For questions relating to the installation, maintenance, and repair of windows and window treatments such as shutters, blinds and curtains.
4
votes
1answer
278 views
Best style of window for above grade basement windows?
My basement windows are roughly 2'x3' (h x w) and the exterior sill is 6 inches above grade, and 5 feet above the basement floor. I am not particularly concerned with security beyond frustrating the ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Can I fit an extractor fan in a window?
We have a basement flat and we suspect that the bathroom exhaust fans do not go anywhere, which causes a fair bit of damp in the flat which manifests itself as condensation on the windows in the ...
4
votes
1answer
242 views
Is there a better more flexible framing material for screens than aluminum kits?
Our windows are old and do not lend themselves to easy removal of the screens. In fact when I remove a screen I frequently bend it beyond repair. Is there a better more flexible framing material for ...
3
votes
4answers
159 views
How do I determine if the energy savings are worth replacing windows for?
I have a house with an east-facing wall which is mostly windows. In the winter, during the day I almost never have to run the furnace because of how much the sunlight warms my house. During the summer ...
3
votes
5answers
1k views
Is there a standard way to block sunlight from a non-rectangular window?
I'm not a DIY home repair guy but I'm handy with tools. I have a semi-circular window about six feet in diameter. It's right above my home office desk. In the afternoon, the sun often shines ...
3
votes
3answers
243 views
How can I counteract the effects of WD-40?
My landlord used WD-40 to free the UPVC windows and now when opened slightly the wind then catches them and blows them wide open (a real pain when woken at 4am with rain blowing through the room). How ...
3
votes
2answers
252 views
Are storm windows necessary for homes in mild climates?
I feel silly asking this but I'm curious. =) When are storm windows necessary and under what conditions? I live in California (US) and we hardly ever get snow or freezing temperatures where I'm at. In ...
3
votes
2answers
151 views
Easy to spread caulking - window weather proofing
I want to go around the exterior of my windows, etc with some caulking. I have some now that I used in the bathroom but it doesn't spread that easy or lay a decent bead. I know when I was growing up ...
3
votes
1answer
159 views
Which type of vertical window shades are the most durable? [closed]
I am looking into purchasing vertical window shades. I hear vinyl will warp with heat, but I also hear fabric isn't as durable as vinyl. Not sure why fabric is much more expensive than vinyl though.
...
3
votes
3answers
4k views
Draughty PVC window
Some of the PVC windows in my house lets wind and cold in, so I need to adjust them to cut off the draught. I have no experience in adjusting them, so I need to find out how I can achieve this. Any ...
3
votes
2answers
118 views
Is installing blinds a DIY Project?
My wife and I have been in our home for a little less than a year, and the paper blinds are starting to get tired to look at. The prices on blinds.com look appealing, but I'm hoping there are no ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
How can I insulate a sash window?
I just moved into an old flat which has old and weathered down sash windows which let a lot of cold air in. As Scotland does get very cold at times I would like to insulate them in a cheap and ...
3
votes
3answers
291 views
How can I seal a below-grade window permanently?
I purchased my home a couple of years ago and this year I am going to replace the deck and build a fence. The deck was in terrible condition so I completely took it down. To my surprise I found 2 ...
3
votes
2answers
447 views
Fiberglass reinforced vinyl windows — better/worse/same as being reinforced with aluminum/steel?
My wife and I are looking at Sunrise replacement windows. They seem to be very sturdy windows with a nice lifetime warranty. I've heard that I definitely want to get some kind of structurally ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I stop water from coming under my multitrack sliding doors?
I live in a desert where seasonal hard rains occur 5-10 times per year. We have an automated door with a multitrack slide that it lets quite a bit of water in when it rains hard. The door is an ...
3
votes
2answers
266 views
Window Replacement (Inserts or Gut Out)
When replacing wood windows of a brick house do you just insert them into the old frame or do you gut the frame out and replace the whole thing?
What are the pros and cons of each method?
Edit: I ...
