Hot answers tagged windows
14
Typically curtain rod brackets will have a Set Screw, which is used to prevent the rod from moving.
If your bracket does not have a set screw, check to see if there is a hole where one should be.
If you have a hole but no screw, you'll have to find a screw that will fit in the hole. Make sure it's a Machine Screw with a flat end (not pointy), so it ...
8
As someone who bought new windows a couple years ago and researched it to death, almost anything a window salesmen tells you will be a marketing gimmick.
The fact of the matter is that when it comes to heat transfer resistance with windows, you reach the point of diminishing returns rather quickly.
Triple pane windows will give you a slight advantage in ...
8
Curtains or drapes can help insulate a room. One of the main methods is to reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room.
Air in a room is always trying to equalize itself. The cold air at a window mixes with the warm air in the rest of the room. If you trap the cold air behind a poor conductor (such as an airtight ...
6
Matthew PK offers some very specific instructions. I happen to disagree with most of them, but they may work for some windows. I will simply state that every new window comes with specific installation instructions. You should follow them. Otherwise you will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Here is an informative article from Fine Homebuilding:
...
6
You can remove the oil film with a rag or paper towel soaked in some organic solvent like isopropyl alcohol.
Don't these windows have any stop so they can be left ajar without blowing open? It might be good to install something like that instead. A long hook and eyelet would be the simplest.
6
You could try vinyl plugs that can be found in hardware/home improvement stores. The plugs come in various diameters. If there isn't one for the hole's size, you may have to drill it larger to the size of the plug so that it will fit.
Also found this kit, may be this will be an alternative option.
5
Generally one opens the bottom window, simply because it's easier. The features of the window tend to be designed with that in mind:
the screen (if it is original to the window) will usually have a bit of extra fill along the top edge where it meets up with the upper window's bottom edge
if there is a partial open lock (that prevents complete opening) ...
4
Installing opening windows out of plumb (out of level), will make them hard to open and close, and may affect their ability to seal well. If the windows are fixed, this is less of a problem.
If you install them level, the most noticeable issue will be the top and bottom, probably not the sides. You can address this by being creative with casings, the ...
4
You need to reframe this opening with a bottom plate, window sill, and cripples.
Remove the existing door and trim all the way back to the header, jack studs, and subfloor.
Install a new bottom plate on the subfloor with a foam weather stripping between to prevent drafts.
Install cripple studs at 16" intervals that continue the stud spacing outside of ...
4
Further to the other answers, I found Evaluating Window Insulation for Cold Climates by Robbin Garber-Slaght and Colin Craven which appeared in the Journal of Green Building. They test various window treatments and attempt to quantify the improvement by using a two-dimensional heat transfer model. Based on this model, they report a non-trivial improvement ...
3
You need to figure out what exactly is rattling. Is the storm window rattling against the normal window, or is it parts of the storm window rattling against each other?
Without a picture to show exactly what's loose, my general suggestions are:
Tighten up any screws on the storm window--you can use some blue loctite on them if you want to prevent them ...
3
Rather than attack the window itself, I'd re-install it. Usually there's a gap around the frame filled with spray foam insulation. Take the trim off the inside to see it. You'll also see a bunch of screws that hold the window frame to the house frame. See if you can take them out. Once this is done, you can scrape off the spray foam with a stiff knife.
...
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Usually this is a sign that the seals have failed and moisture is getting inside the window. The video you posted seems to be of a service that can apply a solution to prevent the fogging, however the seals are still gone which means the window is no longer insulating as it should be.
Depending how new they are, they might still be under warranty in which ...
3
Foundation windows are a difficult item to order replacements for. The mounting and track is different for most manufactures. Since you can't easily change the steel frame that is embedded in the concrete, you need the right window glass frame and size. My advise would be to remove the glass sashes and bring them with you to your supplier and see if they ...
3
I personally would use it, presuming I'm going to top-coat it with exterior paint. Of course, the very designation of the primer as "interior" means that the manufacturer did not INTEND for you to use it outdoors. So you're taking a chance.
But I'd do it and not give it another thought. What's the potential downside? Probably something like "If it ...
3
My 70 year old grandma just put up new blinds in her house last year. She did borrow my makita.
