Can You Install Windows in Out-of-Plumb Walls?
If you plan to replace multiple windows in your home yourself, but the walls in your home look crooked (out-of-plumb), you may choose to keep your current windows in place instead. You can still replace your windows in out-of-plumb walls with the right help. Learn more about out-of-plumb walls and how you can still install new windows in them below.
How Do Walls Move Out-of-Plumb?
Every wall in your home should be plumb, or vertically straight. The surfaces of your walls should be completely straight from top to bottom. However, some walls can move out-of-plumb over time. Unplumbed walls can also move your window frames out of place as well.
You can do a few things to see if your walls are properly plumbed. You can use a plumb bob to check the position of your walls. You can find instructions on how to use a plumb bob online.
If a plumb bob reveals that your walls are out of plumb, contact a professional roofer to have them diagnose and fix the problem.
Can You Still Install Your Windows?
The first thing a roofer may do is inspect the window frames in your walls. If the frames are still in good condition but appear crooked or out-of-plumb with the wall, a roofer can straighten the frames with shims.
Roofers use shims to make unplumbed spaces and openings straight again. They can place shims along the sides of your window frames to make them level and straight again. The shims help level things in unlevel spaces. A roofer will secure the shims in place with nails or other types of hardware.
If shims don't correct the problems in your walls or window frames, the roofer may suggest that you replace the frames altogether. The old window frames may be too out-of-plumb to support your replacement windows. The frames could allow water to enter the spaces surrounding the windows when it rains. If the wood surrounding your replacement windows rot, the windows can slip out of place in the wall.
After the roofer replaces the window frames in your walls, they'll install your new windows. Be sure to monitor the walls and frames around your windows regularly. If the walls move out-of-plumb too much, you'll need to correct them again in the future.
Learn how you can still have home window replacement with out-of-plumb walls by contacting a roofer in your area today.