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Fixing removable window grills

| Posted in Construction Techniques on February 28, 2006 12:27pm

I’ve just put in over 40 windows into a house I am building for myself.  I picked Andersen 400 for reasons that seemed good at the time.  With the exception of 2 oval windows flanking the entrance, they all have removable interior grills.  I’ve spoken to someone who thought they were ok but as far as I’m concerned the removable grills are the biggest pieces of junk. 

Without going into detail as to what has made me come to this conclusion, I’m actually looking for some input as to the feasibility of permanently or semi-permanently fixing the grills to the inside of the windows.  I’ve looked at the two I have with fixed outer grills and they appear to be stuck on with a double-sided foam tape.  I expect I could do the same on the inside but I’m not sure if they will sit flush.  I can test this out.  The nice thing about this idea is that if they did need to be removed/replaced, a razor will take the tape residue off the glass. 

If anyone has a reason why this is a bad idea or ideas as to a better form of adhesion, I’m all ears.  Also, my plan would be to test this on a non-obvious window and leave it for a few months to see how it does before applying to the rest.

Fortunately, the style is to only put the grills in the upper sash so I guess my problem is half of what it could be.

Thanks in advance. 

-Jonathan


Edited 2/27/2006 4:30 pm ET by Mojo

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  1. acornw | Feb 28, 2006 12:34am | #1

    C R Laurence has the tape. It is available as 1/8" and 1/16" thick, various widths and colors - gray, black mostly. You may want to call to be sure, as CRL has lots and lots of tapes.  Look in "Glazing Tapes, etc."  The 3M line is the exact same that Big Window Boys use. It does stick like crazy, just don't push too hard on that glass.

    I have this product out in the weather for 5 years now, with no problems. My windows and doors will last for generations.  Peel and stick grilles won't.

    1. mojo | Feb 28, 2006 12:38am | #2

      Thanks for the response.  I guess the next thing I need to do is determine if I want and can afford beefier grills.  Not sure if Andersen makes them but I can check.  The removable ones are thin and as I recall, this was an option when I ordered.

      Thanks again!

      1. dug | Feb 28, 2006 05:44am | #9

        70273.3 in reply to 70273.2 

        Thanks for the response.  I guess the next thing I need to do is determine if I want and can afford beefier grills.  Not sure if Andersen makes them but I can check.  The removable ones are thin and as I recall, this was an option when I ordered.

             WANT GRILLS?....... Try this http://www.bigbluewindow.com

        1. billybobby | Feb 28, 2006 07:29pm | #11

          I've actually purchased from BigBlueWindow.com and was very pleased with the grilles I ordered.  Quality stuff and fairly inexpensive.

          1. djj | Feb 28, 2006 08:06pm | #12

            Thanks for the great link. They are much cheaper than the custom grills I was quoted by Marvin. 

    2. User avater
      loucarabasi | Feb 28, 2006 01:31pm | #10

      Acorn, I used the tape from laurence too. its been on for eight years. no problemo

      Good advice, LMC

  2. sledgehammer | Feb 28, 2006 01:57am | #3

    Never really understood the concept of removable grilles on a tilt window.

    Andersen does supply windows with an applied grill. Weather they will sell the as a part is something you'll have to call on. And as for that tape, once it's stuck on, you can forget about removing the grills with a razor blade... aint happening. And the tape is temp sensitive, you cannot attach if tape or window is cold.

    I spent the better part of a week removing and reinstalling grills on 160 sash, wasn't fun.

    1. mojo | Feb 28, 2006 03:44am | #5

      Thanks.  I guess the point is that it's easier to clean one pane rather than 6 or 8 even if they do tilt in.  I'll worry about that later though. 

  3. User avater
    Sphere | Feb 28, 2006 02:25am | #4

    I forget where I got it, but I have what is called "transfer tape" probably by 3M..it is double stick and clear and as thin as cellophane scotch tape. I have 3/4'' wide, but it can be had narrower I am sure, or cut easily.

