Undoubtedly, the windows in your home must be up to the mark to bring contemporary aesthetic appeal and comfort. They should be efficient enough to keep the room comfortable and energy-efficient while enhancing the sense of perceived space. Moreover, windows should usher in lots of natural light, plentiful fresh air, and be easily operable at the same time.
Sliding windows are amid the most popular modern window styles being used in residential and commercial spaces alike. Sliders not only increase the style quotient but also enhance the functionality of your spaces.
How Does a Sliding Window Work?
A sliding window consists of one fixed pane along with a sliding sash that glides back and forth. They move along a horizontal track fitted inside the window frame itself to open and close. You push the sliding window to the left or the right to use it. Depending on different window sets, one or both window panes of a sliding window can be moveable.
If you have old, poorly-maintained, or improperly installed sliders that open by moving left and right, sooner or later, you are bound to have issues with the windows. They will either start sticking, won’t slide as easily, or will refuse to open and close smoothly. There are several reasons for this. However, getting your window sashes to glide again smoothly can be done with some simple maintenance tips, or if the problem is serious, you can always opt for professional help.
Have your sliding windows become difficult to open, close, and operate? Here are some tips to get your windows to slide more easily.
Clean the Window Tracks Regularly
Dust, dirt, grime, bug juice, small insects, wall debris, and pollen lodged in the tracks, often increase friction and can cause your windows to bind and stick in their tracks. Cleaning the windows and their tracks once a month can help reduce the amount of built-up dirt, thereby, making your sliding window easier to maintain.
Close the window completely and clean along the track, trim, and window sill with a soft, dry cloth to remove hard pollutants like dust, dirt, and bugs. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to reach remote corners of the window tracks. After that, open the window and wipe the parts of the window that you could not reach. You can use a lightly wet and damp cloth to clean the tracks thoroughly.
To properly remove dirt and bugs remaining in the track, you can use a soft bristle cleaning brush. Be careful not to scrub the surface too hard, because you won’t be required to. Sliding windows are pretty low-maintenance and don’t require extra cleaning if regular tidying and upkeep are ensured.
Keep the Window Tracks Lubricated
If the track is clogged due to use or your window has a broken latch, the sash will not slide smoothly. In such cases, lubrication can be your best bet. For sliding windows, silicone-based lubricants work the best since they usually do not harm the window framing material. They draw less dirt and hold even lesser, offering smooth movement of sashes. Greasing the joints, hinges, latches, locking systems, window sill, or springs are extremely critical for the proper functioning of sliding windows. Before lubricating different parts of your window, ensure that they are dry.
Adjust the Sash and Rollers
If you think the sliding sash is the problem, align it again with the track. For this, remove the sash and re-insert it in the track. Ensure that you fasten and bring into line all the screws and rollers that you come across throughout the process. You can also try and adjust the rollerblades of your sliding window on the track.
Aligning and adjusting the sash and the rollers are doable but trickier than what you may be assuming. Hence, seek professional help at any point you feel like you are overstaying your maintenance capabilities.
Get Expert Help
While cleaning and lubricating tracks of your sliding windows might be your forte, removing sashes and servicing them may not. In case your sliding window malfunctions and does not slide as easily as it should, the tips mentioned above can be useful. However, if the condition stays or further deteriorates, it is better to seek professional help. By taking things in your own hands, you may cause more harm than good. Because let us face it: sliding window mechanisms are mostly complex and way beyond a quick DIY-fix.
About AIS Windows
Looking for ways to get your sliding window glide smoothly on the tracks or quick repair? Turn to AIS Windows – a leading door and window manufacturing company in India.
AIS Windows offers a wide-ranging, all-inclusive range of fenestration products in uPVC, wood, and aluminium substrates for residential and commercial setups. For high-quality fenestration enhancements, replacement, expert consultation, or re-installation, we offer personalised solutions as well. For all your fenestration needs, AIS Windows is your one-stop solution!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today!
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