Care and operation of double hung window
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Care and operation of double hung windows
Finishing
Follow the instructions in the painting section. When applying finish to the edges of the sash that contact the track, be sure not to apply it too thick. This could affect the operation and thermal performance. Do not paint the edges of the sash that slide against the vinyl tracks, or the tracks themselves.
Cleaning the Glass (Tilting Sash Feature)
Both bottom and top sashes can be tilted inwards for cleaning. To tilt, raise the bottom sash about six inches. With your right hand, grasp the top of the bottom sash and gently pull inward and with your left hand, compress the left sidetrack until the groove in the edge of the sash clears the ridge on the track. While maintaining the gentle inward pressure, compress the right sidetrack as described above. When both sides have cleared the ridge on the track, rotate the top of the sash downward. Be careful not to let the sash drop freely into the interior of the home. For convenience, use a chair or a stool to support the sash in the titled position while you wash the exterior glass surface. The top sash is tilted in the same manner, but the lower sash must be tilted before tilting the upper sash. Clean the exterior glass surface before the interior, start with the upper sash and then proceed to the lower sash.
Adjustments
If the sash is hard to slide or if it won't stay in position when you open or close the window, there is an adjustment built into the track system. Tilt the sash as described above. When the sash has been tilted 90 degrees, the white plastic slide that connects that connects the spring to the sash will be exposed. In the center of the slide there is an adjustment screw. Turn the screw clockwise to increase the fiction and counterclockwise to decrease the friction.
Opening and Closing the Window
Your vertical double hung window system is designed with integral lifting groves for easy operation of the moving sashes. These grooves have indentations at the bottom of the lower and top of the upper sashes. Use these to raise or lower both sashes. Avoid pushing or pulling on the other sides of the sashes. Use both hands to apply pressure at the ends, not in the center of the lift groves. This will maximize the ease of operation and ensure longevity of the operating mechanisms.
Screen Removal
Raise the bottom sash to expose the screen plungers. Pull the plungers to disengage the bottom of the screen.
Lower the top sash completely. Pull out the plungers to disengage the top of the screen. Pull the screen down slightly…and then push it outward.
Bring the screen into the room by tilting it through the window opening.
To replace the screen, reverse the above procedure.
Note: Screens are for insect protection only and are not meant to provide safety protection for children.Locking the Window
Be sure the operating sashes are in their fully closed position. Otherwise, the locking and latching mechanisms will not align properly and may cause difficulty in locking the window. Locate the locking mechanism on the top rail of the window. With your finger, move the latch horizontally until it points in the opposite direction. Never force the latch as this may cause damage to the window or the locking mechanism. If the locking mechanism does not move freely, your window may not be fully closed or there may be debris in the track obstructing the fully closed position. Also see thermal bow occurrences. Open both sashes, close them tightly and try again. To unlock the window, merely move the latch to its original position.
Lubrication and Cleaning
The operating sashes of your double hung window move vertically on two tracks. These tracks are exposed to outside elements and can collect dust, dirt and debris.
A semi-annual cleaning is recommended to prevent material from disturbing the proper operation of the window system. Normal lubrication is not required on the sash balance mechanism located inside the jamb on either side of the window. If necessary a light coat of spray silicone may be applied to the spiral balance show track to ensure easy operation.