    Try 3m or google for it.

    edit: Here ya go............

    http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/utilities_telecom/oem_electrical/node_BFTM9CK59Kbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GSHBRQT7DVge/gvel_BBGZX3B1QGgv/command_AbcPageHandler/theme_us_oemeletrical_3_0#ggviewer-offsite-nav-8990792

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

     



    Edited 2/27/2006 6:27 pm ET by Sphere

    1. mojo | Feb 28, 2006 03:46am | #6

      Thanks Sphere.  I just feel better that this is accepted practice and not a total hack.

      1. Treetalk | Feb 28, 2006 03:58am | #7

        Hey they gotta be better than the ones on the windows ive been trimming out.Cheesy little plastic pins that slide into the side stiles and the verticals are all short by about 1/2".

        1. mojo | Feb 28, 2006 04:10am | #8

          Tell you what, send me your address and in 2-3 weeks you'll get a box of some 40+ grills that you can use as kindling if they don't work in your windows.

          1. Treetalk | Mar 01, 2006 03:11am | #13

            Im going to tell the client to toss these.They wouldnt even hold up a tomato in the garden. Another fun feature is that since theyre only attached on the side when u open the window the muntins catch on the sash. Pitiful pcs of trash.

  4. User avater
    hammer1 | Mar 01, 2006 06:55am | #14

    I wouldn't recommend attaching grills to new windows unless you want to void the warranty. You didn't say why you thought the grills were junk but you seem willing to use them if you glue them. Would I be correct in thinking that either the grills are not sitting flush to the glass or the ends are not staying in place? Could poor installation or warped wood be part of the problem? I've seen more than a few grills stored in a damp basement during construction.

    Anderson standard wood grills for the 400 series are 3/4" wide at the glass. Generally, the material and joinery are excellent. They also have 7/8" grills and 1 1/8" for most of the 400 series. The wider ones are normally used for large windows and patio doors. They will also make custom grills to your specs.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

    1. mojo | Mar 01, 2006 08:08pm | #16

      Like another poster experienced, over 50% will not sit properly.  Some of the pins fit in place and the others pop out.  I've already broken a handful simply by opening the window and it catches and breaks the grill.  As far as I'm concerned, they cannot be used as-is.  I had this problem the day they arrived so it is not because they warped from not being primed or anything.  In addition, we had 1 main delivery and then I bought a bunch off the shelf and we have the same experience with all of them.

      1. User avater
        hammer1 | Mar 01, 2006 11:47pm | #17

        I think if I was having a problem, I'd contact my salesman and get an Anderson representative out on the site. There is a plastic hole, so to speak, that the ends of the plastic buttons spring into. I've always taken a nail set and pushed the hole through. If you just try to snap the grills in without punching in the hole, they will not stay in place or lay flat. The holes are meant to be punched in. If you try to open the window by pushing up on the grill, it may break. I know this isn't what you are saying, but a lot of grills get broken this way.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

        1. mojo | Mar 01, 2006 11:52pm | #18

          "The holes are meant to be punched in."

           

          Hmnnnn....  Well, that might make a difference.  Let me try that.

  5. jimz | Mar 01, 2006 04:47pm | #15

    Mojo: The use of double sided tape is going to make window cleaning a bear of a job. jimz

  6. Dave45 | Mar 02, 2006 01:57am | #19

    I may be wrong but I thought the removable "grids" were to make single light windows look like divided light - but be easy to remove for cleaning.  Any kind of "permanent" attachment will defeat this purpose.

    If your grids aren't fitting right, Andersen should be able to help you.  They're pretty good about customer support in my experience. 

  7. Tom12345 | Mar 08, 2006 11:49pm | #20

    On the recommendation listed below I tried Big Blue Window.com  Fantastic!  The grilles are high quality, precision cut and were delivered to my home in just 4 days.  Fit like a glove!!!  Their have a grat website too.

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