Care and Maintenance Tips for Crank Casement Windows
3 min read
Homeowners who are planning to install replacement windows in Richmond VA should look to crank casement windows as an option. They’re some of the best looking and easiest windows to open and close because all you need to do is turn a crank and the window does the rest.
Gone are the days of lifting a heavy sash or sliding it from left to right, wondering if someone might be able to jimmy it open and sneak into your home. With crank casement windows all of those issues are a thing of the past, because these are typically smaller windows so it’s much tougher to climb through them and the windows themselves operate more like doors than your traditional window.
The crank keeps the window from being opened on the outside and since there are so many moving parts to consider, the sash can’t be pushed in nor maneuvered unless you are using the crank specifically. These are just some of the reasons why you might want to consider crank casement as an option for replacing your windows.
Another selling point is that these windows are very easy to clean. You just need to know the best tips for performing that care and maintenance:
Cleaning the Windows
Unlike with casement windows, which can be difficult to clean from inside due to the hinges that get in the way, crank casement windows have no such difficulty. That’s because the sashes open away from the frames, leaving you enough space to clean the window from the inside and out.
This makes it much safer to clean your windows because you can simply reach around the sash to do the work effectively and thoroughly.
Sash Not Flush with Frame
This can be a major problem with crank casement windows, the sash fails to seat flush against the frame. This issue could occur as a result of a couple common reasons, including a damaged operational arm or a frame that has begun to warp under the effects of high heat and humidity.
It’s always a good idea to inspect your windows every so often to be sure they’re working properly and when crank casement sashes don’t close tightly against the frame, your window loses that all-important energy efficiency. One of the most essential factors behind the selection of any replacement window you plan to install.
Lubricating Your Windows
Since there are so many moving parts that go into the construction and operation of crank casement windows, it is crucial that you apply an abundance of lubrication to the major components. These are the locking mechanism, the crank unit, and operating armature, when these aren’t operating smoothly you are prone to doing damage to the window.
You will know when you need to apply lubricants to the window when you notice that it is becoming very tough to even move the window with the crank. If it feels like the window doesn’t want to open no matter how much you try to crank, don’t force it, lube it first.
