How to fix the crank to open/close & make screens for them?
by
Tracey
+9
We moved into a house & the landlord doesn’t want to fix the cranks or get me screen. He said I can put a screw in the frame to be able to open & close the window & put in adjustable screens. My problem is I have 2 cats & 3 windows are on the 3rd floor & 1 is in my kitchen. I m NOT a fan of bugs either so I’d rather fix the cranks & build sturdy screens myself to ensure the bugs stay out & my cats stay in! Please help if you can!
Sadly, I had this same issue. The only way to fix them is to buy replacement parts, which was near impossible for me. Maybe it's time to change them out. I know how hard that can be especially in a rental. I would tell and not ask your landlord to replace the parts for you. By law he is required to have fully functioning cranks, especially in case of fire. =( Hope it all works out.
I would check with the local city department that handles the inspection of rental units to find out if screens are required. I lived in a place for fourteen years that used a management company and they didn't do anything unless the inspectors said it had to be fixed. We did many repairs ourselves, including replacing window cranks that were missing or broken, they aren't real expensive, but it was not possible to really close them all the way using a screw to open or close it. Check with the city to see what is required in the rental. Who knows, your landlord may never have had an inspection like you are supposed to, or he is renting illegally.
You can buy the parts to make screens of any at home depot. I believe their website may even have a video. Not hard. You can buy new cranks, but if window is not straight, that may not fix it.
I would send a certified letter to the land lord that you have the problems with the windows and you need them to be fixed by a certain date if the work is not done you will have to get them repaired and the cost will come out of the rent.
Do you want the window open? You could get a as seen on tv screens. I use a baby gate across the window. You can put it higher to get it above the crank. Hope you find a way to fix this mess.
Hello Elaine, Yes, I completely understand what you are saying. I worked with CPS as a worker myself. We do have stiff laws here in California. I know there are so many slumlords in every state. I have rented from them myself. Thankfully, I own 2 houses now. I get that some states don't have laws that protect renters, but this is a serious fire code. If Tracey wants to get them fixed, she could file a complaint. It may take longer, she may get the run around, but persistence pays off in the end. I would be more inclined to think that maybe the issue would be more about upsetting her landlord... In any case I hope it works out.
Heya Tracey,
I think I know what he means by inserting the screws. You can do that, but as I'm sure you know, you have to have a set of pliers in each sill. If that makes any kind of sense. I had to do that for a long time. Question... Are your screens on the inside of the sill? Mine are/were. I still haven't replaced all of mine yet. If the screw method works, just keep pliers by each window. You don't have to go out and spend a fortune on them either. My local dollar store sells some that "do the trick." Also read my response to Elaine. I'm not sure if you're wanting to do all of that, but it's just an option. Good luck in any case. Source: Owner of 5 awesome adopted cats, and 4 dogs. Former employee of "The State of California."
Best Regards, Ireland
As for your cats, I understand, I have 3. You could build a sunroom box for them . you leave the window open and the box is screened or has glass. this way they can sit and look out safely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhzW3SR6qCI
Home Depot sells screen kits. For starters. They might have those cranks too. Try WD40 on the cranks.