Vinyl Replacement Windows Care
Vinyl Double Hung Replacement Windows are designed and manufactured to be thermally efficient, virtually maintenance free and easy to operate. With a minimum effort in maintenance and care, most vinyl replacement windows are engineered to last as long as you own your home.
Cleaning
Periodic cleaning of your new vinyl replacement windows is recommended to ensure proper operation. Dirt can limit the natural lubricating ability of vinyl and cause difficulty in operation. Long term accumulation of dirt, dust and debris can also limit the useful life of your windows. The vinyl surfaces of your replacement windows can be cleaned with a mild soap/detergent and water solution. Do not use strong/harsh detergents as they are detrimental to the vinyl's finish. By taking a vacuum hose or hand vac, you can pick up insects, pieces of debris and dirt from the corners and crevices prior to wiping down or cleaning with a solution. Occasional cleaning will ensure many years of beauty and easy operation.
Your vinyl replacement windows are likely to feature tilt-in sashes designed for mantenance and cleaning. To operate these, you must first raise or lower the top or bottom sash away from its closed position to about 1/3 lower or higher in relation to the entire window opening. The individual sashes should contain tilt latches on each end of the top rail of the sash. There will be finger slots or buttons which will slide towards the middle of the window to release the top of the sash from the frame. Upon releasing the tilt latches, swing the top of the sash in the direction of the room. You may feel resistance or hear the brushing of the weather stripping as you do this, which is normal. Support the sash as it tips into the room while you clean the outside surfaces. Do not allow the sash to hang on its own while applying any pressure to wipe and clean it. Many window models will be prone to damage if you let go of the tipped sash. Many single-hung models only permit tilting of the lower sash, and require other methods to access and clean the upper sash.
When finished cleaning the outside surfaces of the window, raise the tilted sash back towards its original position slowly. If there is resistance, creaking or other noises while you attempt this you likely have the sash out of alignment. Ensure that you have the sash in proper alignment before raising and returning the sash to its original operating position. Simply hold the tilted sash with both hands, holding the sash on the sides (stile) rather than on its top surface. Swing the sash to a position where it should be parallel with the floor or ceiling and note whether both sides are level with each other. If they are not level with each other, the sash will not return to its position in the window properly or at all. Gently lift or push down on one stile or side until both sides are level with each other. The sash will now return to its operating position when lifted into place. You may wish to depress your tilt latches while returning the sash to its original position to reduce wear on the latches and weather seal.
Removal of a sash
To remove the lower sash for glass replacement or window maintenance, unlock the sash lock and raise the sash approximately 1/3 of the window height. Tilt the sash inward. Grasp each sash stile or side on the left and right edges. Gently push downward on one stile while lifting on the opposite stile. This should free one of the pivot bars from the balance shoe and permit the other to be easily removed by lifting the entire sash outward.
To re-install the sash you may repeat the procedure in reverse. Place the pivot bar into the lower positioned balance shoe (the pivot bar extends to the side of the bottom of the sash and fits into a slot in the frame or balance shoe). Next, lower the opposite pivot bar into its balance shoe and slowly raise the lower end of the sash into level alignment with the opposite end.
Take care not to twist or apply too much force to the sash when removing or re-inserting it because you will risk breaking the glass.
