WindowWoes
05-06-2010, 03:30 PM
Hi --
Is it standard practice to leave a 1/4 inch gap between Harvey replacement windows and stained wood sidestops in an old house?
The gaps are quite visible, & so big that I can see pink insulation in the space inside.
This is a 95 year old house where 15 year old replacement sashes were removed with the installation of Harvey replacement windows. The replacement sashes fit tight against the sidestops, which are original to the house. Before that, the original windows fit tight against the sidestops, too.
Most of the new Harvey windows have gaps on only 1 of the 2 side stops per window.
The installer says "it's a old house and nothing is plumb"; and that he did it deliberately to make sure that the windows would open & close; and that he can do better if I let (i.e. pay) him to install new stops - but that he can't match their appearance/color to the old casing.
I've seen replacement windows in lots of old houses here in New England, but I never saw gaps like this. Would a skilled carpenter be able to fit the windows up against the sidestops?
Is it standard practice to leave a 1/4 inch gap between Harvey replacement windows and stained wood sidestops in an old house?
The gaps are quite visible, & so big that I can see pink insulation in the space inside.
This is a 95 year old house where 15 year old replacement sashes were removed with the installation of Harvey replacement windows. The replacement sashes fit tight against the sidestops, which are original to the house. Before that, the original windows fit tight against the sidestops, too.
Most of the new Harvey windows have gaps on only 1 of the 2 side stops per window.
The installer says "it's a old house and nothing is plumb"; and that he did it deliberately to make sure that the windows would open & close; and that he can do better if I let (i.e. pay) him to install new stops - but that he can't match their appearance/color to the old casing.
I've seen replacement windows in lots of old houses here in New England, but I never saw gaps like this. Would a skilled carpenter be able to fit the windows up against the sidestops?