Twenty minutes every few months keeps an aluminum casement opening smoothly and sealing tight for years: clean the frame, clear the drainage, lubricate the hinges and lock, and check the weatherstrip. Because casements have moving hardware, they need a little more attention than fixed windows.
Maintenance schedule
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Clean glass | Monthly, or as needed |
| Wipe down frames and sash | Every 3 months |
| Clear sill and drainage (weep) holes | Every 3 months, and before the rainy season |
| Lubricate hinges, crank or handle, and lock points | Every 6 months |
| Inspect weatherstrip and seals | Every 6 months |
| Check screws and hinge alignment | Once a year |
| Inspect exterior sealant around the frame | Once a year |
Cleaning the aluminum frame
- Brush or vacuum loose dust and dirt from the frame, sill and tracks.
- Wash with warm water and a mild dish soap using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
- In coastal areas, rinse frames monthly to remove salt.
Avoid: abrasive pads, steel wool, scouring powders, solvents, ammonia-based or acidic cleaners, and pressure washers. These can scratch the powder coat and damage seals.
Cleaning the glass
- Use a non-abrasive glass cleaner or a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth or squeegee.
- Never use razor blades or scrapers on coated (Low-E) or tinted glass.
- An open casement lets you reach the outside glass from indoors — do not lean out or put weight on the open sash.
Hinges, handles and locks
- Open the sash or door fully and wipe dust from the hinges and arms.
- Apply a silicone-based or dry PTFE spray lubricant to hinge pivots, crank gears or handle mechanism, and lock points.
- Open and close several times to work it in, then wipe off the excess.
- Do not use oil or grease — it attracts dirt and grit.
- If a handle or crank feels loose, tighten its screws gently. Do not overtighten.
Weatherstrip and seals
- Wipe the rubber seals with a damp cloth.
- Look for cracks, flattening or gaps. Drafts or whistling usually mean a seal needs replacing.
- A light coat of silicone spray on the seals keeps them flexible in hot, dry weather.
Drainage
The sill has small weep holes that let rainwater escape. Clear them with a soft brush, pipe cleaner or low-pressure water. Blocked weep holes are the most common cause of water inside the frame.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sash drags or sticks | Dirt on hinges, or hinges out of alignment | Clean and lubricate; if it persists, call us to adjust |
| Lock is hard to engage | Sash not closing evenly | Lubricate lock points; check hinge screws are tight |
| Draft or whistling | Worn or displaced weatherstrip | Reseat or replace the seal |
| Water on the inside sill | Blocked weep holes or failed exterior sealant | Clear the weep holes; reseal the outside |
| Fog between the glass panes | Failed insulated glass seal | Contact us — this may be covered by warranty |
