All,

So I just bought a condo, it has vinyl double hung windows.
Bad part is that they dont lock. I push the top window as far as possible, and the lower one down as much as it can go, but I am still 1/2 inch off from the latch being able to lock.

How can I correct this ? Is it expensive ? Can I DIY ?

Thanks,

 

Make sure the windows are square, put a level on the sides, bottom and top.

If they are not square and level, one corner of the window will come down and touch while the other corner has not hit bottom at the same time.

You can correct this from inside. Should be two screws on each side of the window. Back the screws out, now you can tap the window left and right to square it. If you need more movement for the window, remove the trim on the sides of the window, insert a pry bar and move it that way.

Duke of ....

 

Make sure the packing bar has been removed from the channel. If you are 1/2" off, you have something out of plumb/square or an obstruction.

 

1/2" sounds like a lot.

To check for square, the easiest thing to do is to open the window and bring it to a position where it is "almost closed". There should be a gap visible, like you are just cracking the window open a little- it should be a narrow slit of light that shows up between the window sash and the main frame of the window. Generally speaking, if this gap is straight, the windows are square. Check this on both the top and bottom sashes. Another simple way to check for square is to measure the main frame of the window with a tape measure. The diagonal dimensions of the frame (compare the measurements from upper left to bottom right with upper right to bottom left) should be equal.

If the windows seem to be sitting straight and square, raise the windows and tip them in. Observe the pivot pins (the point where the window hinges) and ensure that they are hooked into their pivot shoes. The pivot shoe is the part that slides up and down in a vinyl window. Occasionally a sash will come out of its pivot shoe, then the pivot shoe gets pushed all the way down into the side channels and prevents the bottom sash from going completely shut.

A distorted interlock would also prevent vinyl double hung sashes from closing completely. To examine this, you'd tip the lower sash in (as you would when cleaning them) and examine the interlock that is on the bottom sash and see if it is filled with ice or perhaps is malformed. Also examine the other half of the interlock that is on the top sash in the same manner.

 

I've seen this a lot when the bottom rail of the top sash and the top rail of the bottom sash are bowed. You should be able to see this by eye but if not measure the height of the sashes on the left, center and right. Once we know the exact problem, someone here will be able to help you.

 

Check that the sash pivot pin is actually in the balance pivot.

 

got them corrected they are not installed level and plumb., they are loose in the frame, pushed and pulled and they close. will get them fixed in the summer...

thanks !!

 

Doesn't your condo have a warranty of some kind?