5 Window Installation Red Flags to Watch for During the Installation Process
Choosing quality windows is only half the battle. The real test comes during the installation. Even premium windows like ProVia Endure can underperform—or even fail—if they’re installed incorrectly. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know what a proper installation looks like until it’s too late.
Here are 5 red flags to watch for during your window installation that may signal trouble.
1. Skipping the Pre-Install Inspection
Before any window is installed, a professional installer should take time to inspect the rough opening, check for water damage, rot, or structural issues, and confirm proper sizing. If your installer immediately starts prying out old windows without evaluating the opening first, they’re skipping a crucial step that could impact the entire job.
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2. No Use of Flashing or Weatherproofing Materials
Proper sealing is everything. A good installer will use flashing tape, backer rod, spray foam insulation, and sometimes a sill pan to protect against water infiltration. If your installer is relying only on caulk—or skipping sealing steps entirely—you’re almost guaranteed to deal with drafts or water leaks later.
3. Uneven or Improperly Leveled Windows
Every window must be installed level, plumb, and square. If installers aren’t using a level or shims to make precise adjustments, your windows may stick, jam, or have gaps that let in air. Crooked installs can also void your manufacturer’s warranty.
4. Rushed Trim or Interior Finishing Work
Once the window is installed, the job isn’t done. A quality installer will take the time to ensure interior and exterior trim is tight, clean, and properly sealed. Sloppy caulking, mismatched trim, or visible gaps are signs of rushed or careless finishing—and they can lead to long-term issues with moisture, pests, and energy efficiency.
5. No Final Walkthrough or Installation Checklist
A professional installation should always end with a final walkthrough and quality check. The installer should test each window’s operation, explain how to lock and maintain it, and review the warranty coverage. If the crew packs up and leaves without reviewing their work with you, that's a red flag for lack of accountability.
Don’t Let a Bad Install Ruin a Great Window
At Covered Exteriors, we don’t cut corners. Our certified installers follow manufacturer guidelines to the letter—especially with ProVia Endure windows—to ensure long-term performance, comfort, and energy efficiency. We treat your home like our own and back every install with a strong workmanship warranty.
Thinking about new windows? Contact Covered Exteriors for a professional consultation and a flawless installation you can trust.
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I recently had new windows installed by Covered Exteriors, and I couldn't be happier with the results. The team was professional, efficient, and paid great attention to detail. The windows look fantastic and have significantly improved the insulation as well as reduced noise in my home. Highly recommend their services!
What a great lesson I got from Mike, I know more about windows then I ever thought possible! Mike came to the house and did a full inspection, explained all options of windows available and never pushed us to buy anything. We took our time to make a decision and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. I love the work Covered guys did. Super professional from start to finish! Highly recommend Covered Exteriors for your window project!
I had Mike and the team from Covered Exteriors replace 17 windows in my home on Staten Island. Not only was their price point extremely competitive, but their level of professionalism and attention to detail was second to none. Neat, clean and efficient, the team managed to get the project fully completed in under two days! Highly, highly recommend!
Had 12 windows replaced by Covered Exteriors, everything went amazing! The sales person was knowledgeable and never pushed for a sale. The install crew was very professional and cleaned up after themselves. Highly recommend these guys.
We originally had Covered Exteriors come out to quote us on 6 windows because we thought doing more would be cost prohibitive. However, the representative was able to apply some really great promotions and got us set up with an affordable monthly payment so we wound up changing all the windows in our home. The installation also went off much more smoothly than expected. They’re also the only company that I found that were willing to help us with removing and reinstalling our blinds and window treatments. That was huge for us! Thank you!
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