3
votes
1answer
222 views
Extra insulation for panes of aging windows
The original windows on my 30-year-old house are insulated pretty well around the frames, but the panes themselves transmit a lot of cold air, especially when things drop down into the single digits, ...
3
votes
2answers
272 views
Is there a way to prevent sliding window from freezing?
I have a window that slides to the side, and each time temperature outside drops below 0*C it freezes and there is no way to open it (not that there is ice all over it, just moisture from the room ...
3
votes
1answer
86 views
Changing the window in an exterior door
We were given a new fibreglass door but it is RH instead of LH. How do we change the window so it will be facing the right direction?
3
votes
1answer
754 views
Should I replace the window frame while installing replacement windows?
I will be considering replacing some of my windows in the future. Recently I had my house re-sided and had a chance to see how things were looking "under the surface" for much of the home. There were ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I identify the manufacturer of my windows?
So, the seals on one of the double pane windows in my parent's home have failed (moisture and mold between panes). I want to contact the manufacturer to see if there is a possibility of warranty ...
3
votes
1answer
327 views
What are my options for replacing or upgrading my window screens?
I've just bought a house that has older wooden-framed windows. The windows themselves appear to be fine, but the screens for these windows are simple aluminum frames that use the small spring-loaded ...
3
votes
1answer
731 views
What is the process for draft proofing windows
I need to try to prevent drafts coming through and around my double glazed window units as much as possible. How can I go about detecting and sealing any leaks that are letting air through the window? ...
3
votes
1answer
124 views
Suggestions for preventing water from building on a shower window that is below shoulder level?
Location: California | United States
Hello all,
I have a window near my bath/shower that is slightly below shoulder level (which is now a violation of code in my area but got grandfathered in with ...
3
votes
1answer
189 views
Would adding new basement windows jeopardize the integrity of the foundation?
We are finishing our basement and would like to install 4 new hopper windows onto the front side of the house. My question is what is the largest reasonably sized window that can be cut from the ...
3
votes
1answer
46 views
Can remodeling work around a window cause moisture / condensation problems?
I had flashing repair work done around one of three windows in my bedroom last summer. When it started getting cold, I noticed moisture / condensation on one of my windows. I thought it would go away ...
3
votes
3answers
369 views
Shading windows from outside (awnings, shutters, etc) to keep house from overheating in summer
The back of my house faces west, and during July and August, the sun hits it directly in the afternoon through evening. On a warm day, this can cause the house to heat up quite a bit, so I'm making ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
How do I remove window sill / apron overhang?
I'm planning on building a built-in window seat against a wall that has two windows with sills and an apron that extends from the wall about 3/4" to 1":
What's the best strategy for removing this ...
2
votes
1answer
731 views
How can I install a curtain rod so that it doesn't slide on the mounting brackets when opening and closing the curtains?
I am hoping to install some drapes in our bedroom. In my experience, the curtain rod always slides into itself or over the mounting hardware while I am opening or closing the curtains. Is there a way ...
2
votes
2answers
777 views
Using a window as a dry-erase surface
I'd like to put some kind of easily removed clear (or semi-translucent) material on my large windows so I can use them as a dry-erase surface without blocking out the light. Any suggestions on what to ...
2
votes
3answers
591 views
How do I install plastic window insulation without damaging the trim?
I'm planning to install plastic window wrap on my windows for the winter, but the trim around the windows is nice wood and I don't want to leave a mark on it where the double-sided tape will be.
I've ...
2
votes
2answers
550 views
How to keep the house cool from inside by covering the window panes?
I am thinking of covering the window panes with 5 fold newspapers.
What other inexpensive items/materials can be used to cover the window panes for keeping the house cool from inside?
2
votes
2answers
1k views
How can I temporarily soundproof my bedroom window?
I live on the second floor of a noisy NYC apartment building, and my bedroom window is unfortunately right above a busy street. I've been sleeping with earplugs for a while, but I still get woken up. ...
2
votes
4answers
656 views
How to repel pigeons so that they don't loiter behind my windows?
I live in a apartment in a multistory building. Pigeons often sit onto edges of window openings behind my windows and leave excrements which is rather annoying.
