Doors and Windows - drafts from replacement windows?

Hi,

I had all my windows replaced with Harvey vinyl windows about 4 years ago. Harvey is a manufacturer in Massachusetts that a lot of contractors here seem to like.

I get a terrible draft right where the window closes. I have caulked all around the underneath apron. I had the manufacturer's rep visit, and he said that it's because there is no insulation in the wall underneath the window. ???

Am not sure that the outside frame was caulked. I guess I can do this, right? Also, I have aluminum siding, which I will probably replace with vinyl this winter. And then, there is insulation in the walls, but it appears to have settled.

The draft from the window opening is so bad that I put a piece of foam tape underneath the lip of the window to stop the draft.

I have been very disappointed with these windows. Do you think new siding, new caulking, and more insulation blown in will help?

Thanks!

The new siding and sealing around the windows properly when it is installed will probably solve the problem. Blowing more insulation into the cavities would be somewhat 'iffy'. Depends on the type of insulation you would use and more importantly on the type of equipment used to blow it, as well as the experience the installer has with his equipment. Most installers have high volume machines that work great for putting a lot of insulation in an attic in a big hurry. Walls require a much slower machine. Most installers simply try slowing the fast machines down enough to blow a wall. Sometimes the low volume required just isn't possible to achieve with some of those machines.

Hi Lefty,

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think I could use foam to fill in underneath the window?

DON'T use foam anyplace around the windows. If it expands at all, it will warp the window frames and you'll be replacing them again.

Also Mc-

Read the reply to Bobgold's. It proposes a solution to your situation also. No surprise it was overlooked on this thread also.

-Chris