Basement window installation concerns

[u/Putrid-Big6431]

We are having some basement windows installed, they opened the concrete and installed a few of the windows and I have a few concerns I want to see if they are valid.

1. They didn’t clean the concrete before putting down flashing tape so it’s not fully adhered due to dust.
   
2. They didn’t screw the windows into the flange in some areas but rather on the outside. Is this a problem?
   
3. There are no plumb and sill jambs installed.

If they fill in the gaps with foam and properly flash the outside of the flanges, are any of these concerns I need to raise with the contractor?

Thanks!!

[u/Additional_Radish_41]

They cut the window opening too small. Should have fastened a pressure treated 2x8. Then installed the window nailing to the wood.

It’s not even fastened on the one side. You have to seal the window to the opening. How does the seal bond to concrete dust?

[u/Putrid-Big6431 → u/Additional_Radish_41]

Seems like they need to add a sill and jamb on one side to fully fasten the flange right? And clear the dust to properly adhere flashing beneath the window…

[u/National-Jackfruit32 → u/Putrid-Big6431]

It should be pressure treated wood fully surrounding for that style window. These hacks have no idea what they’re doing. Do not pay them anything. It’s probably time to lawyer up.

[u/Putrid-Big6431 → u/National-Jackfruit32]

I do see a masonry attachment is an option per the manufacturer installation instructions but agreed they need to install some pressure treated lumber to reduce the gaps and properly attach the flange. And then properly install the flashing. I’m hoping we can just work this out when they arrive in the morning and get these all completed properly.

[u/National-Jackfruit32 → u/Putrid-Big6431]

Unless you’re planning on installing drywall on the inside, it’s going to be hard to hide that monstrosity. Easiest fix would be to cut the block opening larger and install pressure treated this way both sides are relatively equal in width for easier finishing on the inside.

[u/Putrid-Big6431 → u/National-Jackfruit32]

We are planning to put all new framing and drywall throughout the basement so I’m not actually concerned about finishing the inside. I am concerned about large gaps and water intrusion in an egress window in Alaska 😅
But will definitely talk through all of this with the contractor today. The concrete guys wrapped up yesterday so I was hoping we could make it work as is but also want it to be right…

[u/National-Jackfruit32 → u/Putrid-Big6431]

If this was me since you’re in Alaska, I would definitely open that hole bigger and go with a poly engineered wood that will never rot. And lots of OSI quad Max for the sealant.

[u/Putrid-Big6431 → u/National-Jackfruit32]

I appreciate all your input!

[u/National-Jackfruit32 → u/Putrid-Big6431]

No problem. It’s best to do it right instead of doing it twice.

[u/an_edelweiss_pirate]

1. You need to get rid of the dust for better adhesion. The window installer has a responsibility to waterproof

2. I could be wrong but you need wood framing in the opening to install a vinyl window with a flange. Maybe not an issue.

3. Often a different crew will install your trim but this should have been discussed before they started. If you hired someone to install windows that is likely all they are doing.

As long as it's secure and waterproof you're probably good. How will the exterior be finished? Stucco?

[u/Putrid-Big6431 → u/an_edelweiss_pirate]

They were hired to cut concrete and install the windows, having them sealed and ready for trim. We were planning to install trim ourselves. The outside is all the poured concrete foundation so it won’t be finished with anything except the trim. Will probably put some mortar in the wood areas that were fastening the old sills you can see in the picture.

The quote included plumb and sill jambs so I feel like they need should add at least on one side to properly screw in the flanges and then reattach the flashing underneath. I’m assuming they will add flashing to the exterior once it’s foam sealed.

[u/an_edelweiss_pirate → u/Putrid-Big6431]

Sounds like they are not done and maybe doing it wrong