Garage door windows pulling out?

[SLMC]

My house is 5 years old. The night before we closed there was a huge hail storm which broke a lot of windows including those in the garage door. Builder replaced the windows, but several years later they appear to be pulling away from the metal door. I'm assuming they weren't installed correctly (and no one else's windows are doing this). The frame looks to have tabs around the exterior which were maybe never properly connected.

At this point my question is - should I be able to push them back together (might need a second person on the other side of the door) or is the plastic frame likely so warped that forcing it might break it or the glass.

 

[rogsmart]

Post up some pics and you'll get plenty of replies. (Oh, and welcome to GJ).

 

[kbs2244]

Don't be afraid to use a hiar dryer on high, or a heat gun on low, to get a little flex in the plastic.
Then a cut to window size pice of plywood, with a handle of some kind, on each side of the glass should let you work it into place.

 

[upndown]

A picture would definately help! If it is the clip together type frame, you'll never get those to lock in without breaking the glass, even with help.. I've always had to pull the top section, and lay it down flat. I made a plywood frame to fit over the outside door frame because it is recessed in the raised panel, then tap it tight from the inside! Hope that make sense A heat gun is not going to help in this case!! Good luck

 

[SLMC]

Pictures! My best guess is that when these windows were replaced, the plastic frame parts weren't fully connected. I'm also in Texas and these windows get the full afternoon sun... 100+ degrees. The plastic may be more brittle than normal.

 

[jstroede]

Looks like warped plastic frames to me.

John

 

[SLMC]

Would it be best to just replace the plastic frames? I don't want to break the glass trying to make these work. Follow up question - where might one buy just the plastic frames for garage door windows?

 

[upndown]

Hey SLMC, check and see if there's a MFG. label on the door. If not contact the builder he should know where he bought them. See if they offer a screw together frame instead of snap together! Wayyy easier to replace..

 

[Modifieddriver]

As George Costanzia said on Seinfeld, SHRINKAGE

 

[SLMC]

"I don't know how you guys walk around with those things."

 

[Nostraquedeo]

Are those painted panels? You might also be able to just replace that panel with a new one and paint to match.

 

[SLMC]

The panels are painted, but I assumed it would be more expensive to replace the whole section. Cost is a factor...

 

[ScottinSSMd]

Most manufacturers say not to paint these plastic frames because they hold the heat in then warp like these are.

 

[SLMC]

DOH! I'll look again, but it seems like every door on my street has painted frames. Mine are the only ones warping, but I get the most afternoon sun. I really wish I could locate a manufacturer's label. Is there a typical spot for that info?

I'm not sure if the builder even has that info anymore - but it could prove a nice customer service challenge.

 

[jstroede]

Painting generally isn't a big deal as long as it isn't too dark.

Often times there will be labels on one end of the section. You won't be able to see it directly from the inside. You will have to look around the track on the end. Can you show any more pictures of the inside of the door? I might be able to ID it with better pictures. There have been several companies closed and/or absorbed by others in the last 5 years, so it is possible that the manufacturer is no longer in business.

John

 

[SLMC]

[/IMG]

So I'm guessing this is an "Overhead Door" brand door? Looks to have a 15 year warranty, if that includes windows. What exactly does "Door needs sash" mean?

 

[AndyL]

Not sure, they tag that on every glass section... Nobody's ever been able to explain it to me

Call them and ask, 800 number should be on the sticker

 

[jstroede]

I would guess by needs sash that it means that the holes have been cut and it needs the frames installed. That's my educated guess.

http://www.overheaddoor.com/Discontinued/Pages/banner-311.aspx

That model was not painted. It was a factory color. However, that model has been discontinued. Also, it has a 10 year warranty, but that isn't going to help you much because that is only on rust through.

10-Year Limited Warranty
A 10-year limited warranty protects against section rust-through. A one-year limited warranty ensures your garage door lives up to our high quality standards for materials, workmanship, and installation.

A company called National Door Industries in Texas most likely made those frames, however there may be two problems. First of all, I don't believe you can call them and just place an order. I do not believe that they deal with the general public, and generally deal in box quantities (like 50 frames) only. The second thing is that with the door being discontinued, they may no longer make that window frame.

John