If you want to replace the windows in your home and desire a more sophisticated or modern look to your residence, then you may want to think about having awning windows added to your house through a place like Four Seasons. These windows are hinged at the top and push outward from the bottom. Awning windows do have special mechanisms that are a bit different than other types of windows, and these mechanisms do need to be maintained properly. To learn about some good maintenance tips, keep reading.

Lubricate The Hinges

Regular double hung windows require you to move the window up and down a track. Awning, casement, and french windows open and close with the assistance of hinges. These hinges contain parts like sash brackets, roller tracks, a roto gear, gear arms, and the sash hinges. All of these parts must be in good working order to open and close the window and they also must be properly lubricated to move smoothly. Proper lubrication involves spreading lithium grease and spraying a silicone-based spray on parts of the hinge. You can purchase these products at your local home store. 

Before you can use your lubrication, clean the entire hinge and track area. Use a soft bristled brush, like one made with nylon or polyester bristles. Spread a bit of dish soap on the metal parts and remove debris with the brush. Rinse the tracks and hinges when you are done and dry them with a clean towel. Afterwards, use your silicone spray and spray the sash roller tracks and the sash brackets. The roller tracks sit up against the window frame and the brackets are the metal pieces that attach to the tracks. 

The roto gear is the part of the awning window frame that requires lithium grease. This part is the metal piece that juts out at a right angle when the window is opened. The gear is connected directly to the crank. Use a cotton swab or a cotton ball to add the grease  gently around the gear part. Open and close the window several times to spread the grease inside the gear.

Adjust The Crank

The hinges on an awning window retain a good deal of stress. The hinges must be forced open and the crank is what moves the hinges. The crank contains a variety of parts and pieces that must be maintained to make sure the window can open smoothly. The pieces can sometimes loosen and make it difficult for you to open the window. Making regular adjustments to the crank and inspecting the mechanisms can reduce window opening problems.

Start by removing the crank handle. Some handles pull off easily while others need to be pried loose. If your handle does not come off right away, then place the end of a flathead screwdriver between the crank and where it attaches to the window. Gently rock the screwdriver back and forth until the handle loosens. 

The crank handle will attach to the crank mechanism with the help of the crank stud. The stud will have a variety of metal spines. Check these spines for wear and tear and also look for the accumulation of debris. If you see dirt, then place a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a  cotton swab and wipe the part clean. You may see a small spring on one side of the stud as well. This spring is called the retaining spring and it should be inspected for debris as well and cleaned if there is a need.

Once you are done cleaning and inspecting the crank mechanisms, use your fingers and gently wiggle the stud. If it is loose, then it will need to be tightened a bit before you replace the crank handle. You will need a device called a window crank tool for this and you can purchase this tool at your local home store.