Possible warped UPVC Window frame - what shims?

JohnB47

This is just for a bit of info. in case I need it.


I'm looking for advice on what type of shim I may need and how to fit.


I have a large double glazed window in the kitchen, two fixed central panes and two openable ones - one to the left and one to the right. The openable windows hinge on the side that's fixed to the wall.


For a long time now I've been hearing outside noise and feeling a small draught through the left hand window (at the hinge side)and I can actually see a slit of light if I look at a particular angle.

The slit starts about 4 inches up, gradually gets wider around the midway up and stops around 8 inches down, so either the window or the frame is bowed. There are two screws fixing that side of the frame to the wall, but they are approx. 5 inches down and 5 inches up from the top and bottom - there isn't a screw fixing where the gap is widest - just a sort of lug and recess, which isn't snagging to my eye. (I might just remove that and observe for a few days).


The sealant on the outside needs redone anyway and I can see that there is about a quarter of an inch gap between the frame and the wall on that side - filled with sealant. So, I'm planning to get new sealant ready, dig the old stuff out and at that point see if I can put a shim or three in the gap to bend the frame back vertical. I've no idea what I'll find. The frame looks like it would be adjacent to the outside skin of brick but then there will be the cavity and an inner skin.


Can anyone advise me on how to fit shims, what type would be needed (I've seen flat types and wedge types)? There is a lot of plastic trim on the inside of the frame so I will only be able to fit shims from the outside.


Oh and it's not pressure from above causing bowing. This has existed for quite a few years and last year we had a lintel fitted - the bricks were falling down on the outside and a builder discovered that the lintel fitted was supporting only the inner skin of brick. He fitted a new lintel and wouldn't have caused this problem, - it existed before he did the work.


Any advice welcome.


Edit - you can't actually adjust the position of the window in the frame can you? Doesn't look like it to me.

docmatt

Is there any chance you can take a pic of the window square on from the outside with everything shut.

JohnB47

OK I'll do that tomorrow - presumably I can just use the little 'Insert Image' icon to do that?

Although I've spent ages looking at that window and the other on and I can't really see anything too different. But the gap is there.

I must spend some time doing actual measurements and comparisons.

Thanks.

Furts

There is a strong likelihood it is the fixing of the frame that is at fault. Careful plumbing and straight edge work is needed here. Have you put a good level on the frame to establish whether the problem is the frame or the sash?

JohnB47

Thanks Furts. Yes, need to find my 1 metre steel rule first - seems to have gone AWAL. Not sure if a level would help. Things can vertical/horizontal but not straight.

I assume by sash you mean the opeanable part, 'cos it's not a traditional sash window. (Is that the correct trem for the openable part?)

Anyway, to the point of my question, is there a knack to fitting shims to straighten a window frame against external brickwork - i.e. type of shim and how to do it/not do it? I did a search but found no helpful videos, which is curious.

Cheers.