A Contemporary Do-Over for a Rotting Window Replacement Job
Hired to tackle poor installation and severe rot on 20-year-old unclad wood windows, builder Matt Risinger shows the difference that proper installation and contemporary replacement windows can make.
In the latest series of videos on Build with Matt Risinger, Austin-based builder Matt Risinger works on a stucco and stone house with a major rot problem. Unclad wood windows were installed facing West towards storms and an unruly sprinkler system, meaning lots of moisture exposure. When paired with poor installation, constant moisture exposure led to rotting and deterioration of the windows and surrounding walls. Caught early enough to avoid major structural damage, the issue created an opportunity to replace the windows, add proper weatherization and opt for a more modern solution that maintains the luxurious feeling of wood on the interior, but introduces a tough aluminum-clad exterior for no fuss maintenance.
In the first of two episodes, Risinger addresses the installation mistakes that led to poor protection against water leakage, and walks us step-by-step through the proper replacement window installation and moisture barrier technique.
The second episode in the series addresses how Risinger and team utilize Marvin Contemporary Solutions products in a novel way to minimize the appearance of wood framing between enormous panes of glass. The more minimal look helps achieve the sleek and contemporary aesthetic the homeowner desired, especially in a large opening facing a pool and beautiful canyon. The Marvin dealer helped develop a unique engineering plan involving a 5/8 steel plate to take the place of multiple studs, re-framing what was previously nine individual panes of glass down to four for a contemporary look that still flows with the architecture of the home.
The result? A dramatic transformation that not only brings the home up-to-date structurally to protect it against the elements, but also demonstrates the opportunity to change the look and feel of a home through smart window replacement choices.
