nightdesigns
Gone missing, back soon
Premium
join:2002-05-31
AZ
 ·Cox HSI
| Question on Double Pane Windows
In our new house all the windows are double paned. I noticed that on the windows that slide horizontally, in the lower corners on the out side, there are little cut-outs, each about 1" wide and 2/8" wide. They are in each of the lower corners and they are open to the outside. They look like vents or drains. The issue is that they are open and bugs come in through them. What are they, what do they do, and can i cover them?
I'm not at home right now, but I can get a picture later if you need one.
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Greg_Z
Premium
join:2001-08-08
Springfield, IL | Sounds to me that the windows where not manufactured correctly. There should never be any air gaps to the outside. |
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rockotman
...Blown On The Steel Breeze
Emerging Research
join:2000-08-06
DSotM
clubs:
 ·Verizon FIOS
| reply to nightdesigns
A picture would help...
Some Andersen gliding windows have "wedges" that go in the windows to keep them tight when shut - but they are usually on the inside. They are replaceable, and you can buy them on the internet for a couple of dollars.
Other windows (typically double-hung) have little pullouts, that when extended, will prevent the window from openning more than a few inches... their great for when you want to leave a window slightly open, but leave the house - they prevent the window from opening any further. I have them on all my windows; these are also on the inside.
But in either of the above cases, I don't think that a missing wedge or block would leave an opening all the way to the outside.
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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX | reply to nightdesigns
Sliding windows typically have drains which drain water out of the track. Could this be what you are seeing? |
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nightdesigns
Gone missing, back soon
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join:2002-05-31
AZ
·Cox HSI
| reply to nightdesigns
 |  | 
Other side of window (exterior) |
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Ken
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join:2003-06-16
Brownsburg, IN
| reply to nightdesigns
Likes to me like someone installed a window that was to small for the opening, and then made some half ass attempt to fill under the window with aluminum. They should have made the window opening smaller by adding a 2x4 and then wrapping that with aluminum. I assume they cut the weep hole because somewhere it was leaking water inside.
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Business website: MerrittConstruction.com Personal website: KenMerritt.com |
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nightdesigns
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join:2002-05-31
AZ
·Cox HSI
| said by Ken  :I assume they cut the weep hole because somewhere it was leaking water inside. All my windows are like that as well as my neighbors. I think it's in the design of the window. It is strange, that's for sure.
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Ken
Premium,MVM
join:2003-06-16
Brownsburg, IN
| I don't think that bottom part is part of the window, it looks like something that was made in the field and added on. |
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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX | reply to nightdesigns
My guess is that those windows are designed for an interior storm window of some type. Can you find a brand name on them, perhaps on an edge? |
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Jan Janowski
join:2000-06-18
Skokie, IL
 ·AT&T Midwest
1 edit | reply to nightdesigns
Could it be that very bottom piece in the picture above my post is supposed to go around a (I think this is the right word) sash or splash that sticks outward under the window, and it was never installed?
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fcisler
Premium
join:2004-06-14
Riverhead, NY
2 edits | reply to nightdesigns
If i'm not mistaken, they are there for a reason. They should have a flap of plastic, which acts as a vent/drain of some type. I need to look up exactly what they are, but I've seen them many times - with and without the plastic piece (you can see part of it evident in one)
EDIT:
Found the covers (i believe these are purely aesthetic and not functional):
»www.glazpart.com/glazing/drainholecovers.htm
ANOTHER EDIT:
They are called "weep holes"...
see: »www.milgard.com/getting-started/···ance.asp
Bottom right...they DO have a purpose...although yours look like they are not installed correctly, or i'm thinking of something different.
Either way...the position they are in does not look to be beneficial to anything. I'd seal them. If you start having problems with water, i'd worry about it then. |
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HRM
God Bless America
Premium,MVM
join:2002-02-03
Darien, CT
clubs: 
| reply to nightdesigns
It is wierd, to be sure.
There won't be any harm in plugging them as long as no water builds up inside. I have seen weep holes in older systems to let the water out that gets in through the screens. Are you in an area that is very temperate so the windows would be open most of the time?
At the very least you can stuff screening into them so you keep out the bugs. |
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