Several wood casement windows in my house won’t close fully because the window has become out of square. Is there any way to fix this without completely removing and reinstalling the window or by installing a new one?
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Rick, you might be able to get a small bit of play by loosening and moving the mounting hardware. Concentrate on the stiff portions of the hardware (bottom and top pivot). The crank and slides won't do much. On occasion you can get a bit more out of the top or bottom slids on the mounts to the sash.
If that doesn't move it enough, pull the inside casing and reshim to move it over. If it's real bad, you'll need to re-set.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
First off, make sure that's the real problem. Often there is weatherstripping on the bottom of the moving sash that has come loose and is blocking the window from closing.
Otherwise, I'd guess you remove inside trim, remove any shims, and attempt to somehow square the frame. It may also be necessary to remove the outside trim or somehow break it free from the frame.
To square the window you could use wedges on one side and deck screws the other to "persuade" the frame a bit. But if it's cocked with one side higher than the other you've probably got fairly serious foundation problems.
happy?
There are a lot of things to consider, mainly about the distance things are out, and the quality, age, and life expectancy of the windows and building. This might require major foundation work, or you might just plane a little wood off the sash.
If you go with little fixes for big problems, they'll have to be un-done if later the big problems are fixed correctly. If it's just a little problem, little fixes are all you need. Someone who knows has to look at this in person to tell for sure.
-- J.S.