Window won't close properly (vinyl, windows, master bedroom, warm)
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we have a window that slides up and down in our master bedroom that will not latch closed. I thought it was closed and locked last time I shut it probably a month ago but obviously I just pushed it down but couldn't latch it shut. I didn't think about it until last night when I woke up freezing as it got down to 10 degrees here. Cold air is seeping in from the bottom where the seal isn't engaged because I can't get the thing locked. Hubby tried it and the bottom part of the Window would not lock with the top and it started bowing out so I told him to stop.
Is there a way to fix this or is the window shot? They are double pane, vinyl Windows that are I'm sure builder grade.
Temporarily I would put some weather stripping in the open area, if it's a crack, and then cover the whole window with plastic sheeting from the inside and out too if you can. The fact that the top is bowing out seems like it has a defect and may need to be replaced. Call a handyman if you think it can be repaired or closed for the winter or fixed. It it's just the latch that's broken it shouldn't be a hard fix. Otherwise I would cut a stick or piece of wood to size and prop it from the window top to the top of the window enclosure, forcing the window to stay down.
Sounds like the upper sash is not seated correctly. Open the lower sash fully. Then give a good push up on the upper sash. Now see if the lower sash will engage the lock.
Pictures would help. Settling can cause problems like you describe. LIcenter's response sound like physically rebooting your Windows. That often can help, especially if you use a good boot and kick hard enough.
your frame is bowing inwards. Look and see if there are screws in the inside of the frame. If there are they are retrofit windows. Have your hubby hit the screws with a impact with a Phillips head.
If not
Measure the window frame to see where it's bowing inwards.
You might be able to whack it with a rubber mallet to get the frame to bow back out. The windows are most likely builder grade and are warping due to the cold.
You can buy a cheap hydraulic ram with foot pads and slightly spread the frame to get it back straight. And when I say slightly I mean slightly. I see door guys straightening metal door frames in commercial buildings that way.
You could also have a bad spring or the mechanism could be bad. Awindiw guy should be able to replace the mechanism and get the window fixed.
Are these single hung or double hung?
Make sure the upper is fully seated if double hung. I would still get a window guy out.
your frame is bowing inwards. Look and see if there are screws in the inside of the frame. If there are they are retrofit windows. Have your hubby hit the screws with a impact with a Phillips head.
If not
Measure the window frame to see where it's bowing inwards.
You might be able to whack it with a rubber mallet to get the frame to bow back out. The windows are most likely builder grade and are warping due to the cold.
You can buy a cheap hydraulic ram with foot pads and slightly spread the frame to get it back straight. And when I say slightly I mean slightly. I see door guys straightening metal door frames in commercial buildings that way.
You could also have a bad spring or the mechanism could be bad. Awindiw guy should be able to replace the mechanism and get the window fixed.
Are these single hung or double hung?
Make sure the upper is fully seated if double hung. I would still get a window guy out.
I'm not sure how the frame could be "bowing in" due to the cold. Vinyl contracts when it gets. Old and expands when it gets warm. Contracting vinyl will be shorter and will not be bowing in.
I'm not sure how the frame could be "bowing in" due to the cold. Vinyl contracts when it gets. Old and expands when it gets warm. Contracting vinyl will be shorter and will not be bowing in.
Could be a mix of cold, old windows and a few other things. Bowing used to be called brick binding. I'm not sure of the terms used now. I worked in tract housing, I've seen windows bow out and twist when they get full sun exposure.
Assuming the window is a double hung the windows have a groove one facing in one facing out that both windows overlap to make a complete seal when closed. If that set of overlapping grooves are not meeting and interlocking it prevents the window from closing
OP may just need to push the top the window where the latch is to get everything lined up
Could be a broken spring
Could be the lock and keeper aren't aligned right.
Could be that OP need to push the upper window all the way to lock it in place.
Maybe the vent clips broke and are preventing the window from closing.
Thanks all, my husband pushed the top one up hard and was able to push the lower one down and latch it and the seal is now working. These are double pane but crappy Windows. We aren't opening them again until we are ready to replace them. I really appreciate all of the help. Much warmer here tonight.
Location: Finally the house is done and we are in Port St. Lucie!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DoodlemomCoS
Thanks all, my husband pushed the top one up hard and was able to push the lower one down and latch it and the seal is now working. These are double pane but crappy Windows. We aren't opening them again until we are ready to replace them. I really appreciate all of the help. Much warmer here tonight.
Yay!! Glad you got if shut!
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That often can help, especially if you use a good boot and kick hard enough. 
