$$$$$ Window problem.
Laura
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
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Comments (36)
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years agoLaura
2 years agoRelated Discussions
10X12 HFGH vent window problem
Comments (2)Hello treed1304, I wanted to let your post sit for a few days, in case others might pop up here with a solution to the vent window problem. I had the same problem with the vent windows on my HFGH. Even in the most "closed" position, the windows could be lifted open just a bit. I was not able to find a good solution, and the orientation of my GH is so that the prevailing winds loved to pick up the vents that small fraction of an inch, then let them bang down again. Bang bang bang. Too often. I was worried that this would lead to a problem at 3AM when I was not there. Failing a brilliant fix, I finally gave up and wired the latches shut with baling wire. A few years ago, when we replaced our roof panels, I removed the vent windows entirely. I was only able to do this because I replace my south wall with screens all summer, and I use an exhaust fan to pull air through the open doors during daylight hours (through a curtain made of Aluminet.) Otherwise, I would not have been able to give up the venting. I think this annoying problem is present with most of the HFGH kits. Maybe, it's worse for some of us, depending on wind direction. So far, nobody had posted to my blog or here with a good fix. It's possible that equipping the windows with hydraulic automatic openers will resolve this problem. I never tried this, but I've read here that the automatic openers sold by Harbor Freight don't work well (or, for most, don't last long.) I'd try some of the other brand auto openers instead...by Bayliss, for example...after doing more research. Maybe...some brilliant person will show up here with a better solution (hope springs eternal...) Looking forward to seeing pics of your project!...See MoreNot Sure if It Is Window Problem; Water Leaking
Comments (11)Not an expert here, just a homeowner with a similar experience...water on our windowsill after a heavy rain, but not always... just sometimes. It wasn't a problem with the window, or the flashing, or the roof above the window. From what we could tell, the problem stemmed from an upper roof, that dripped onto a lower roof that was above the window. The heavy rain would come off the upper roof and splash onto the lower roof with such force that it was bouncing back against the house clapboard. We're guessing that the water was somehow getting behind the clapboard and following the easiest path downward, by gravity, until it came out at the trim at the top of our window and dripped onto the sill. It took us quite a while to figure this out (and it is all really just a guess anyway), but the problem was solved when we put a small section of gutter on the upper roof. No more dripping water... no more leaking window. Water is funny. It may not come from where you think it would. During a renovation a few years ago, we had a heavy rain before a small section of the roof was entirely finished. Third-story roof, but the water leaked through a doorway in the middle of our first floor... nowhere near an outer wall. I hope this helps!...See MoreVinyl replacement window problem
Comments (11)Have you noticed whether this happens after a rain storm...or during very humid weather? There's more than one way for moisture to get under the vinyl. When I had the same type window that you have...I cleaned them the same way you're doing. I wish I still had them. I have sliders now and I hate them because they're soooo difficult to clean. I'm one of the rare humans who doesn't swear by WD-40 for everything. Better to rub a little Vaseline on the runner...or edge of the window. If it's a sticky groove...that will take care of the problem...and it won't do any chemical damage to the vinyl. Can you tell if the window frame is moving? The only other thing I can think of is that the casing is moving once you move the window out of the space that supports it. I think your house is delightfully too old to be settling...but who knows. We've had a very rainy year. If the wood casing is not solid...the easiest way to check is to take an ice pick...or similar thin sharply pointed tool...and try to insert it into the wood around the window. If it slides in easily...you may have a bigger problem than you want. I don't want to scare you by listing those possibilities....See MoreAndersen window problems
Comments (23)I'd have to agree with the other pros, this is Home Depot's issue, not Andersen's. @Judy, you used the analogy of purchasing a vehicle. I believe a more appropriate version of that analogy would be telling the Ford dealer that you want a black truck, but they mistakenly order Red. What could/should the manufacturer do about that? How are they responsible? If this was a warranty issue or something then sure, manufacturer reps should step up, but being an ordering issue, this falls on the party placing the order. I would also have to reinforce the other sentiments that this is not an uncommon occurrence due to the qualifications of those working at these box stores (or lack thereof), and furthermore, while you may or may not have had any ability to know that this was going to come incorrectly in this case, you as a consumer take on some responsibility for these types of situations when you are placing the order. Let's be real here, the only reason for a homeowner that is not an installer to place the order for their own windows is because they are trying to save a little money by not having the contractor or builder do it. You are essentially injecting yourself into the GC conversation. That is strike two, strike one was ordering from a box store. Lesson learned. Next time, let your contractor or builder order the product. Its cheap insurance at the end of the day. Also, if you can't find the product that you like from a competent source, then pick a different product. Sorry for being frank, but this is everyday stuff. You aren't the first and certainly won't be the last....See Moremillworkman
2 years agomillworkman
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoLaura
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2 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
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LauraOriginal Author