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Message |
    
Jabels
Citizen
Username: Section109
Post Number: 9
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 10:22 pm: | 
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We are in major need of a contractor or handyman that can help repair the majority of the windows in our home. The windows are vinyl replacements that were here when we moved in and almost none of them stay up on their own.
I know that the merits/disadvantages of vinyl windows is often hotly contested here on the site. I am not looking to replace vintage windows with plastic monstrosities, they were already here and just don't work. I'd prefer not to have to replace them, as there are lots of other projects to spend money on (pink tile bathrooms, water in the basement, etc)
Does anyone have experience with a contractor that can repair vinyl windows? |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11670
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 7:47 am: |
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Do you know the manufacturer? Hopefully, if needed, you can get replacement parts.
However, from what you describe and since it effects most of your windows the most likely scenario is that the frames were bowed out when installed because they weren't shimed and/or the screws holding them to the house framing were tightened to tightly. The fix may be as simple as backing off a few screws or you may have to reset the windows, or replace them.
Basically, you should have a good idea of what is wrong before hiring someone to repair them. |
Jabels
Citizen
Username: Section109
Post Number: 10
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 9:20 am: |
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I don't know the manufacturer, I will have to search high and low on the frames to see if I can find a name someplace. I have tried on a few of the windows to tighten the screws on the spiral tensioners, but to no avail. Should I then back off on other screws on the sides of the windows?
I am not a window expert so how would get an idea of what needs to be done to repair them without having a contractor (or someone like you Bob) take a look at them? My issue is that I am not sure who even to call. |
SOSully
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 1276
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 2:04 pm: |
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That happened to me over time in my last house where I had vinyl replacements. The difference between having to replace them or just have them fixed may be determined by a simple test. Do the windows SLAM down or do they just not stay up and they slide down? If they SLAM down then likely there is a broken part or parts}. If they slide down, then the springs just need to be tightened. Most of these windows use a spiral spring than can be tighted. However, you need a special tool to do it. I no longer have the tool. I bought it from a window installer many years ago. Anyway, if the windows are not broken then the tightening of the springs is a quick and easy fix. |
Jabels
Citizen
Username: Section109
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 3:11 pm: |
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Most of them SLAM down.
I guess I really know that the true answer is that the windows should be replaced. However we have alot of projects that we want to or need to do, and windows hasn't been at the top of the list b/c during the winter we don't worry about opening them, and despite not staying up, they seem to be pretty airtight. It's when the summer rolls around and I am searching for spray cans to prop them open (I know...so classy) or cutting dowel after dowel, that the frustration sets in..
I figured that since they all act the same, it might be some simple adjustment or replacement part that I might be able to have done for under 50 bucks a window, rather than replace all 27 windows at $500 a piece. |
SOSully
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 1277
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - 5:47 pm: |
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If you can remove the covering for the springs (usually with a flathead screwdriver) you can see whether they have just become dislodged or broken. I had a few springs pop out (causing the windows to slam), and they just needed to be re-seated. However you still need the tool to re-create the tension in the springs |
Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 27
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 2, 2006 - 12:43 pm: |
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I would like to offer some free help, just PL me, and when I am in your neighborhood (i am there quite often). I can also as a quicker solution, look at a digital photo to determine the proper course of action. |
Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 30
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, June 4, 2006 - 10:12 am: |
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As suspected the old SPIRAL BALANCE SYSTEM STIKES AGAIN!
I can fix these windows they are just a "PANE" (haha window humor) let me know when. |
Window_doctor
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 34
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 9:32 am: |
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I will have the tool by next week. |
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