Gap in Interior Window Frame/Wall from Remodel. How to fix? Pic's Included.

cbj8585

Hello,

Last Spring we had a bathroom renovated. Everything was removed down to the studs. Even the framing around the window was completely removed and rebuilt.

After everything was done we noticed a gap between the top interior window frame and the wall. The wall in this area is slightly bowed inward (most likely because the studs behind the wall were not level).

Last week we noticed that cold air is coming in through this gap.

I would like to fix this myself. What is the best way to fix this gap? I am concerned not only with the cold air coming in but condensation/mold forming somewhere.

I was thinking that I could use some spray foam insullation both inside and outside. Would this be enough or does something more invasive need to be done?

Here are some pictures:

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/7...owoutside1.jpg
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/2...owoutside2.jpg
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/8...owoutside3.jpg
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1...owoutside4.jpg
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6554/windowinside1.jpg
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/9155/windowinside2.jpg
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9886/windowinside3.jpg
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/188/windowinside4.jpg

Thank you for your help.

Gary in WA

Someone did not know how to install a window. When it was re-framed, the wall should have been checked for plumb and straight. The exterior T1-11 siding should have been cut 1/2" above the window head. The way it is now, the water running down from the wall above can wick into the end grain on the siding. The flashing comes in 10' pieces, there is no excuse to piece anywhere above a window head. The siding and shake moulding nail holes were not even filled before or after painting. There is probably not any foam around the window frame inside to framing. I doubt it was sticky-taped before the window installation also, as there are so many things wrong in the pictures. I would call them back or re-install the window and bad framing myself.
Be safe, Gary

__________________

rselectric1

It looks like they went to some trouble to hide that gap in the upper casing since it appears the vertical casing seems to look ok.

Or does it? Did they use a filler on the right side?

cbj8585

RS: I'll double check the right side but there is no gap there now. I do not believe they used any foam insuallation. He did put some small pieces of regular fiberglass insuallation in some of the narrow spaces above and below the window while the studs were exposed. But as for the really small spaces (where the spray foam would be applied)--I think those were left empty.

What is the conventional treatment for installing a new window? The old window was original to the house (40 years) and the framing was deteriorating. We had the whole interior and exterior framing removed so it was pretty much a blank slate.

Gary: What do I do if the contractor does not want to fix it? I'd rather have someone else do it anyway.

Thanks for your responses

cbj8585

Update: Yes there is filler on the right inside frame. You can see the top of it on one of the pictures. There is no filler on the left side.

Ron6519

I would remove the interior casing, evaluate the insulation and correct as needed. If it's within your skill set, cut a wedge to fill in the top gap.
Ron