Fill gap between window and frame
penn6th
5 years ago
Need advice on what to do about the weatherstripping that falls out of these Lincoln wood windows. Location: DFW metroplex, TX (hot climate) The wood windows are fixed, i.e., they do not open or shut. Due to high heat, humidity, etc the wood around these windows seems to have alot of movement. I have had to re-caulk joints between wood windows and stone masonry every few years. Every year a few windows have this weatherstripping piece just fall out as is shown in photo. Originally I just was replacing that piece that fell out with flexible westherstripping, but that does not seem to last but a few years also. Now I am wondering if I should just fill the gap between wood window frame and wood window with an expandable foam and then caulk over to seal, then apply new paint all.
The windows are not designed to open. The gap created when the weatherstripping piece falls out is usually +- 5/16" wide, too wide for just caulk. Advice please on best exterior caulk for this type application. Many thanks.
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penn6th
5 years agoRelated Discussions
huge gap between new window and frame. Should I be worried?
Comments (25)I'd agree on the surface with the comments above, but also say its possible that there was a reason (or multiple) for this. If you have significant concerns, I'd ask someone from the installation company to walk you through their measuring methodology as it applies here. A few possibilities: - Racked opening. You can see that the gaps are large in two corners and smaller in the other two. While a uniform 1/4" gap would be great, its rare in practice, especially in older homes. - Stepped jamb. Looks like there was an internally hinged unit in there previously, those often have a step in the jamb where the panel closes against. The gap on the face would look much larger than the gap at the smallest point in those cases. Its also possible that there was a step/stop of some sort that they couldn't definitively deterimine whether or not it would be able to be removed at the time of measure. We see striaght through on the side in your measurement shot, but we don't know what that looked like before, or what the other sides looked like. - They may have planned for a buck frame (generally a 3/4" wood frame) but in the end there wasn't clearance for it. - As far as being secured, ideally there would be shims placed on the other sides as well, however that isn't always done in practice. If this is still in progress it wouldn't be out of line to ask for it. The installer may say that the foam offers support and locks the window in place which is not lying, but shims would be best practice. - As far as finishing, was interior finish part of the scope of work? Typically it would be, I'd imagine that they would add some sort of finishing piece to cover up the gap/foam and make it look complete. At the end of the day, based only on these pictures, it looks to me like the only thing that you will really lose here is 1/4-1/2" of glass on each side of the window. That said, again, I'd definitely have a talk with them about why the gap appears to be so large and go from there....See MoreCover gap between sill and window frame
Comments (6)Thanks for your responses. I expected that it should be ready solution... Thanks to you I know the magic word: "sill expander". Will go to HD to find out why they did not mentioned this. To HomeSealed Exteriors: this sill will be replace, it is a better part :-( Out of five windows one sill is a mess (this one) one is OK and there in perfect conditions,......See MoreIs it possible to fix this gap between window and a frame?
Comments (2)Can you post a picture to provide a bigger view of the window? In your close-up that appears to be some odd looking interior trim, like it was part of a window retrofit gone bad. If you just want to fill the gap, you can buy foam filler/backer rod (sold in various diameters) at the store, stuff the cavity with the foam backer rod, and then use paintable caulk over it to fully seal the gap. If white caulk is close to your paint color, you might not even have to paint it. You can also buy window foam sealer in cans, but I caution you about how hard it is to get off if you want to change anything, or even just to clean up your hands and tools. I would not use it for this type of job. Bruce...See MoreGap between old window glass and frame- HELP!
Comments (25)Legally, you are required to make the request for repair in writing. Include some pictures to make the situation clear. Request a response within 10 days. Send a written follow up that states that should this safety hazard not be repaired that you will be forced to have it done and deduct the cost of that from the rent that you owe. That’s the legal approach. If you’re getting a deal on rent, and don’t want to cause too many waves, you still need to document the issue and bring the condition of the property to his notice. For all defects. That protects you should he decide that he wants to blame the window falling out and cutting someone on you. Or the rot that goes down into the wall that the water damage has caused. He could blame that on you because you “never told him” about the issue. You need to notify him, even if he won’t fix it. A responsible landlord would want the opportunity to keep up his property....See More
Nancy Walton
5 years agopenn6th
5 years agoNancy Walton
5 years ago
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