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Why Do Doors And Windows Drop?

Whilst all windows and doors settle to a degree over time if installation is carried out correctly, and assuming no other external influence occurs such as building subsidence, then the amount should be minimal and not affect the overall performance.

The majority of problems relating to dropped windows and doors are caused by poor installation. This could be anything from doors or sashes skimming when closed to more them being permanently jammed shut.  

There are TWO GOLDEN RULES with any installation (regardless of the material used):

1) Level Frames

2) Correct Packing

RULE 1 - THE FRAME MUST BE SQUARE AND LEVEL

Of the three materials used in window construction – plastic, metal and wood – the former is the least forgiving and therefore it is vital to keep the frames square.

If the cill is sloping from one end to the other, forget trying to achieve a good result. Everything else will be out and later attempts to get sashes or doors to close properly will be a lot more difficult , if not almost impossible.

One area which can have a slight tolerance of error is in the level of the frame in and out.

Remember, the sides must be level in relation to the cill (when looking towards or away from the window) meaning all angles must be 90 degrees, to make a perfect rectangle. However, the top of the frame can be in or out slightly in relation to the bottom, side on; although this is on the proviso that both sides are out of square the same, so there is no twist.

RULE 2 – MUST USE CORRECT PACKING

If the frame is fitted as described, then doors and windows can only drop due to incorrect packing, which is a relatively simple process. This issue is not so important with wooden or metal doors, but primarily with plastic as there is nothing to keep the door square until the glass or panel have been installed.

Packing involves placing special thin plastic strips between the frame and the glass in 4 crucial locations, on the bottom corner of the hinge side and the top corner of the handle side. The packing should keep the glass as even as possible within the opening and therefore it will follow that the door or window sash will also be square and have equal clearance all around in the frame. It's that simple, but without it, you will experience problems sooner or later.

About the Author

Written by Samantha Swan for the Double Glazing Doctor.

http://www.doubleglazingspareparts.co.uk/ © Double Glazing Doctor

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