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With constant exposure to harsh weather conditions—heavy rain, hurricane-force winds, and high humidity—Florida homes are vulnerable. Properly installed windows keep water, wind, and debris from entering. Improperly installed windows or construction defects may allow water intrusion, leading to leaks, rot, and staining.
If you are dealing with window construction defects in Florida, Herman & Wells may be able to help. Whether you are an individual homeowner, condominium association, or HOA board, we can help you pursue recovery for defective window installation or design. If you suspect your windows were not properly sealed, flashed, or installed, our construction lawyers are here to guide you through the following steps.
Construction defects involving windows in Florida can be challenging to detect. They typically show up after heavy rainfall or high winds—when the structure’s weaknesses are most exposed. Improper sealing, missing components, or poor alignment can all result in unwanted water entry.
Signs of window defects include:
Where builders rush through installations, these problems can appear, leading to moisture intrusion, which, in turn, leads to structural damage, health risks, and expensive repairs if not addressed promptly. These issues can occur in single-family homes, townhomes, and multi-unit buildings. It can show up in new construction and older construction.
Defects in window installation typically stem from errors made during the construction process—not from everyday wear and tear.
These errors often involve:
When builders, contractors, or subcontractors cut corners to save time or money, property owners are left with the consequences. Moisture entering through window systems can compromise drywall, framing, insulation, and flooring—leading to mold growth and extensive remediation.
In Florida, property owners have a limited amount of time to take legal action over window construction defects. The statute of limitations for latent (hidden) construction defect claims is four years from the date the defect is discovered—or reasonably should have been discovered—under Florida Statutes § 95.11. For newly built homes, that timeline may begin when the final construction is completed. In any event, under the statute of repose, all claims arising from the design, planning, or construction of an improvement to real property must be filed at the latest within seven years of the earliest triggering event, even for latent (hidden) defects. Knowing when the clock started ticking is a critical part of protecting your rights, and the passage of time will bar a potential construction defect claim.
For homeowners and HOA or COA board members in Florida dealing with significant window-related damage, our firm can:
Our goal is not just recovering repair costs—it is holding the right people accountable and helping our clients prevent further losses.
If you are seeing signs of leaking, water damage, or deterioration around your windows, it is essential to act now. Florida’s climate only increases the speed and severity of damage once moisture gets inside. The sooner you take action, the greater your chances of avoiding a much larger—and more expensive—problem down the line.
Herman & Wells helps property owners pursue strong, well-documented claims for window construction defects in Florida. Whether you are managing a condominium community or living in your dream home, we are here to help you understand what went wrong—and fix it.
