I recently bought a home that was advertised as move-in ready, but I've discovered that all the windows are falling out! It doesn't look like any screws are attached in the screw holes, which has me worried. Is it as simple as adding screws and recaulking, or do I need to remove the windows, shim them properly, and then screw them in? This issue is across the board, even with the larger 75-inch windows. Just for context, the house was built in 1965 but has newer windows that were likely installed in the last decade or so. Really appreciate any advice!
1 Answer
It sounds like you've run into a frustrating situation! If all the windows are missing screws, it could be a quick fix if the frames are still stable. Start by checking if the frames are plumb and square; if they are, adding screws to the existing holes and recaulking might be enough. However, if the windows feel loose or you notice any gaps, it's probably best to take them out, shim them to ensure they fit snugly, and then reinstall with screws. Just be careful with the older house; sometimes, additional issues might pop up once you start digging in!
Exactly! And don’t forget to check for any drafts once you've fixed them. It's crazy what a difference secured windows can make.
Good point! I’d recommend double-checking the caulking too; if water got in, you might have some hidden damage. Definitely a bit of a project!