Hi all – You have helped before, so I’m hoping someone out there has an answer to my latest question. I have a house with 18 year old wood, tri panel, casement windows. The manufacturer is Marvin. The two outer panels crank open. The center panel does not open. There are two problems with the center panel. First, the weatherstrip that is supposed to surround the center window unit, appears to have completely deteriorated. So there is an open gap all the way around the panel (which measures about 18 inches by 5 feet). Second, the sill beneath the center panel is rotting. Since a new window is very expensive, I’d like to remove the center panel, repair the rot, and replace the weathstrip. However, I have no idea how the window is attached to the overall frame. It does not appear to be screwed to the frame. I can’t even detect any sign of nails. Could it actually be glued? Could it be possible that you just can’t remove that center panel? I guess I need someone who is very familiar with Marvin windows. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks Much!
Replies
I would contact a Marvin dealer and find the tech person who services their windows in your area. Your window is out of warranty but they can still repair it for you. An alternative, like you say, would be to find a carpenter who has done a lot of work on them. I've had work done by Marvin field people before, and it worked out well.
Often, fixed pannel windows are fitted to a frame typically used for operable windows, but lacking the hinges and other hardware. This would explain the weatherstripping used between the window and frame, whereas a frame purposefully built as a fixed window wouldn't have such a thing for the vary reason you are repairing it.
Instead of weatherstrip I'd fill the gap with thin backer rod and a bead of silicone. Unless the lower sill is competely trashed, I'd scrape it well, pull out any loose material, hit it with some wood hardener, then bondo to fill any low spots, prime and paint.
That particular window should be looked at closely for the next year or two and any surface defects that show through the paint should be addressed if seen, but that type of repair holds up well if done properly.
It would cost more for me to take a window apart, fix the problems, and reinstall than it would to simply buy a new unit. Normally, I recommend they either have another carpenter hack the job or get the new window.
Good luck
On the interior, remove the stop around the fixed sash and there are clips that hold the sash to the jamb. Remove the screws and the panel should release.
The weather stripping you can get from your marvin distributor, but you'll need to have the year of manufacture. They changed out several strippings and only close attention will assure you of the right stuff the first time.
Your windows are of the vintage that marvin had trouble with their wood windows, usually not clad. The preservative in their wood supplied to them was bogus and they often showed signs of rot in just a few years. They had a replacement program with labor, but that was short lived. Then they gave a 25% off replacement material/no labor. Now? might not get diddley.
Best of luck.
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