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Discussion Forum

Wrong Size Window Problem

WindowsGuy | Posted in General Discussion on September 22, 2007 03:36am

A question for the window pros…

I have purchased and installed lots of windows over the years and finally screwed up.  Even after triple measuring, checking, etc.  I ordered the wrong size!!  Instead of a 60″ R.O. height, the window is 6’0″.  Of course I don’t realize this until the unit is about to be delivered.

Since this is a clad double hung Marvin unit three windows wide, it is around a $2000.00 mistake.  Of course, I missed it on the order form I reviewed, so the wrong window is now mine.  Marvin won’t take it back, and the dealer/distributor has no use for it either.  I can’t really blame them…

The room only has 8′ ceilings, so jamming it in there is problematic to say the least.  At 6′ high, it’s almost a patio door.

Apart from ordering the ‘right’ window and waiting another 6-8 wks, has anyone ever cut down a pre-made aluminum clad window frame? 

Crazy idea I know, but I thought I might just order smaller sashes for the 3 upper sections and make it into a cottage style window If I could lop off a foot and biscuit joint the corners back together.  Of course the screens would also need to be chopped or replaced, and I would lose any warranty.

Thoughts?  Anyone need a triple double hung Marvin?  I’ll give you a great deal.

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Replies

  1. Piffin | Sep 22, 2007 03:51am | #1

    Happens to the best of us.

    I am still using up some french doors - interiors - that I ordered 2'4" years ago when what I needed was 24"

    And I just bare in time caught a Pella rep's mistake on a whole house order as he was ready to initiate it on the PC hotwire to Pella. My hand written purchase order clearly read 2'9" where he had entered 29". I was reviewing the order in his office as he was online with Pella when I caught it and said "HOLD ON THERE A MINUTE!"

    Betcha never make THIS mistake again
    ;)

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. DanH | Sep 22, 2007 04:04am | #2

      Seems to me that on the order (and intermediate materials lists) one should write out "2 feet 4 inches" rather than using the tick marks, and, if the order is sent back for verification (or redisplayed on a computer order screen after entry), it should list **both** "2 feet 4 inches" and "28 inches".
      If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

    2. DanH | Sep 22, 2007 04:05am | #3

      (This is one area where metric would eliminate a lot of errors.)
      If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Sep 22, 2007 04:23am | #5

        I've said that for yrs. Right after I framed a bunch of doors at 30" instead of 3/0"  BTDT BTTS WOTTSSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        "If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"

        1. Shep | Sep 22, 2007 06:29pm | #8

          That's my favorite screw up.

          I've ordered the wrong doors several times, mixing up those dimensions.

          Each time, I tell myself this is the last time.

          One of these days I'll learn from my mistakes. <G>

          1. DanH | Sep 22, 2007 07:14pm | #9

            Seems like someone should create a window and door exchange -- eBayWindow. Apparently there are enough misordered units out there to make a reasonable market.
            If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

          2. Shep | Sep 22, 2007 08:30pm | #12

            I was fortunate that my regular yard was willing to put one door in their "mistakes" room, and it got sold from there.

            I ended up taking a bit of a loss, but not too bad.

      2. woodway | Sep 22, 2007 07:24pm | #10

        I have to agree but it appears it would be a cold day in h*** before America ever goes metric.

        1. DanH | Sep 22, 2007 07:27pm | #11

          How come? It's only a Communist plot, not an Islamist one.
          If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

  2. Framer | Sep 22, 2007 04:11am | #4

    Is the 6' window not even an option? You have many options if it is. Raising it or lowering is one? Raising and lowering is one? Meaning, can you put a smaller header in that is structurally sound and raising it a little and lowering it without having to change the sash to tempered if you can keep it 6'?

    Or is raisning it not even an option do to matching the rest of the widow heights, or moldings or exterior soffit or trim?

    Joe Carola
    1. WindowsGuy | Sep 23, 2007 06:03pm | #14

      The 6' high window really won't work too well.  The space is a kitchen eating area, and the big window would look more like a patio door.

      If I could put in a smaller header (this is a 1st floor with 2 more above) the window would have to be almost flush with the ceiling to work.  That would make it a mismatch with another window in the room on the same wall.

      1. BUIC | Sep 23, 2007 06:49pm | #16

          Change the last window on the wall so they all would match?

          It's not a mistake, it's a new, expensive upgrade! <g> buic

  3. DanT | Sep 22, 2007 05:31am | #6

    Mine was 6  Pella replacement units 64" tall instead of 54".  I have 3 more to use!  DanT

  4. Hudson Valley Carpenter | Sep 22, 2007 06:20pm | #7

    Actually, that size unit is pretty common in some home designs, as a front room window when a large covered front porch is present, for example. 

    I'd just put it away with my cache of windows, doors and bathroom fixtures.  I wouldn't consider cutting it down.  I'd sooner build a new wood unit myself. 

     

  5. CAGIV | Sep 22, 2007 08:48pm | #13

    Looks like your stuck, might try putting it on Craigslist or something.

    My thing is doors...

    I have a real nice Ext. French door that was about a $3k screw up sitting in our shop, and last week I recieved 2 36" six-panel Oak slabs, painter finished them, but I needed 2'6" doors....

    I'm pretty sure I ordered 30" and they heard 3'0".....  they won't own up to it, so we're stuck with them

     

    Team Logo

    1. WindowsGuy | Sep 23, 2007 06:08pm | #15

      Thanks for all the replies.

      Misery loves company, and it seems there's no shortage here. :-)

      I've scrapped the cutting idea.  I'll just have to get the right window (6-8 wks) and see if I can salvage some value out of the incorrect one.

      I've been told you can split apart Marvins into the separate double hung units.  If that's true, I may have a use for the individual units elsewhere.

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