Adjusting old aluminum windows
#1
03-26-05, 06:38 AM
Adjusting old aluminum windows
I have a house with old, single pane, double hung aluminum windows where the windows need to be adjusted to where they are square when they are closed. There is a tube down both sides that contains springs. How do I get to the tubes to adjust the springs. On the bottom of the window on each side, there are two screws holding a small (2") long plate on. Is the spring inside this area? How do I adjust the springs?
#2
03-30-05, 07:44 PM
Group Moderator
jameswil,
Do your windows tip in to clean? If they do, tip one down and tell me whether the "tubes" have a flat spiral rod that connects to a "pivot shoe". And whether your 2" long plate that is held on by 2 screws fits into this "pivot shoe" on each side.
Do your windows tip in to clean? If they do, tip one down and tell me whether the "tubes" have a flat spiral rod that connects to a "pivot shoe". And whether your 2" long plate that is held on by 2 screws fits into this "pivot shoe" on each side.
#3
03-31-05, 05:33 AM
The windows only go up and down. The tube on each side runs from the bottom of the window to the top. The bottom window slides up and down around this tube. There doesn't appear to be any access to the tube, but you can clearly hear the action of a spring inside of the tube.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
#4
03-31-05, 03:15 PM
Group Moderator
Boy, I've torn out thousands of old windows and have never come across any windows like that which could be adjusted. Usually when there is a gap under one side of the window and not under the other side, the window was installed out of square, and it wouldn't have anything to do with the springs. Springs like that are usually identical, and there's no adjustment to them.
I suppose it's a possibility that your sash could be out of square... take a tape measure and measure from the top left corner of the glass to the bottom right corner of the glass. then measure from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. the measurements should be identical.
While you're at it, you could check the window frame to see it it is square. Measure the same way, but from one corner of the frame to another corner - someplace identical where your tape measure will give you a good measurement.
I suppose it's a possibility that your sash could be out of square... take a tape measure and measure from the top left corner of the glass to the bottom right corner of the glass. then measure from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. the measurements should be identical.
While you're at it, you could check the window frame to see it it is square. Measure the same way, but from one corner of the frame to another corner - someplace identical where your tape measure will give you a good measurement.
#5
03-31-05, 06:26 PM
Thanks for your suggestions. I will test for square. These are on a property out of town, so it will be awhile before I am back there. I do appreciate your advice though. I will try to develop a better description of the windows when I am there also.
