Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jan 22, 2016 05:19pm | #1

   Doesn't answer your question, but you should always use "low expansion" foam around windows, especially lightweight ones. Yes, it's more expensive (because a can only goes about 1/4 as far) but it can save a lot of headaches.

1. 
   lebodano | Jan 22, 2016 05:47pm | #5

   yp

   Well I definitely know that now. It didn't say it expanded on the bottle and said for windows and doors so my thought process was "why would they sell it if it expanded and said windows and doors" even though it wasn't specified.

2. 
   oldhand | Jan 22, 2016 05:42pm | #2

   no need to panic...

   Is the sash itself actually bowed or just the frame?

1. 
   DanH | Jan 22, 2016 05:45pm | #3

   Also, where and how is it bowed?

1. 
   lebodano | Jan 22, 2016 05:51pm | #6

   technical explanation

   DanH wrote:

   Also, where and how is it bowed?

   So I will explain this in technical terms....The bottom part that is not moving ( I assume this is the outside frame?) is bowed up in the middle/ I think it is maybe an inch raised. Therefore, when I close the window, it doesn't seal. Looks like it from the inside, but on the outside, the part that moved up and down, doesn't even touch the bottom.

1. 
   DanH | Jan 22, 2016 06:41pm | #7

   I would consider driving 1-3 screws through the bottom of the frame and into the rough framing below.  You'd want to plan it well, though, so that the screw heads sit flush and don't look too bad, and so that they're driven squarely enough that they don't pull the frame in/out, only down.

2. 
   lebodano | Jan 22, 2016 05:45pm | #4

   reply to panicing!

   oldhand wrote:

   Is the sash itself actually bowed or just the frame?

   not quite sure the different. basically the part that opens and closes (up and down), when I push it down, there is a gap at the bottom.

1. 
   mark122 | Jan 23, 2016 07:39am | #8

   post a picture. no offense but its hard enough to picture what the problem is with a proper description.

   there is the window frame (the square/rectangle that the window sits in), sash wich is on the two sides (allows and guides the window as it opens and closes). if single hung then the top section if the window will be fixed and the bottom pane will slide up and down.

   now, if the issue is when you close the window and you have a gap on one side (a bottom corner) and not the other you may have set the window out of saquare and the  exesive foaming made it worse. 

   put it on the ground, measure corner to corner (diagonally), those measurements should be the same. if they are not adjust until they are. re hang.

3. 
   DanH | Jan 24, 2016 08:49am | #9

   He said he "completely

   He said he "completely removed" the foam.

4. 
   lebodano | Jan 24, 2016 03:34pm | #10

   picture

   here it is

   
1. 
   junkhound | Jan 24, 2016 03:42pm | #11

   heat gun

2. 
   calvin | Jan 24, 2016 09:12pm | #12

   L

   The brickwork, that's not holding it up in the front is it?

3. 
   DanH | Jan 24, 2016 09:15pm | #13

   If the windows are solid plastic, it's likely that the solvents in the foam softened the plastic and caused it to deform.

1. 
   lebodano | Jan 25, 2016 06:34am | #15

   any suggestion

   I definitely know it is now deformed thanks to my swift DIY skills. Any suggestions as to fix it, at least to the point where it may seal again?

1. 
   DanH | Jan 25, 2016 02:32pm | #17

   First, determine whether, with moderate hand force on the frame, it can be forced down flat, and if in doing so it remains reasonably straight and true.  If it won't go down at all then probably something is still blocking it.  If it won't go down without twisting or some such the frame may be toast.

5. 
   lebodano | Jan 25, 2016 06:32am | #14

   brickwork

   I don't think it was in the beginning at least as the windows were in before the brick. Are you saying maybe the brick was done too high or something? 

1. 
   calvin | Jan 25, 2016 07:20am | #16

   Dan

    In new construction there can be shrinkage of the framing (in the width of joists).  Sometimes enough that the brick veneer will push up on the bottom of window jambs.  If not enough room was left between the brick, mortar and window, I've seen what you have occur.

   how bout the history of this place?  New construction home or addition?

   do other windows show this problem?

   is there room between the brick and frame for you to push down on that frame to straitened it out?

   Even a hunk of hardened mortar can be enough to hold it up.

   Can you post more pictures with details?

   And you do have everything below the window removed, foam shims etc.  Do these windows have nailing fins?

6. 
   lebodano | Jan 26, 2016 08:44am | #18

   Additional pics

   New construction. They're actually single hung not double,vinyl Weatgershield windows

   
1. 
   DanH | Jan 26, 2016 08:55am | #19

   It appears that the bottom frame members are very slightly bowed in the center.  I'd consider 3 carefully-placed screws to pull the bottom down.

2. 
   calvin | Jan 26, 2016 10:16am | #20

   From the two pics

   If there's no space between the top of the brick and the bottom of the window, the only way you're going to fix the problem is move the frame up on each end (straightening the sill).  Near impossible if there's fins securing the window.

   if new construction, where's the builder and the mason?