The Philosophy
"It won't work right if it's not installed right"™ is more than a phrase, it is the guiding philosophy of AWDI and its operations. Today's technologically superior performance enhancing innovation and testing of window products, leaves little doubt of the quality and value of the majority of residential window and door.

Of equal importance, the installation of the product in a new or existing opening completes the window transaction. Proper installation is at least equal in importance to any other facet in the ultimate satisfaction of the homeowner.

New Windows are only half the system Installation is the other half.
Many decades and millions of installations the world-over has proven the reliability and performance of today's Premium-Windows. With few exceptions, most windows perform without fail, and meet or exceed all published air, water, and heat transfer standards.

Window and door products have become more sophisticated, and have become, in effect, precision appliances - able to separate and control the interior environment independent from the outside environment; while being able to operate reliably for long periods of time. And, most Window companies make a quality product that will perform consistently.

Only the variables of installation can significantly influence the performance of the total window system. AWDI seeks to create consistent installations, utilizing consistent products, in inconsistent applications. Therefore, the AWDI Installation Certification Training is given with the intent of instructing the installer on the ways to create the "consistent opening" ready to accept the new window; and teaching the installer how to remove the opportunities for mistakes rather than avoiding them.

Over 90% of Window problems are the result of poor, or incomplete installation
National statistics prove year after year that, when properly installed, windows will perform up to specifications for longer than the warranted life of the window itself. Excessive condensation, air leaks, heat loss, warped or out-of-square windows are the result of faulty installation - not faulty manufacture. Unfortunately, these problems won't usually show up until months after the installation. And worse, they are not covered by the manufacturer's window warranty.

How can I tell if the installation is good?
Judging the performance and manufacture of a window product is easy. They're all rated by industry standards. With the creation of the AWDI Installation Guidelines for Windows, Version 1.9, and including a Guide to Coastal Installation and New Construction, there now exists standards by which you can judge whether the contractor installing your windows is following the industry-accepted guidelines.

Most contractors who install windows do a good job. Callbacks for problems are the dread of any home owner or contractor. Intense competition and the occasional "weekend window contractor" who installs using "caulk and walk" techniques have caused some installers to compromise their work.

Ask your contractor to see his AWDI credentials. He is a "Certified Installer" and will be glad to show you his certificate. Then ask your contractor to see the AWDI Guidelines for Installing Windows. Discuss these guidelines with him and how he intends to apply them in your home when he installs your new windows. AWDI certified Installers are justifiably proud of their Certification, and are glad to share their expertise with you.

You can trust an AWDI Certified Installer. His skill and technical knowledge will assure you of a trouble-free and satisfactory installation of your new Windows. You'll be glad to know that each window you have purchased has been designed, built, and installed to exacting standards.

Whether you're buying new premium windows for an addition or house you are building, or you're choosing custom, replacement windows because the old ones in your home didn't last. Isn't it worth dealing with an AWDI Certified Installer to see to it that the new ones do?

RECENT AWDI STUDY CONFIRMS:

POOR INSTALLATION
REDUCES ENERGY EFFICIENCY
OF WINDOWS MORE THAN 25%
OVER PROMISED PERFORMANCE!

Research work tied to the British Fenestration Rating Council A through G Window Standards, has also confirmed that sealant only installations reduced an "A" window to a "D" window performance. Sealant and insulation in the cavity fare better, but still reduce the overall energy efficiency to well below the performance attained in laboratory testing.

The testing at NCTL of AWDI's contention of reduction of in-service performance from promised performance, established inarguable results that show that standard installation reduces an R-5 window to an installed rating of barely over R-2.

Bottom Line: Government encouraged .30/.30 windows when installed in new construction lose more than 15% of the thermal performance promised, and in replacement, that efficiency loss is closer to 25%. People who buy .30/.30 windows hoping for the energy efficiency they promise - don't get anywhere near it.

The culprits? Failure to re-establish the wall/window weather barriers (there are 5), poor R-Values of sealants and trim, inconsistent application of cavity insulation, air leaks due to thermal bridges like shims and capping, and sealant failures, i.e., poor installation!

AWDI's R5 protocols will maintain R5 in service performance of an R5 window.

And, AWDI has found that those figures are based on best case scenarios. Everyday installation tends to be worse. Anecdotal analysis has shown that replacement windows installed by Caulk and Walk™ techniques too often perform at a lower level than the prime window/storm window they replace. Sloppy installations coupled with destructive removal of the old window too often make matters worse - a lot worse.

The culprits? Failure to re-establish the wall/window weather barriers (there are 5), poor R-Values of sealants and trim, inconsistent application of cavity insulation, air leaks due to thermal bridges like shims and capping, and sealant failures, i.e., poor installation!

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ALL REPLACEMENT WINDOW INSTALLERS MUST RE-CERTIFY AND TAKE A 4hr REFRESHER COURSE BEFORE THEIR CURRENT CERTIFICATE EXPIRES....

To replace windows on pre 1978 houses, all renovation contractors must suit up with EPA Accredited Certified Renovator designation and a ton of paper work. The EPA requires renewal and a Refresher Course before the current certificate expires. For most, that's within the next 6 months. If a renovator fails to get it done in time, they must start over with the 8 hour course and re-registration. Firms need to renew their Certification, as well.

info@awdi.com