Vinyl windows made in 2007 do not close, possible to replace?
#1
12-08-20, 09:37 AM
Vinyl windows made in 2007 do not close, possible to replace?
Just inspected a house yesterday - most of the windows in this 2009 house do not close completely. Inspector said vinyl windows get twisted and my options are replacement or spacers in the latches.
Would this label make it possible to find exact same match new part? If not, is it possible to install new windows into old frames (i.e. no painting no dust installation) or would be be a bigger job?
Would this label make it possible to find exact same match new part? If not, is it possible to install new windows into old frames (i.e. no painting no dust installation) or would be be a bigger job?
#3
12-08-20, 10:02 AM
Group Moderator
I've wasted a lot of time going back to customers who have the same problem. Usually all you need to do is open the top sash... then slam it shut. When the windows are fully closed, then the sashes will be straight across from one another and then they will lock.
I'm guessing that is what your problem is too.
If you do that and they still don't line up, the problem is that one or both sashes are bowed at the meeting rail. This can happen when the vinyl slips on the glass. Its more prone to happen on wider double hungs. This can be corrected by removing and reglazing the double paned IGU.
I'm guessing that is what your problem is too.
If you do that and they still don't line up, the problem is that one or both sashes are bowed at the meeting rail. This can happen when the vinyl slips on the glass. Its more prone to happen on wider double hungs. This can be corrected by removing and reglazing the double paned IGU.
#4
12-08-20, 11:59 AM
Group Moderator
I have many houses with vinyl windows. It is NOT common for them to not close. Try Xsleeper's recommendation and also use a bit of common sense when looking at the window. Do you see parallel gaps around the sashes? If no figure out what is not square and why. Your photos focus on the middle of the window. Look at the bottom where the sash must go in order to close. Are there DIY mistakes blocking the path of the sash?
With all the crap stuck on the window it's obvious someone has been messing with them for years. Either they were fixing an older problem or some of their "fix" is preventing the window from operating correctly.
With all the crap stuck on the window it's obvious someone has been messing with them for years. Either they were fixing an older problem or some of their "fix" is preventing the window from operating correctly.
#5
12-08-20, 02:24 PM
Group Moderator
The sheer size printed on the label (41 3/4 wide) is a big red flag for me. Pretty wide for a double hung... especially if its a low quality one with a wimpy frame. Makes it pretty likely that this could be due to bowed frames that may have slipped on the glass.
The tape is the usual diy fix... it patches the problem while not addressing the root cause. Have fun getting all that tape residue off the frame.
Inspectors typically act like they know everything and blow a lot of smoke. He's not really correct.
The tape is the usual diy fix... it patches the problem while not addressing the root cause. Have fun getting all that tape residue off the frame.
Inspectors typically act like they know everything and blow a lot of smoke. He's not really correct.
