Window Problem

[RJH]

Following a 'cleaning incident' the open/closing mechanism of a UPVC window has bent out of shape:

I've tried levering with a flat blade, and straightening with big mole grips, but I can't straighten it. Either the frame twists, putting stress on the existing and opposite hinge, or I can't get enough purchase.

I think I need to take the unit out by undoing the 4 screws that hold the mechanism to the frame, and trying to straighten it in a vice, or source a new one.

Is that achievable, especially as I'm likely to be on my own? Any hints/tips?

[Bob Minchin]

Get a replacement hinge pair. Even when straightened it will be weak and highly likely to fail again. If it is ground floor you and one other might be able to swap it but I'd go for professional help or a scaff tower if it is upstairs.

[RJH]

Thanks for that, noted. It's likely to be me. Partner will be to hand but neither of us are massively strong. I'm quite happy chucking about

25kg bags of cement but not much more; she has a back problem so less able. It's very high up - 4th floor, effectively.

[Andy Burns]

Sack the cleaner.

Have a look see if you can see maker's name on it, might be easier with it removed so you can measure it better, with out out you can probably straighten the hinge well enough to to allow temporary refitting until a replacement is ordered/delivered.

you might want to get some of the uPVC repair screws from similar places, if you're reusing the existing holes, the old screws might not bite very well after being removed and replaced a couple of times.

e.g.

I would think you could do the whole replacement from inside, the hinges are just screwed into the outer frame, one person holding it, the other unscrewing. Can't really gauge the full with of the opener from your photos, but it should be well under your sack of cement limit.

[tony sayer]

In article , RJH scribeth thus

Don' screwfix or Toolstation do that sort of thing now?.

[Jeremy Nicoll - news posts]

Is "the unit" the whole moving part of the window? It strikes me that that may be quite tricky. You don't want to be stuck at the window opening trying to hold the whole thing in one hand while - say - you take the last screw out. And taking the screws out probably needs two hands anyway, if you don't want to risk dropping a screw out to the ground below.

Do you have any neighbours who could help?

[Groove]

RJH wrote in news: [e-mail]:

Judging by the condensation inside the unit the glass panel probably needs replacing as well. It may be worth taking that out first so the frame is much lighter and easy to handle.

[Mr Fuxit]

I agree on removing the glass to make the frame lighter, but it seems to be

internally beaded, so the gaskets, which are on the outside, will be difficult

to remove, and more difficult to refit.

[RJH]

Many thanks everyone, appreciated.

On the hinges, I'll take them off and try to replace the pair. I can't see any maker's markings anywhere, so off to some DG places.

I'll see if I can get some help. I'm sure I could lift/hold the unit, but it's all at an awkward angle and height. Could also rope the unit, just in case the worst happens.

[RJH]

Well spotted. It would make it so much easier if the glass came out (and it needs replacing anyway, as David says), but if it's a faff/specialist I'd better draw the line somewhere.

[John Rumm]

I would be tempted if working alone, to make up a wooden F shaped bracket - where the prongs of the F can sit over the lower non moving sash, and the tail can take the weight of the opening sash. Then you can unscrew the hinge while the bracket keeps the free end supported.

(check the replacement hinges carefully - I found a problem with some of ours is that the originals have a slight kink in the hinged ends so that the overall thickness of the hinges is reduced by a few mm. Hence many of the replacements don't actually fit in and allow the window to close!)