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How to weatherstrip Andersen Gliding Window

ScipioUSA | Posted in General Questions on

Hello All.

I have several older (Circa 1956) Andersen Primed Gliding Windows in my house. These windows were apparently also known as WindowWalls, and I guess were popular at the time. They consist of two sashes that sit in the frame aligned with each other, but when you twist the handle and pull, the movable sash follows a track inward, and slides over. Both sashes sit in a channel at the top and bottom of the window frame.

A better explanation may be in the pictures here: http://www.andersenwindows.com/-/media/aw/files/technical-docs/parts-catalog/partscatalog-windows-1940-1971–primedgliding.pdf

The issue is that these windows leak air badly, and I would like to tighten them up with some weatherstripping if possible. I just honestly dont know how to go about it with a window of this type. I know I would want to do something where the two sashes sit against each other, but the tops and bottoms leak a LOT of air also, and I dont know what would work best to seal that.

Any thoughts? Replacement of these windows is not in the budget right now.

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Scott,
    A couple of oberservations: First of all, if you know that some of these windows are never opened, you can considering using caulk to seal air leaks. (Of course, consider safety; some operable windows are used for emergency egress.)

    Second, are you familiar with all the various types of weatherstipping available online? Almost any product will work to reduce air leakage, although (of course) some products are more appropriate for specific applications, and some types last longer than others.

    Here are some useful links:

    http://www.amconservationgroup.com/weatherization/weatherstrip.html

    http://www.architecturalresourcecenter.com/non-metal-weather-strips/

    http://www.niagaraconservation.com/weatherization/products/weatherstripping

    An excellent source of weatherstripping products is McMaster Carr. Here are some pages from the online catalog:

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#bulb-seal-weatherstripping/=m2n8sb

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#felt-weatherstripping/=m2n8ux

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#neoprene-weatherstripping/=m2n8v5

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#nylon-brush-weatherstripping/=m2n8wc

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#polyurethane-weatherstripping/=m2n8xs

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#rubber-weatherstripping/=m2n8y0

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#silicone-weatherstripping/=m2n8yw

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-adhesive-backed-weatherstripping/=m2n908

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#vinyl-weatherstripping/=m2n8zd

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#window-weatherstripping/=m2n909

  2. ScipioUSA | | #2

    Thanks for the reply Martin.

    I am familiar with lots of the different weather stripping products (Lots of good info here too: http://www.conservationtechnology.com/building_weatherseals.html ), but I was hoping to find someone that may have dealt with this actual window, or a window like it.

    Really Im hoping someone has been down this road before and could tell me what products might work best for this particular application, or what they had a really hard time with previously. I may just have to take a window apart and see what might possibly work for me.

  3. laurieannp | | #3

    Hello, My home was built in 1950 and has its original Andersen Windowalls windows in a sunroom. Do you still have these windows in your home? if you do, please let me know. I would be interested in knowing the measurements of your windows as I am need of one in a room where I have 4 of these types of windows--that is if you haven't replaced them yet and are considering replacing yours in the future. The measurement of my windows glass to glass is 27 1/2 width by 65 height. Thank you very much.

  4. rossbacon | | #4

    Were either of you able to figure out how to clean out the inside of these windows between the 2 panels of glass?

    We have a lot of them at our house and can’t get them clean because of dirt inside.

    1. laurieannp | | #5

      I do not think my Andersen Windowalls have 2 panels of glass. are they as described in Scott's email:

      "two sashes that sit in the frame aligned with each other, but when you twist the handle and pull, the movable sash follows a track inward, and slides over. Both sashes sit in a channel at the top and bottom of the window frame."

      I can email you a picture of my windows if you'd like, just let me know. Also what are the measurements of yours and do you think you will ever replace them? I am in need to one
      that measures glass to glass is 27 1/2 width by 65 height.
      Thanks.

      1. MegH | | #7

        I have one that i think is the size you are looking for, i may eliminate it in a couple years. Are you still looking?

  5. MegH | | #6

    Hi all. I have these throughout my 1969 house i bought last year. I am starting the process to see if I can get storms made. I have screens for all but one window. Would love to be in touch with others who have these.
    Meg

  6. CharlesT | | #8

    MegH,
    I have 14 of these windows and only 5 have screens, and we bought just last year too. They are in great shape and I really love the details. I am cleaning them up, removing paint that was applied to the weather stripping and making sure the seal is better, then making screens for them - the 5 we have should be retired, but they provide a great example of what to do.

    I have a mix of sizes. Using https://www.andersenwindows.com/~/media/aw/files/technical-docs/parts-catalog/partscatalog-windows-1940-1971--primedgliding.pdf

    I have mostly 38038s, but also 3 48038s, a 48024, and a big 58064.

    I just started this process today so I am finding all this as I open things and search.

    For the screens and storms, I am basically going to follow these videos:

    Screens - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhK0QwzCn0Q
    Storms - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvRAZJmSKs0

    I plan to just make the storms to fit inside of the screen frames, like the screens fit inside of the window casing.

    Hope this helps, and yes, let's find a way to chat if you want. My email is in my profile, not sure if that is allowed but it is there for now.
    Charles

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