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Obispo
Pacific |
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6100 El Camino Real Atascadero, CA 93422 |
December 3, 2004
6255 Buckhorn Ridge Place
San Miguel, CA 93451
Dear Mr. Miley:
Upon your request to inspect the installation of all Marvin units at jobsite 6255 Buckhorn Ridge Place in San Miguel, CA, we found the following issues:
With regards to flashing, there were several problems noted. First, the type of flashing paper used was not all correct. The correct way to flash a unit is to have Fortiflash type paper on the head of the unit, expanding at least 8 beyond the perimeter of the frame in both directions. For the jambs and the sill, Moistop type paper is used and also needs to extend past the unit by at least 8 in both directions. On your job, we found 3 issues. One, they failed to use a Fortiflash paper at the head of the unit. Two, the paper applied did not extend past the perimeter frames by at least 8. Three, there were several holes noted throughout your existing flashing paper.
With regards to Sealant, there was a major problem. When installing a unit, you want to apply a continuous bead of sealant behind the entire perimeter of the nailing fin. We were unable to find any sealant being used on your existing installation. This step is crucial, and with your current scenario of having no sealant at all, you are in certain danger of having a leaking unit down the line.
With regards to the nailing fin itself, there is yet another issue. Since Marvin units do not have a continuous nailing fin around the entire perimeter, you need to apply corner fins at time of install. Marvin does supply 2 nail-fin corners for the head, and these were used at your jobsite. However your current install does not have any corners at the bottom or sill of the unit. Our inspectors were actually able to see into the house through these gaps. This is a problem. To fix this issue, our installers wrap the corner nail-fins with a product known as EZ Moist, creating a nail-fin corner in and of itself.
With regards to general installation, we found several issues. There were no continuous bottom or sill shims used throughout the project. This is essential to creating a level unit regardless of framing issues. Next, there was no consistency in the type of fastener used to secure the windows to the frames. We generally will use a #8 1-1/4 Pan Head Screw every 8-12 apart on the nailing fin. On your current install, there was several types of fasteners used throughout, even on the same units. There were also several large gaps where fasteners were not placed evenly or every 8-12.
With regards to Exterior Marvin French Doors, there were also several problems. First, improper flashing paper as discussed earlier was present on all units. Second, there were no shims used on the install to insure proper plum, level, and square. Third, the lack of sealant behind the nailing fins was another major problem. Next, the units were actually loose inside the jambs. Our inspectors were able to physically move these units inside their frames. Finally, due to all above problems, the doors consistently had reveal problems. All of the reveals from the panels to the frames were different. These are all the results of a poorly installed Door.
In general, the current installation of the Marvin product at your jobsite has several serious flaws. I recommend having all of the units pulled from their current openings and re-installed by an AAMA approved installation crew. To forego this recommendation will likely cause leaking units, units that dont operate properly, and quite possibly a void in warranties from Marvin. I hope this information is helpful, and please call me with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Ryan McLeod
Sales Representative
Obispo Pacific