Is there some simple, preferably ...
2
votes
2answers
135 views
How can I remove the side glass pane from a patio sliding glass door?
I just bought a pet door insert for a sliding glass door.
I'm assuming that it must be installed against the wall, but I cannot figure out how to remove the side panel of the sliding glass door.
...
2
votes
1answer
430 views
Can I hang two inch blinds with only one inch of available window sill overhang?
I just had new windows installed in the house and they look great! It's definitely time now to put up some decent looking blinds.
I love the look of the two-inch blinds (nothing fancy - most stuff at ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
What are the pros and cons of Milgard vs Jeld-Wen windows?
I am replacing old window. The new window will be 69 1/2 inches wide and 59 1/2 inches tall.
I am thinking vinyl, two-vent slider (three equal sizes).
Home Depot suggests Jeld Wen ($500) for vinyl. ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
How do I prevent window drafts?
I live in Florida. I have noticed that in the Winter it seems that the cold air leaks through the windows and into the rooms. This, of course, raises my energy bill for heating (yes we have to turn on ...
2
votes
2answers
101 views
How can I move a very heavy top window
I live in a very old school (as in it was a high school) building turned condo.
I have four windows in the standard top pane, bottom pane double sash configuration. Each pane is about 3 feet wide, 4 ...
2
votes
1answer
183 views
Where can I find unusual L-shaped brackets? [closed]
I had windows installed in my gazebo, but had them installed with the screens on the outside and windows on the inside (for easier cleaning access). My problem now is that strong winds blow the ...
2
votes
1answer
499 views
How do I install an air conditioner in a larger window?
I have a brand new AC in the box which was meant for another room, but recently had a baby and her room is too hot.
I want to use the AC I already purchased, but the max window width is 36" and the ...
2
votes
1answer
448 views
What are pros/cons of skylight placement?
I have a vaulted ceiling in my living/kitchen area where I'd like to install skylights. The designer I spoke to suggested two 2'x 4' skylights in the north facing living room, but she didn't seem to ...
2
votes
1answer
322 views
When re-screening window solar screens, how do I avoid warping the frame?
I'm re-screening my solar screens. I have found that a very small one is easy but larger ones present some challenges (not surprisingly).
I don't want the screen to be too loose and sag. However, ...
2
votes
1answer
362 views
Awning windows - How much ventilation do they provide?
I am wondering if any of you have any experience with awning windows. I am looking at a condo with large awning windows on the side (height that almost goes from ceiling to a little higher than the ...
2
votes
1answer
80 views
How can I block off scorching sunlight from coming through my windows?
Somehow, the window of my room faces directly at the scorching beams of the sun all year long. The local weather here is humid, and the heat from the sun coming in from the windows makes the room ...
2
votes
1answer
152 views
Do vinyl doors and windows with a foam core promote mold growth?
I've had two companies give their sales pitch on vinyl windows and doors. One has a foam core inside the vinyl frame, the other does not. One says the foam core helps insulate, the other says the ...
2
votes
1answer
342 views
Gap between sash frame and pane of single-hung window sash - DIY-able?
Short background: we have a single-hung window in our living room that opens sideways, and it is noticeably hard to open. I noticed recently that the lock side of the moving sash's frame seems to have ...
2
votes
1answer
128 views
How can I remove paint from this window's aluminum track?
I recently purchased a house that has several layers of paint on the windows' aluminum tracks. (Wow! One bad paint job).
What's the best way to remove the paint, so that the windows will open and ...
2
votes
1answer
401 views
How can I fix my uPVC window that won't close properly?
The handle on one of my uPVC windows won't turn to keep the window shut. The window doesn't form a seal against the frame so it is getting cold in here! I've noticed that there's a small metal pin ...
2
votes
0answers
173 views
How to re-insert a single-hung window into the frame over the guide rods?
I have a single-hung Madison window. The moving part has come loose and disassembled and I can't get it back in.
There are two rods that fit into spaces at the sides of the window frame. (See links ...
