Badly fitting windows

[gorstj]

I have bought a house which has old (externally glazed!) upvc double glazed windows in the bays.

Two of the five windows of the bay can open. They have side hinges. There is a large gap (0.5cm - you can see sky through it!) at the top of the opening window on the opposite side to the hinges. The opening window seems to be on an angle to the window frame.

The side of the window with the hinges does not seem to be pulled in 'snuggly' to the window frame when it is shut either.

It is present on both the left and right window (but is much worse on the left).

These obviously cause big noise/draught problems.

Should I be thinking of replacing/adjusting hinges or is it the window frame that is warped?

Thansk for any help

 

[kevash]

Hi

Sounds like the glass in your windows has not been packed or toe & heeled properly.

A good fitter should be able to sort it.

Main problem is trying to find one

Good Luck

 

[gorstj]

Thanks for the reply.

I had a fitter around who did the typical 'workman' thing.... oooohhh - ahhhh - oooohhh - that will cost you!

He has reccomended replacing the entire bay of windows!!

He did mention about packing it but said it would rewuire too much packing.

Could you point me in the right direction concering packing or hell/toe - I amy have a crack at it myself. Even if I just make the gap smaller - it will mean less of a bodge with the extra rubber seals I have jsut bought!

 

[Glassman]

It is quite easy to 'toe & heel' the unit. You need to place plastic packers underneathe the double glazed unit on the hinge side only and at the top of the unit on the opposite side. This will effectively throw the weight of the glass unit onto the hinges in much the same way as the diagonal bar does on a farm yard gate. I haven't got any pictures to post up showing what I mean but I reckon you should search the internet for 'Toe and Heel' or 'Bracing D/G Units'.
It could be that the friction hinges might need replacing because they may be twisted by now. Measure the length of the hinge from top to bottom and ask a local window company to get some in for you. They should cost around £15-£20 for the pair depending on where you live and who you go to. Hope this helps?

 

[Glassman]

After a quick search here is one site I found that should help with 'toeing and heeling'

http://www.doubleglazing.com/diy_toeing_heeling.htm