Hello All: Our house, built in 1987, has windows with Truth Casement 20810 EntryGard Window openers. Some are starting to have the problem that they will crank open but not closed. I took the cover off the mechanism and after cleaning out the debris and gritty grease, watched the mechanism work. Upon opening the window all looked OK, however when cranking the window closed the corkscrew stem (sorry I do not know what the proper name is) backs itself out of the tube that normally holds it. Also the silver ring around the top portion of the stem that seats inside the tube is loose. I'm not sure it is supposed to be loose. I have a photo of my stem and a general picture of the unit at http://new.photos.yahoo.com/vmhgeneral/albums Also, should the corkscrew and gears on these openers be greased? If so with what in particular. I am sure all previous owners of this house never bothered. Thanks.

I will be starting to build a 12x20' shed this weekend. As a somewhat last minute idea, I decided to add in a couple windows. Wanting to modify my drawings for the design and be ready to start framing, I naturally wanted to know what size windows I would be using ASAP. A local lumber yard had a sale on windows, so I went down to see what they had to offer. I explained I was building a shed and looking for two windows in the range of 3' square - that anything in that general size would be fine since I will build the openings to suit. What he sold me was two 36x35" JeldWen windows, model DF1303 (Wood framed window with vinyl capping on outside). Being a novice with windows I didn't think anything of it until I noticed some other windows on new homes being built in the area - this is when I realized (after looking online) that the windows I bought are replacement windows rather than new construction windows with a nailing fin (which would obviously be better since this is new construction). Question - I am sure that these windows can be installed, but is it silly to install replacement windows for a new construction project? What extra work would there be, if any, and what drawbacks may there be to doing this? Should I just return the windows and get NC ones? I'm no expert, but it seems NC windows would be easier to install, as well as offer better water protection. I did inquire today and the guy on the phone (who I am pretty sure was the guy who sold them to me) said it isn't a problem, and that NC windows are more money. He said all you have to do is foam insulate between the window frame and RO, then mate your J-mould for the siding up to the sides and seal the gap with silicone. Is any of this accurate? Most installtion guides I have read in the last few days are much more complicated. I am suspicious that he is just trying to prevent a return since he sold me windows that were not ideal for my project. Keep in mind this is only a shed, so air tight seals are not a concern, but I naturally do not want water leakage to slowly destroy my framing. I would prefer to avoid any wood exterior framing on the window - I went with a vinyl exterior to limit maintenance.