Sash To Small For Frame (new Vinyl Replacements)

mattp

We just installed 17 new double hung bronze vinyl replacement windows for a couple. the lady calls the other night and says when she was cleaning the top window in fell out so I rush over. The top pane was out when I went to put the ears back into the cams on the frame I noticed there was too much play between the sash and the frame. I'm going back tomorrow to take a look, I know when I put them in they were square, level, and plumb. I know I didn't suck the screws to far in (to bow the window). One thing I did not do was shim the windows (stupid mistake) The supplier measured them and only allowed an 1/8" on each side so I thought it would be fine. Well either I messed up or the sash was made too narrow. I'm going to check all my issues before I call my supplier out. Any ideas would really help.

Jake Stevens

Measure the inside of the frame at the top of the frame and the bottom of the frame, then check to see if you bowed the frame. If you bowed the frame you be able ajust it.

easy sider

We stopped using vinyl double hungs after experiencing the same thing. The sash was to small. The sash hit a crib with out the baby.

Jake Stevens

We do over 2500 vinyl replacement windows a year with no problems.

davy crockett

I double check All installs and Teach the h/o how to properly clean.They do just pop out when you tilt them sideways and that is not a bad thing. Also install lots of single hung which eliminates some of the flex in the frame.

Patrick

The #1 reason why this happens, is because no one ever tightens the shim screws in the center of the windows, and the frames bow outwards.

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

easy sider

The vinyl double hung is inferior in strength to a vinyl single hung. You can place a piece of paper in most double hungs at the center and pull it right on through. A slight breeze can cause the window sash to fall inward should the clip not be engaged properly. Pressure put on the center of the window can break the slide tabs making this an easy window to open, even when locked. We don't offer vinyl double hungs but do offer expensive Pozzi wood double hungs.

mattp

the middle of the windows are about a 1/4" wider than the tops and bottoms of the windows. So if I shim the middles out an 1/8" on each side i should be fine right? Patrick please respond. Thanks guys too for the help. I should have known better

house bldr

check your window,some brands of D.H. come with screws that can be accessed just by raising the sash and exposing a small screw head that can be turned in causing the middle of the window to push together.If there are no shim screws you will have to remove the stops and use shims, you should be fine!

Patrick

Yes, there should be butterfly screws in the center than you can adjust. BUT If i recall correctly your supplier somehow talked you into the idea of using new construction windows with the nail flanges cut off. So you probably do not have a butterfly screw in the center, and you will have to shim the window.

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

Patrick

No offense easy, but thats a load of BS, How many jobs do you lose cause you wont offer a vinyl double hung??? We have NEVER seen these issues on any vinyl DH that costs over $165 Harvey, Simonton, Certainteed, Mastic, all of these do not have the issues you speak of, and all of these will cause a dollar bill between the sashes to rip, because I have PERSONALLY tried it.

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

easy sider

The double hung that didn't work for us was called a Certainteed made in Woodenville. The window is built on a H frame and not welded. Its very similar to what Pace Setter sells. When I have to talk someone out of the double hung I usually place a dollar bill between the sashes and pull it through. The extra $80.00 per window cost average for a double hung makes the bid higher than a conventional vinyl window with out adding much value to most home owners.

We have used other brands that have all of the bells and whistles but I wouldn't use a double operational window on my home because of the lack of support issue and the lack of the center interlock.

As far as sales go, I like the features of the Atrium window. I like the manufacturers support. I like being able to buy direct from the manufacturer. I like being able to go on longer vacations because of the Atrium point value on www.builderscircle.com . We sell allot of windows and doors, mostly from referrals from other customers. If your selling Alcoa/ Mastic products you can rack up points at builders circle. We use our points for lodging at the Ritz or Marriott.