How to Tell If Your Windows Were Installed Correctly

Upgrading your windows is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and value—but if they weren’t installed properly, even the most expensive window can cause big problems.

At Southwest Window & Door, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when window installation is rushed or handled by inexperienced crews. Here’s how to know if your windows were installed correctly—and what to do if they weren’t.

🔍 Why Proper Window Installation Matters

Even the best window will fail if it’s installed incorrectly. Without the proper flashing, insulation, and leveling, you risk:

• Drafts and air leaks

• Water intrusion and wall damage

• Frame warping or shifting

• Mold and condensation

• Voided warranties from manufacturers

At Southwest Window & Door, we follow precise installation standards that protect your home and your investment.

🚫 Why Cheap Window Installation Often Costs More in the Long Run

It’s tempting to save money by hiring the lowest bidder—but what you save upfront can lead to long-term costs, safety concerns, and regret.

Many low-cost window companies:

• Use inexperienced subcontractors who rush the job

• Leave open window holes exposed too long, even overnight

• Use cheap caulk, weak flashing, or skip insulation altogether

• Cause damage to drywall, flooring, or siding

• Leave debris or broken glass that’s unsafe for kids or pets

• Don’t clean up properly, leaving your home a mess

• Leave homes unsecured, increasing the risk of theft or break-ins

When the job is done poorly, you're left with:

• Drafty, foggy, or leaky windows

• Water-damaged walls or furniture

• Unsafe hardware or openings

• Windows that need to be replaced again—just a few years later

✅ That’s why Southwest Window & Door uses trained installers—not random subcontractors. We protect your home, install quickly and cleanly, and ensure everything is sealed and secure the same day.

⚠️ Signs Your Window Installation Might Be Faulty

Wondering if your current windows were properly installed? Look for these common signs:

1. Drafts Around the Frame

If you feel air movement near a closed window, it likely means the seal is broken or missing entirely.

2. Visible Gaps or Daylight Around the Edges

This usually means the window was never properly leveled or shimmed—and now it's shifting.

3. Moisture or Fog Between Panes

While sometimes caused by glass failure, this often points to pressure stress from improper installation.

4. Windows That Stick or Don’t Lock Easily

A common sign that the frame is warped or was never aligned correctly.

5. Interior Water Damage

Soft drywall, peeling paint, or mold near the sill often means water is seeping in behind the frame.

🛠️ What a Professional Window Installation Should Look Like

When you choose Southwest Window & Door, you get:

• Exact measurements for a tight, energy-efficient fit

• Shimming and leveling of every unit

• Use of high-performance flashing, caulk, and insulation

• Careful protection of your floors, furniture, and trim

• Clean removal of old windows and debris

• Same-day sealing and finishing

• Final walkthrough to ensure safety and satisfaction

We install industry-leading products from:

• Wincore 7700 Series

• ProVia Endure™

• Andersen SmartSun® and HeatLock® glass packages

✅ What to Do If Your Windows Were Installed Poorly

If you’ve spotted warning signs—or you’re just not sure—give us a call. We’ll inspect your current windows, explain what’s working (and what’s not), and offer honest options for getting it fixed.

📞 Call Southwest Window & Door at 501-617-7024 to schedule your free consultation in Little Rock, Benton, Bryant, Hot Springs, or surrounding Arkansas areas.

You don’t have to live with bad window installation. Get it done right—the first time.