I want to stir the pot on this a little and see what floats up…
Has anyone else had problems with Semco windows or doors manufactured in the early 90’s?
Of the 12 Semco windows installed in our house, all of them are exhibiting signs of mild to moderate mold infestation and mild to severe rot by the time their 11’th anniversary rolled around. Four of the panes have also vented out and condensation forms between the panes. Many of the lower sashes are not square. Wind causes the sashes to resonate when it blows or gusts above 35 MPH.
The single operable slab French door in our house, also a Semco of the same vintage, is very drafty. In fact, on several occasions, during blustery snow storms, we have seen a small 3-4″ drift of snow form on the floor on the jamb-side.
Now, the contractor that installed them way back when never stained or sealed the wood, so that didn’t help matters, but I think that poor design and poor quality control were the primary culprits behind the problems we are now experiencing. The rooms in the house that still have the original 1885 windows are literally less drafty than those with the Semco’s, even with the storm windows open.
Now, I don’t know about anyone else, but I consider any product that falls apart around the time its warranty expires to be junk designed to fail from the get-go to increase revenue stream.
Anyone else have problems with their wares?
Replies
Of the 12 Semco windows installed in our house, all of them are exhibiting signs of mild to moderate mold infestation and mild to severe rot by the time their 11'th anniversary rolled around
Now, the contractor that installed them way back when never stained or sealed the wood, so that didn't help matters, but I think that poor design and poor quality control were the primary culprits behind the problems we are now experienc
You didn't have the contractor prime/stain/seal the windows when installed?
Were you trying to save money?
Letting them go 10+ years with no protection isn't the manufacturers fault or the contractors if you didn't specify the finish when he installed them.
I have six Semco clad double hungs in my shop. At seven years old they show no signs of failure in any way.
Dave
Hey...hey...hey...hold on now...Did I say that -I- had them installed? I have a few brain cells that still work and if I'm putting in a window, I stain and poly the buhjeezus out of it. I don't like rot. They were installed long before I thought about moving in here.I still don't think the windows should be in failure mode after 11 years just because they weren't finished. Fact is that the poor design is what allowed the water to get to the unfinished wood in the 1st place. I've seen Andersen windows go 15 years with 0 signs of mold or rot before they get finished.
My apologies. I guess I read to much in your post. So...
Not being inflamatory. Most window manufacture warrenties specificlly state the the units must be protected before installation and a finished should be applied as soon as possible. It is one of those little weak links that can be overlooked, and themanufacture gets off the hook, if they are so inclined.
Calvin probably gave you the reason for such rampent failure, but it looks lik you are stuck with the problem. Some states allow warrenties to transfer from owner to owner. Others do not. Maybe check with your state consumer protection agency to see what you option, if any, may be.
I have had Andersen honor ten year warrentied windows that were 11 years old. Pella was a little more slippery near the end of their warrenty period, but came through in the end. This is my first run with Semco, so don't know how they will be, if I have a problem.
Dave
failed balancers in a couple of '87 vintage double hungs. Replacement still available-whole side jamb liner.
They had many changeovers during that period as was found out trying to get the right jamb liner to fit.
After that, no idea about them-they were a builders series window back then-$.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/