My Andersen 400 series Casement windows have the top latch wont latch. Normally they both latch together when you move the bottom lever, but only the bottom one works. What can be done about this? they were built in 1996.
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Call or got to Andersen's site.
You might be able to find a parts breakdown and you also might find the warranty time on it.
I have found parts at that site form the early 1900's.
If you call, it's good to have what you're talking about right in front of you.
They are good folks there and I'm sure you'll get this figured out........................
once you get past the phone prompts.
Go to an authorized Andersen dealer or check online -- Andersen has replacement parts for virtually all their windows.
But if the problem is that the top is simply not getting closed well enough to latch then there are several things to check:
Check the flatness of both the sash and the frame. It could be that the sash is warped, or it could be that the frame has racked.
Check whether the sash is dragging (especially near the top) as the window is closed. It could be a slight alignment problem or paint on the sash edge or some such is causing the top to catch when you close the window.
Examine the upper latch mechanism to see if there is a bent catch, or too much slop in the operation. A bent catch can possibly be straightened, while "slop" probably points at replacement.
Thanks, The window operates normally with no problems. The latch at the bottome works find two, its just became mechanically disconnected from the bottom. I dont think its out of square enougth to cause this problem.
Are these windows easy enough to tear into to fix this?
Take out the bottom latch.
See if you can figure out the connection to the top.
As the crank cover comes off (the wood sill cover over the mechanism, so do the sides. You'll need to remove the cover between the latches - probably.
But really, call Andersen-they'll explain it and direct you to the schematics. No need for experimentation.
I wouldn't say that Andersen's are a "breeze" to take apart, but they generally are "take-apartable".
Andersen's parts aren't the absolute best quality, and they do tend to develop some slop over time, so it could be something wore bad enough to allow a pin to slip out of a lever or some such. But more likely something simply came loose or got bent.
On both side sashes there is a round thing with a large slot in it, it is flush with the wood sash. Do I use this to remove the sash?
There is no movement between the top and bottome latches. Its like they are completely disconnected. Oh, and this window has not been opened that much at all, prabally the least amout of any window in the house.
I'm not particularly familiar with the casement units -- maybe someone else has some experience.
But I'm guessing that the latch assembly is similar to this: http://parts.andersenwindows.com/detail_1361908__w_casement_lok.html