Andersen 400 series windows
#1
09-12-05, 07:47 AM
Andersen 400 series windows
I have recently finished installing 15 Andersen 400 series tilt/wash double hung windows in our house.The problem I am seeing is the gap from the bottom of the window to the sill when looking from the outside is larger on the left than on the right,there is about an eight of an inch difference and appears to be the same on all 15 windows.The windows are square and the rough opening is square and level,I know because I was very careful preparing the window frame prior to installing the windows.The windows appear to seal tight and open and close fine,I probably wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't done the work myself.I dont think it is a big deal but I am wondering if this is how they are designed,if they can be adjusted,or if I installed them incorrectly.Please help,If for no other reason to put my mind to rest.Thank you 
#2
09-12-05, 05:23 PM
Group Moderator
When you say they are "square", does this mean that you checked every window with a tape measure, measuring from corner to corner on the inside of the window to ensure that the diagonal measurements are the same? Since you say that they all have the same 1/8" gap, it sounds to me like your level is "off". They may look level and plumb according to your level, but since you have a wider gap on one side, the windows are obviously not square. The side that has the wider gap either: needs to come up 1/8", or the bottom of the window needs to go right 1/8". (when looking from the outside) You never said if there is also a corresponding gap on top. (you may have to pull the sash down a bit to see if the reveal is straight.)
If, when the windows are closed, the top and bottom sashes are perfectly even across the meeting rail (where the lock is) then it's likely that they aren't plumb, and you need to adjust them either left or right.
If, when the windows are closed, things also seem 1/8" crooked at the meeting rail, then you likely don't have the windows level, and you need to adjust one side up or down.
You might also measure to ensure that the windows did not spread in the middle when you screwed or nailed them to the sheathing. Measure top, middle, bottom on the inside and out. All the measurements should be EXACTLY the same.
The windows are designed to have perfectly straight reveals when you bring the sashes to the almost closed position. If the reveals aren't straight, the window is not level, plumb and square.
If, when the windows are closed, the top and bottom sashes are perfectly even across the meeting rail (where the lock is) then it's likely that they aren't plumb, and you need to adjust them either left or right.
If, when the windows are closed, things also seem 1/8" crooked at the meeting rail, then you likely don't have the windows level, and you need to adjust one side up or down.
You might also measure to ensure that the windows did not spread in the middle when you screwed or nailed them to the sheathing. Measure top, middle, bottom on the inside and out. All the measurements should be EXACTLY the same.
The windows are designed to have perfectly straight reveals when you bring the sashes to the almost closed position. If the reveals aren't straight, the window is not level, plumb and square.
