series of Champion windows installed, and we were looking for consistency. I am corresponding as the installation or the manufacturing of these four slider windows has resulted in functionality issues.

The installation of the four slider windows on the lower level of our residence was questioned during the process. I noticed during the installation, the installer was not using window frame shims and I questioned the “bow” in the upper part of the frame as it did not seem straight, level, or square. He indicated that it was faster to just use an expandable foam, and that everything was going well. He seemed annoyed at my questions but did back out the screws on the top of the frame when I pointed this out again as there was an obvious arc to the top of the window frame.

Windows installation was finished August 8, 2022, they seemed to function properly, and I signed off on the completion form. What I did not realize that the time was that I could not get the windows out of the frames for cleaning. As I already have five other Champion slider windows and can remove these windows for cleaning it was apparent there was an installation issue or a measurement and manufacturing issue.

As service with Champion windows takes several months to schedule, a service call for Tuesday November 29, 2022, was set up. A technician came to the residence to examine the installation. I was not available, and he spoke with my wife on the day of his visit. He could not remove the windows either without the assistance of a putty knife forced under the widow sash. He demonstrated this methodology on the inner sash to my wife, but not the outer sash. When I tried this method, I could not completely get both windows out without stressing the frame. I also could not get the outer sash back in and had to grind relief channels into the frame and eventually forced this outer sash back in place.

I scheduled a second service call in late March for June 14th, 2023. The same field service technician came out but, on this trip, he removed the plastic glide bars on the bottom of the windows to allow some additional clearance (about 1/8”). This still did not completely resolve the issues on the outer left sash, as the left sash still needed to be removed with a putty knife under the sash and forced back into the frame to get it back in place.

The functionality of these four windows is not the same as the functionality of the other slider windows in the house. Your own Champion window videos on how to remove the sashes do not include the use of putty knives for removal or installation.

At one point Champion indicated the second field service visit would include a remeasure, and the sashes would be replaced. The tech refused to do this and insisted on the use of a putty knife, along with removing the glide bars at the bottom of the sashes as a fix. But even with the removal of the plastic glide bars, these windows do not remove and install properly.