Expert: Robert Lamb - 4/3/2011

Question
QUESTION: I live in a maintained home where the exterior painting and power washing are in fees paid. I was home when last power washed. Several windows were damaged (seal?) broken. When I requested insurance information I was told the windows would be broken if they had been power washed. Obviously, since they were fine in the am and not in the pm after this was done something happened directly or indirectly by the power washer. Also, I removed the window screens afterwards so easier inspection could be made...after trying to get insurance information for two months someone (advocate/buddy of power washer contractor and also works for the same community who built my home originally) came and said there was some chalking so they couldn't have been power washed. Could my removing the screens left some hidden residue (chalk#?
I'm having two contractors # many years windows experience) come out to assess and give me estimates next week.
Appreciate your time and expertise.

ANSWER: Neelie,

You say, "Several windows were damaged (seal?) broken." I agree with you, a power washer can damage windows. How were your windows damaged? What are the symptoms of your damaged / broken windows?

Also I don't understand what you are asking about the chalk when you ask, "Could my removing the screens left some hidden residue (chalk#?"

I would be happy to help you if I can get some answers to those questions.

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb

Window Masters
http://www.window-masters.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: House was power washed. Several windows were damaged. They were fine in the morning but damaged after power washing that day...(2 or 3 windows). Cloudy, etc., evidently seal was broken directly or indirectly from power washing? Please explain to me how damage could be done if power washing not directly aimed at windows? I was home that day. I later took screens off two of the windows (about 6 weeks later while still waiting for inspection.) At two months someone came and said that the windows weren't damaged by power washing as window glass would've broken.And that there wouldn't be any white "Chalking" (causes paint to rub off window frame) would the fact that they waited 2 months to come out make any difference about chalking? It was stated that the seal that has failed is in my windows between the two pieces of glass that make up the window pane. This damage was caused by the pressure/power washing of my home, as I said I was here and no damage prior. Thank you

Answer
Neelie,

There are many variables to this problem. Sometimes these seals in the windows will break on their own. So it would not be surprising if a power washer sped up the processes.

I would ask the opinion of your window representative / salesman. They may be able to inspect these windows and give you a decision as to whether or not they were actually damaged by the power washer.

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb

270-704-9303
Window Masters
http://www.window-masters.com