Windows By Unlimited

Great Company! The install was smooth and the end product is absolutely beautiful! Had a wonderful experience with everyone I spoke with at Windows by Unlimited. Would certainly recommend!

Review: I purchased 15 windows from Unlimited Incorporated and Weather Lock Systems Inc. in January 2005. Windows were installed April 2005. The first winter of 2005/2006, I experienced interior cold drafts and heavy frost when outdoor temperatures reach below 20 degrees. I have complained to both Unlimited Inc., and Weather Lock Inc. since 2006 with letters, emails & photos proving extreme frost to interior windows in February 2006 and February 2014. Between 2006 and 2014, there have been several quick fixes, none that worked. I've talked with owners of Unlimited Inc., and Weather Lock and they keep coming up with excuses, or quick fixes that have not worked with these drafty windows. Nothing more has been done as of 12/9/2014. As I said, I have proof with letters, emails and pictures proving heavy frost on windows on these defective windows. I have had both Unlimited Inc., and Weather Lock Inc. inspect them several times since February 2006 to December 2014.

Per Unlimited, Inc. Lifetime Limited Warranty if product is proven to be defective, which I have with letters, emails & pictures since 2006, "NEW WINDOWS OR REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL SENT TO YOU OR YOUR DEALER AND UNLIMITED, INC. WILL SHARE COST IN REPAIRS.'Desired Settlement: I would like full reimbursement for these defective windows so I can purchase new windows with a better quality window from a quality window maker such as Weather Tight of Wisconsin to name one.

Business

Response:

Customer has been complaining of air infiltration and

condensation for several years. Unlimited, Inc. and the contractor have

been to the house on several occasions to check the windows and installation.

Unlimited has made efforts to work with the homeowner and improve his

experience and impression of his windows. The following is a write up of

our latest experience with the homeowner: “Today 12/9/2014, I met with the

homeowner and the contractor at the home in question. The contractor was

there earlier this year and removed and reinstalled a window to double check

for proper installation. The results of our inspections are that humidity

levels in the house are between 35% and 40%. I attempted to explain air

infiltration ratings , dew point, and condensation. The homeowner stated

he was not interested in hearing my explanation and continues to believe there

is something wrong with our windows. On 12/9, I observed with a

thermometer that outside temperature was 34 degrees F. and that the interior

surface of the glass was 64 degrees F. The meeting rails were 62 degrees F. and

the exterior wall next to the window was 65 degrees F. I attempted to

show the readings to the homeowner and he told me I was wasting his time and I

should leave. So I left.”

Unlimited, Inc. believes that the windows are in good

working order. The reason for his condensation and frost is the higher

humidity in his home, relative to the colder temperatures outside. He

explains that February of 2014 was a time that he had excessive frost and

condensation. The winter of 2013/2014 was one of the coldest on record

and it was not unusual for windows, no matter the manufacturer, to experience

condensation and frost. For the extreme cold, humidity levels could not

get low enough in homes to prevent the condensation and frost without causing

discomfort for homeowners as the homeowner has explained to us that he has

dealt with. He does not like keeping his humidity low because he experiences

shocks. Unlimited, Inc. believes that the drafts he is feeling is a

combination of air infiltration and convection near the window. All

windows have some level of air infiltration. Our windows exceed the level

of air infiltration that the EPA and Energy Star will be monitoring beginning

in 2015. Also, as the warm moist air in his home approaches the window it

cools and lowers and collects at the meeting rail and pull rail. It is

possible to feel that air moving and gives the impression that the window is

leaking air, especially if it is extremely cold outside.

Email from the homeowner on 11/20 after we visited the home

on 11/17 to make adjustments to the windows:[redacted], I'm sure you are aware of

by now from [redacted] that humidity/condensation is not a factor in my home and

never was. Yesterday [redacted] was here and did the quick fix. He had readings of

30-35 percent, which is a constant in my home. The ideal humidity in a home is

from 35 to 50 percent according to research I have done. At this minute, my

thermostat which has a humidity setting is at 32%. I have known all along that

humidity is not and has not been the problem with these cold drafts causing

frost in outdoor cold temperatures. The work that [redacted] did, I feel there is

no change. As I've been saying until I'm blue in the face, the majority of

the cold drafts are coming from the channels on both sides of the windows and

along locks. Also, as I've said many times the windows radiate cold the closer

you walk to them. I told [redacted] I would monitor windows after his quick fix and I

can tell there has been no change in drafts coming from side channels.

Using common sense will tell you if you bring anything, metal,

plastic, glass, vinyl from cold outdoor temperatures and bring it into a warm

house, it will fog, create condensation and if cold enough like these windows

during cold weather, that condensation will turn to frost. In plain simple

language, these windows get so cold from outdoor temperatures and wind, they

frost up and yes, when the outdoor temperatures warm up, the frost thaws, thus

creating water condensation that has to be wiped dry.

Last week, I purchased a piece that measures both temperature and

humidity. I showed [redacted] what both temperature and humidity on the device when

he was here. On Monday 11/17/14 before Quick Fix when it was only ten degrees

outdoors, I had a reading of 48 degrees at side window channel with 31%

humidity. I just took another picture today with an outdoor temperature of 20

degrees and the readings are 54 degrees at window channel with a 29% humidity

reading. Pictures are attached. Of course, the colder outdoors it is, the

colder drafts I am getting at the windows. This is the same window that gets

the heavy frost when the temperature drops to below 0. One of many I pictures I

have taken since first Winter of 2006. Please review pictures with your boss

and get back to me. If I do not hear from you in a day or so, I will be calling

you or John.

Thanks,

There are logical statements in his email that we agree

with. The one we do not agree with is that he has researched and believes

ideal humidity in a home is 35-50%. Even at 35%, when temperatures are

below freezing, that may not be low enough to prevent condensation.

(Please see the independent research done on the webpage I provided a link to

below) It also seems that he has an understanding on why condensation

forms and how his windows feel colder the colder it is outside. Yet he

seems to not accept the same principle that applies to bringing the cold metal,

plastic, glass or vinyl inside to warm up, applies to his windows, which are

made up of all of those components.

This website has a great write up and sites the [redacted] when determining what the humidity level in your home should be to

try and reduce condensation/frost. A school with a similar climate to

ours.[redacted]If there are further questions, I would be happy to address them.Sincerely,[redacted]Unlimited, Inc.[redacted]

Business

Response:

Based on current weather conditions, I would care to guess that the windows are currently exhibiting moisture and/or frost at this time because of the extremely cold temperatures and the "comfortable" humidity level Mr. [redacted] admits to maintaining in his home. I refer back to the website I shared explaining moisture on windows and humidity levels in a home that cause that. Mr. [redacted] refuses to acknowledge that being the reason for the condensation on his windows even though he acknowledges that very principle in a previous email exchange, stating "common sense will tell you if you bring

anything, metal, plastic, glass, vinyl from cold outdoor temperatures and bring

it into a warm house, it will fog, create condensation".