Why You Should Not Overextend Casement Window Parts
Posted in Window Parts, on October 16, 2023
There are many different styles of windows found in buildings in the United States that differ based on their location and how they operate. One of the most common widows used in residential properties, especially houses, are casement windows. Casement window parts are designed to swing open, either left or right when cranked open. When you install high-quality Amesbury Truth hardware, casement windows function well and last longer than many alternatives, but like with all window parts, it’s important that you take care when operating your window. One mistake sometimes made unknowingly is overextending the window opening. Trying to open your window further than its limits can lead to damage or safety hazards. If you have damaged window parts as a result, shop replacement hardware at The Window Hardware Company, a leading Amesbury Truth window part supplier serving the United States and Canada.
To explore why you should not overextend your casement window parts, read on.
How to Know If Your Window Is At Its Limit?
As you turn your window crank, the sash moves along the operator with the help of its hinges to swing in its designated direction. At the beginning, opening the window should be fairly easy with lots of room to move either open or close, but as you near the edge of its limits you’ll notice that your window is no longer moving. You may try to keep turning the casement window crank to get your window open further, but it will typically not move any further. At this point, your window crank will get stiff and you will not see any more available space along the window operator arm for the sash to move.
What Happens When You Push Your Window?
To try to move your window open beyond its capacity, you’ll have to keep turning the casement window crank. When there is nowhere left to go, this action can cause serious damage to your window parts starting with your casement window crank. If you continue to turn you may accidentally force the screw to move damaging or cracking the internal mechanisms of the handle, at which point you’ll need a replacement window crank to restore operation to your casement window. If your casement window crank is damaged or comes loose, you will not be able to use it to close your window without manual pulling it in, at which point a perfect seal will be more of a challenge, resulting in air leaks and drafts.
Other casement window parts that can be affected by overextension are the window hinges. The hinges allow the sash to move open or close but if they are overextended they can get loose which makes it difficult to control how your window opens.
The most damaging effect of an overextended casement window is the operator. As an arm that moves the sash, the mechanism is connected to many other parts. If pushed or not used properly, the operator can separate and no longer move when cranked. This can leave casement window sashes detached and at the mercy of the wind.
Replacement Casement Window Parts
If damage has interrupted the functionality of your casement window, don’t wait. Shop high-quality and durable replacement window hardware online at The Window Hardware Company. We stock thousands of Amesbury Truth window hardware that are engineered for longevity and resilience.