Poor window installation – How do I fix it?
I recently noticed that the windows in my 2001 built home were installed very poorly (we moved in 2 years ago). We have a vinyl clad colonial here in Massachusetts. The windows have a nailing flange and built-in J channel for the vinyl siding. The problem is that (I believe), the full nailing flange was not used. In many windows, I suspect that only the corners of the windows were nailed or screwed. I can grab the middle of the window from the inside, push outwards and create a gap of at least 1/4" between the window and the side of the inside windown frame
Suggestions on how to fix this? Can I go after a contractor as the second owner, 10 years after it was built?
2 Responses
homer.21756
25 Oct 2009
Tedruski
25 Oct 2009
Don’t be so quick to assume the worst. Many of today’s vinyl windows have tilt sash in them. This lets you tilt the top and bottom sash so there easily accessible to wash. This requires a little more flexibility in the frame.
Do not use any type of expanding insulating foam ! Take a slim pry bar and remove the window trim.Pull nails out from the backside prior to re-using this trim. Apply cedar door shims in behind the extension jambs of the window (side frames) until snug – then drive a finish nail 8d through the side of the frame and into the shims then into the side framing. Use nail set to sink head – putty over nail hole – prime and paint to match jamb.
*Check window after installing shims (prior to nailing) to insure window still opens/moves without binding up. Then nail in place.
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i guess the easy way would be to push the center out as you described and inject some type of adheseve or caulk.i think you know the proper way,remove siding,screw flanges,tape flanges,replace siding.good luck!