How Do I Know if My Windows Are Installed Correctly?

Investing in new windows is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, curb appeal, and overall value. However, even the highest-quality, most expensive window on the market will fail if it isn't installed properly.

Sometimes, homeowners choose a team based on the lowest quote, only to find out later that the "savings" came at the cost of poor workmanship. If you pick the wrong team, you might be left with drafts, leaks, or windows that simply don’t work.

How can you tell if your investment was handled with care? In this article, we’ll go over the common signs of a bad window installation and what you should look for to ensure the job was done right.

The Tell-Tale Signs of Poor Window Installation

If you’ve recently had windows replaced, keep an eye out for these red flags. Most of these issues appear shortly after the installers leave, but some may take a change in season to become obvious.

1. Drafts and Air Leaks

The most immediate sign of a poor install is feeling a breeze when the window is closed. If you notice a draft coming from the edges of the window frame (not the glass itself), it usually means the window wasn't leveled correctly or there is insufficient insulation between the window frame and your home’s rough opening.

2. Difficulty Opening and Closing

A new window should operate smoothly. If you have to fight with the sash to get it to slide, or if it won't stay open on its own, the window is likely out of plumb (vertical) or square. When a window is forced into a space that isn't level, the frame can warp, leading to mechanical failure and eventually broken seals.

3. Visible Gaps and Messy Caulking

Take a close look at the exterior and interior perimeter of the window. Do you see gaps between the frame and the siding? Is the caulking uneven, bubbly, or missing in spots? Caulking isn't just for aesthetics – it’s your home’s primary line of defense against water. Messy or incomplete sealant is a sign of a rushed, unprofessional job.

4. Condensation Between Panes

While condensation on the outside of a window pane can be normal, seeing fog or moisture between the layers of glass is a major problem. This indicates a broken insulated glass unit seal. While this can be a manufacturing defect, it can also be caused by physical stress put on the window frame during transport or poor installation.

5. Water Damage or Staining

If you see yellowing, bubbling paint, or mould around the window casing after a rainstorm, water is getting in. This is often the result of improper flashing – the material used to direct water away from the window opening. If water gets behind the frame, it can cause structural rot long before you even notice the leak.

Why Homeowners Choose Centra Install Pros

Avoiding a bad installation starts with choosing the right partner. Homeowners across Western Canada trust Centra Install Pros because we eliminate the guesswork. Here is what sets us apart:

In-House Installation Teams

We don’t use random subcontractors. Your windows are installed by Centra Employee Owners who are personally invested in the quality of their work and the reputation of the company.

True 30-Year Warranty (Including Labour)

Most companies only cover the glass or the frame and will charge you for service. Our warranty covers the product, the installation, and even the labour costs. If there’s an issue with the install, we fix it at zero cost to you!

Built for Local Climates

Our windows are manufactured in our BC and Alberta plants and engineered specifically to withstand the unique weather demands of our region, from heavy coastal rain to interior heat and prairie winters.

Expert Leveling and Sealing

We take the time to ensure every window is perfectly plumb, level, and square, using premium insulation and sealant techniques that prevent drafts for decades. There’s a reason we’re called the Pros!

FAQ: Identifying Installation Issues

Q: Is it normal for new windows to have a slight draft?

A: No, it’s not normal for new windows to have drafts. Modern windows are designed to be airtight. If you feel air movement around the frame, it usually indicates a gap in the insulation or a frame that was not sealed correctly.

Q: Why is my new window making a creaking sound?

A: Creaking new windows can happen if the window was installed too tightly into the rough opening without room for natural expansion and contraction, or if it is sitting unlevel.

Q: How can I test if my windows are level?

A: You can use a carpenter’s level on the sill and the side jambs to see if your windows are level.

Q: Does a bad installation void my window warranty?

A: It can. Manufacturers may deny a warranty claim on a defective window if they determine the failure was caused by improper installation. This is why choosing a company that does it all and Centra’s comprehensive warranty are so valuable.

Q: What should I do if I think my windows were installed incorrectly?

A: Contact the installation company immediately if you think the work was done incorrectly. A reputable company should be willing to come out, inspect the work, and make necessary adjustments.

Get the Job Done Right the First Time

Don't let a budget installation turn into a high-cost headache. Choosing Centra Install Pros means choosing peace of mind, expert craftsmanship, and a window system that will perform for a lifetime.

Book your free quote with the Pros today!

Centra: Western Canada’s Top Choice for Windows & Doors

Have an upcoming window and door project? Reach out to the experts at Centra Windows & Install Pros for a free consultation! If you have any questions regarding this topic or anything else to do with windows, contact a local Centra Employee Owner at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date, and test your window knowledge on LinkedIn.