Hey everyone! I live in an old house that's a mix between Craftsman and Cape Cod, and I've been having some trouble with the windows that were replaced before I bought the place. They're actually nice windows, but they don't fit quite right. There's a noticeable gap on the side—usually just one side, most often the left—where the moving part of the window doesn't align with the opening it slides into. The gaps are about 2 to 6 inches high and between 1/16 to a 1/4 inch wide at the bottom. I suspect the installer didn't account for the house settling over the past 85 years. I've put in some temporary fillers to manage this for now, but I want to know if there's a way to fix this issue without completely reinstalling the windows. Could I replace or modify the rail the window slides on? Or maybe I could just add wood to fill the gaps and then reattach the window? I've also thought about attaching some shoe moulding for a quick fix. Any advice would be super helpful!
2 Answers
It sounds like the previous installer used the old sash liners when they replaced the windows, which might be the cause of those gaps. Depending on how much production flexibility you have, you could try using some weather stripping or foam to fill the gaps temporarily. Two things to consider: if you're not keen on the look of molding or upfront costs, that could work. If you want a more permanent solution, look into replacing the whole sash or at least the liners. Those are specifically designed to fit snugly and create a seal. It might take some extra work, but it will definitely function better in the long run.
You might be onto something with that shoe molding idea! It’s a straightforward fix while you figure out a more permanent solution. Since the gaps are not super wide, it could act as a good filler and not draw too much attention. If it’s not too bad visually, sometimes less is more, especially if this house is giving you a run for your money. So, if you like the moulding look, hit the stores and see if there’s a style that complements your home!