Quick Tips
make sure you are putting your screws into either the window frame, wood framing, or use anchors
make sure your blinds are level so if blinds are outside of window frame either use a level or take a measurement from the top of each side
cut blinds ...
2
Since it sounds like it might be difficult for you to get to a lumberyard to build your own solution, you might be better off using a pre-made product. AC-Safe, makes Universal Air Conditioner Supports that might be useful in your situation.
The system requires you to screw the platform into the window sill (which may or may not be possible in your ...
2
Contact a builder or building supply store in your area to see if they can help you identify the manufacturer using the information.
If you cannot identify the manufacture, consider repairing the damage to the window without completely replacing it. You can replace a broken latch or window pane, or have a professional do it for you, and this may be more ...
2
You could get a length of 1" x 1" x 1/8" angle steel, and manufacture your own.
Start by using a chop saw to cut the angle steel into pieces as wide as you need.
Next cut one side of the L to 3/16". A jig will help you cut the pieces quickly and accurately.
Use another jig to help you drill the holes. A drill press with a carbide-tipped or cobalt ...
2
You could use exterior grade plywood, but you should still seal it on both sides with paint or clear coating suitible for exterior use. It still may be somewhat unsightly on the inside.
As an alternative, I have regularly used plexiglas type plastic to fill in the spaces along the sides of air conditioners. This avoids weatherproofing and appearance ...
2
Honestly, letting your wife pick what looks best is the answer. The double tilt sliders are nice if you want to pop them out and clean them I guess. I like the awning ones because you have a bigger window area without sashes in the way. If you do get the awning style, make sure the crank mechanisms are replaceable. I have one in my bathroom that basically ...
2
Unfortunately, the windows probably should have been addressed before the new siding went on. Doing the windows before putting on new siding would have given you the option of using new construction vinyl double hung with J-channel build into the frames. It also would make repairing or replacing rotted framing members much easier.
However, since you ...
2
I'm not sure about the install of your product, whether it goes in place of the glass or the entire panel. If it goes in place of the entire panel (glass and frame), then locate any screws that are holding the panel to the track, probably in the top and bottom left of the frame when viewed from the inside.
This should let you pull the entire frame to the ...
2
I'm guessing, but here's my suspicion based on the pics posted. I may delete this answer after you post an updated close up pic.
Where your red arrow points - the white and black strip - I suspect that's the stop strip. It goes all the way around the window panel and appears to lock it in place. I suspect there's one on the outside as well.
To remove ...
2
I was looking for information and the best link I found was http://zebbakes.com/2011/06/21/how-to-uninstall-a-velux-black-out-blind/, which was both informative and amusing.
It says to take a flat-head screwdriver, wrap it in a cloth, and then insert it between blind and glass, then twist it in small increments until the blind pops out by brute force.
It ...
2
It could be construction adhesive, which would be hard to completely remove. Use a sharp utility knife to open up the crack. Don't worry about removing material that is still providing a seal, just remove the rough stuff in the opening so the new caulk will be able to bond to solid material. Fill the enlarged opening with caulk and you're done, unless you ...
2
You would not need to have a jack to be able to lift something up. Through the use of some pieces of framing material (such as common 2x4's as they are called here in the USA) you can pry and lift things with relative ease by the mechanical advantage of a lever. Cut the vertical piece to just the right length for the application and then with the help of at ...
2
Curtains certainly do help as they block drafts. However, another option is a product called rope caulk. It comes in small strands wrapped on a roll and has the consistency of thick putty. It is non-damaging, and may easily be removed. By pulling a few strands at a time and tucking them into the seams around your window, you can help block drafts. This ...
2
Hire someone that can do an energy audit. Check with your local utilities as they may even offer rebates on the cost of that. They'll use a Thermal Imaging Camera that can answer this question for you.
It's not so much whether or not your windows are a problem as much as it is the bigger question "what parts of your house are the problem". Even if your ...
1
You will certainly need to provide for some drainage of the now "lower" track of the window so that accumulated water can flow out.
One thing to also consider is the overall design of the window itself. Many window units are designed with a definite UP and DOWN side to them. When you rotate such window by 90 degrees certain aspects of the window may be ...
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