Window loose in rough opening
#1
10-02-14, 11:47 AM
Window loose in rough opening
House was built in 2001. I recently noticed one the Windows is almost completely loose in the rough opening...to the point that just a little pressure seems like it will push the whole thing out. It moves about 1/2" before it wedges the other side and becomes more difficult to move... anyway stink bugs have found this and are infiltrating my house...
What is the best way to fix this...couple wood screws through the sides or what? I'll upload a pic in just a minute
What is the best way to fix this...couple wood screws through the sides or what? I'll upload a pic in just a minute
#3
10-02-14, 12:49 PM
If new construction windows, they most likely have nailing fins for attachment to the OSB exterior sheathing. Can you post a picture of the outside of this installation as well? If they have nailing fins, they weren't used, obviously. Nor were they properly taped to the OSB with sealing tape. What type siding do you have on the exterior?
#5
10-02-14, 01:29 PM
Group Moderator
In both pics, there is a gap on top where a snap-in vinyl cap is supposed to be. Typically, on a replacement window, there will be an installation screw hidden behind that missing cap. But what Larry says about the nailing fin is true for new construction windows. At any rate, since you're probably not going to tear all the siding off to get to the nailing fin, I'd suggest you drill a pilot hole, pull the window in, and put a 2" stainless steel wood screw there.
#6
10-02-14, 01:52 PM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Near impossible to tell what you have with those close ups.
New construction should not be able to be moved.
Incorrectly installed replacement windows can if they left out the screws on the sides to hold them in place and did not caulk the back side of the outside stop moulding.
Confusing because even if they left out the screws and caulking if the extension jambs where cut to the right width the window could not move.
New construction should not be able to be moved.
Incorrectly installed replacement windows can if they left out the screws on the sides to hold them in place and did not caulk the back side of the outside stop moulding.
Confusing because even if they left out the screws and caulking if the extension jambs where cut to the right width the window could not move.
#7
10-02-14, 02:53 PM
Here is a pic of the molding in the side I assume is to hide where the screws "should" be...The windows were installed in the house when built, but I guess they used replacement widows.
I'm just gonna screw the side behind the molding and call it done...I bet every Window in the house is like this and not really secure.
I'm just gonna screw the side behind the molding and call it done...I bet every Window in the house is like this and not really secure.
#8
10-02-14, 03:47 PM
Feet some more investigation..Every Window in the house is at least a little loose...should there not be some type of flashing on the outside and top of the windows next to the siding?
#9
10-02-14, 03:53 PM
I agree with the temporary remedies so far. Get them back in line, remove the trim strip and install a stainless steel screw at two locations on each side, not too tight.
BUT, I am more concerned with the basic installation and the problems you may encounter down the line. On a lower window, it may behoove you to unzip a section of siding adjacent to the window and see how it was installed. You can post a picture here for us to look at, if you want. XSleeper may have better insight on this design of window, but it appears there is a channel surrounding the window, and although it is second best, it could help channel water away where normally flashing is installed. I would like to see a picture with the siding removed.
BUT, I am more concerned with the basic installation and the problems you may encounter down the line. On a lower window, it may behoove you to unzip a section of siding adjacent to the window and see how it was installed. You can post a picture here for us to look at, if you want. XSleeper may have better insight on this design of window, but it appears there is a channel surrounding the window, and although it is second best, it could help channel water away where normally flashing is installed. I would like to see a picture with the siding removed.
#10
10-02-14, 04:03 PM
Group Moderator
I agree. Windows with integral j-channels like that do have a nailing fin so I question how they could possibly be loose unless they skipped the nails.
#11
10-02-14, 04:40 PM
Super Moderator
I doubt they used replacement windows in new construction, but it looks like they may have not nailed per normal install standards.
Since you nail before you tape...I'd be very wary of just fixing the movement without checking.
Since you nail before you tape...I'd be very wary of just fixing the movement without checking.
