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How to adjust log cabin windows
Our cabins are supplied with standard "simple" cabin windows as a default, but we also offer upgrade to "simple tilt & turn" and "ISO house qualty" windows (please scroll down for adjustment instructions for these).
Initial checks
If the casement does not fit squarely into the outer frame then you should check all parts of the frame with a level to make sure that everything is level and also check the diagonal measurements within the opening of the frame - the diagonals should measure the same as each other, if they are not then your window frame is out of true and not square. If out of square then it will be very difficult to get the doors to function in the correct manner. In order to "square up" your frame you should remove the 2 internal side frame trims / architraves (keeping the top and bottom trims in place so the window frame doesn't fall out of the wall) which will expose what should be a small gap between either side of the frame and the wall logs (or studwork if a framed building). By using a lever (crowbar, large screwdriver, chisel, etc) you can push / pull the top of the frame such that it is back to square again. Before re-fixing the side trims to the frame, fix some packers just down from the 2 top corners of the frame to stop it moving / leaning again in the future (these should not be wedged tightly in the gap in order to allow the wall logs to move freely). SIMPLE LOG CABIN WINDOW ADJUSTMENTS
The hinges on our standard "simple" log cabin windows are fully adjustable and come in 2 halves, the top half being screwed into the window casement and the bottom half screwed into the outer frame....
Hinge adjustments
Once you have carried out the checks (and adjustments if required) above and your window still isn't correct, then follow the steps below.....
The first thing to consider is how the window needs adjusting - towards or away from the hinges ' towards or away from the outer frame / skewed to fit squarely into the outer frame.
In order to adjust these hinges, the casement needs to be removed from the frame by simply opening the window to 90 degrees and lifting it up to free it - this will lift the top part of the hinge up from the bottom part of the hinge (which is screwed into the outer frame).
NB - be sure to have a good grip and steady footing as the casements can be quite heavy.
Having previously considered the action required, it is a simple case of screwing or unscrewing each part of the hinge to adjust accordingly. If you are not sure, then turn one and replace the casement back onto the frame to see what effect this has had. It will soon be obvious as to the course of action required.
Adjustment 1
The top half of the hinge which is screwed into the casement will push or pull the casement towards or away from the hinge - this can increase or decrease the gap or angle between the two halves of a double window, or the gap between a casement and the frame (if a single window).
It is also possible to "square up" a casement within a frame by screwing one hinge in and unscrewing the other hinge out in order to skew the casement relative to the frame (canting or cant angle).
Adjustment 2
The bottom half of the hinge which is screwed into the frame will push or pull the casement towards or away from the frame. This is most commonly used to adjust how tightly the draughtproof strip is clamped to the frame for weatherproofing (be sure not to over-tighten as this will make the window hard to close). SIMPLE TILT & TURN AND ISO HOUSE QUALITY WINDOW ADJUSTMENTSIt is highly unlikely that this type of window will need adjusting as they are made from glulam timber (which is very stable) plus both the casements and outer frames are made from glued comb jointed corners (very rigid making sure the everything remains square), However, in the eventuality that they do need some adjustment, here are 2 ways of adjusting these types of windows... Adjustment 1Height adjustment - lifting the casement up within the outer frame (should the casement snag on the frame at the bottom against the frame). Use a small screwdriver to pop the cap off the top of the bottom hinge (there may be a hinge cover that needs to be removed first by sliding it up and off in order to expose the actual hinge)-
Use an allen key to turn the adjuster hidden within the barrel of the hinge - clockwise will lift the casement relative to the outer frame, and anti-clockwise will lower the casement.
HINT - use a temporary wedge to hold the casement at the correct height and turn the allen key to take up the slack (this is much easier than trying to lift the weight of the heavy casement by turning the allen key which has very little leverage). Adjustment 2Each of the locking rollers is fixed to the casement with a cam bolt (the bolt has an off-centre head) - by turning this cam using an allen key, the roller can be adjusted up/down and in/out in order to shut tightly to eliminate any wobble against the outer frame, thereby making a draughtproof and weather-tight seal.
How to operate our simple tilt & turn windows
How to operate our ISO house quality tilt & turn windows
Stabilising Log cabin windows
As explained in our installation guide, window and door frames should not be fixed to the wall logs in a log cabin because the logs need to be allowed to move up and down freely throughout the year, otherwise you will get gaps forming between the wall logs as they will be held up in mid air by the screw rather than sitting down onto the log underneath.
This can then allow the window or door frame to wobble side to side at the top corners, thereby pushing the frame out of square and stopping them working properly.
This video shows a very quick and easy way to stop the wobble but still allow the wall logs to rise and fall -
Replacing broken glassIf you do need to replace the glass, you don't need a new window but purely to replace the actual glass unit (this is very easy to do)-
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