With this week’s 100-plus days in Sacramento, we thought we’d share some insights on energy efficient windows and the benefits of installing Low-E dual pane windows in your home.
How to Remove and Reinsert a Double Hung Sash
Learn how to remove and reinsert a double hung sash on a Milgard window by watching this video demo and following the steps outlined below.
For this project you’ll need safety glasses and gloves.
To remove lower sash begin by opening the sash by lifting up on the handle or turning spoon, depending on the window series. If there is a window opening control device, disable it. Slide the sash up four inches. Press both tilt latch buttons on top of the sash until they click. Rotate the sash towards the inside of home until it’s perpendicular to the wall. Lift up on one side two inches, then lift up on the other sides two inches. Make sure pivot bars are not connected to balance shoe. Lift one side to rotate sash out of frame.
To remove the upper sash, make sure the lower sash is removed first. Then slide the upper sash down until approximately six inches higher than the window sill. Next press both tilt latch buttons on top of sash until they click. Rotate the sash towards the inside of home until it is perpendicular to the wall. Then lift up on one side two inches and repeat on other side. Make sure pivot bars are not connected to balance shoe. Lift to one side to rotate sash out of frame.
To re-install the sashes, begin with the upper sash first. Hold upper sash perpendicular to wall, then place one pivot bar, found on the bottom corner of the window, into the outer balance shoe. Then put the pivot bar on the other side of the window into the ALF balance shoe. Make sure pivot bars are fully seated into shoes. Damage will result to the window if bars are not fully seated. Once you feel both pivot bars are in the balance shoes, give a little tap. Rotate sash upward, making sure one side doesn’t drop. Then push the sash until it contacts the frame fully to engage the tilt latches. Make sure sash is inserted correctly by trying to pull away from frame. It will not pull away from the frame if tilt latches are engaged correctly. If tilt latches aren’t engaged correctly then the sash will pull away from the frame. If this is the case, push the sash against the frame again until the latches engage. Slide sash up and down to check full range of motion. Replacement of upper sash is now complete.
To replace lower sash, begin by holding lower sash perpendicular to wall. Place one pivot bar into one inner balance shoe. The place the pivot bar on the opposite side into the balance bar. Make sure pivot bars are fully seated in shoes. Damage will result to the window if bars are not fully seated. Once you feel that both pivot bars are in the balance shoes, give a little tap. Rotate sash upwards, make sure one side does not drop. Push into frame fully and ensure tilt latches are fully engaged by giving a slight tug forward. If tilt latches are fully engaged the sash won’t pull away from the frame. If tilt latch is not working, try pushing it against the frame again. If it still doesn’t work, the tilt latch needs servicing. Slide the sash up and down to check full range of motion. Check operation of handle or spoon. If the hardware doesn’t engage then make sure the upper sash is all the way up and the lower sash is all the way down. Replacement of lower sash is now complete.
How to install and Adjust Rollers on a Horizontal Vinyl Sliding Window
For this project you will need safety glasses, gloves, a flathead screwdriver, silicone spray, and paper towels. Open sash completely then remove the sash by pushing the tilt buttons located on the top of both sides of the sash. Tilt top out, then lift out of track. On the bottom of your window, there are two assemblies containing vinyl wheels. Each assembly has two positions for each wheel. Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the wheel by snapping it out of the wheel casing. Raise or lower the wheel to the desired height and snap them back into place. Once the wheels are snapped back into place, clean your rollers. Make sure the wheels roll back and forth and there is not dirt or debris in them. Spray your wheels with a small amount of silicone spray. Take a paper towel and wipe down the rollers to ensure there is no excess silicone. Next you will reinsert the sash back into the frame. Make sure base of the sash is in the frame, then press top into frame, you should hear a click. When reinserting, if plastic tabs on top are released or in the up position and not depressed into the window the sash won’t insert into the frame. To reset the tabs into the sash, click the tilt buttons again, you should see the tabs depress at this point. Finally check that window operates smoothly.
How to Check for Window Condensation
Materials List:
– Safety Glasses
– Gloves
– Soft cloth
– Glass cleaner
Condensation is a normal part of owning high quality energy efficient windows. Condensation is basically when humid air turns to water droplets on a cold surface. Windows are a natural place for these droplets to form since they are a barrier from inside and outside temperature differences. There is natural condensation that all windows will get from time to time, and there is a condensation that is formed from a faulty glass unit. To check which condensation you have, use a soft cloth and gently wipe the interior. If water droplets don’t come off then use a cloth on the exterior and gently wipe. Natural condensation should wipe off easily from either the interior or exterior. If the condensation doesn’t wipe off then the condensation is most likely due to a glass unit failure. If this is the case please contact the Milgard service department to discuss the faulty glass unit and for replacing.
How to Replace Your Milgard Positive Action Lock
Safety Precautions: Activities in this video are appropriate for individuals with an understanding of how to use simple hand tool. Make sure that pets and small children are not present when performing these activities. Questions? Call 1-800-Milgard or visit www.milgard.com
For this project you’ll need a #2 phillips head screwdriver, a new positive action lock, a self-tapping screw, and a putty knife.
Locate the take out clips on the sides of the window frame. Use your finger to gently pop out the clips at a 45 degree angle. Now locate the sash stops at the top, they prevent the window from disengaging. Remove the sash stops. Excessive force is not needed. Slide the sash stop until you feel it disengage, make sure both sides catch on the take out clips. Slide the sash to one side to remove. Use a putty knife to remove the Milgard logo on the screw port cover. Use a #2 phillips screwdriver to remove the lock screw in the screw port cavity. Once you have removed the screw from the positive action lock, the old lock will come loose from the vinyl frame. To install the new positive action lock, align the new lock tabs with the pre-punched holes in the window sash. Note, if the screw holes are stripped, you’ll need to slide the stiffener bar over using a #2 phillips head screwdriver. The stiffener bar is located inside the top rail of the sash. Using the new self-tapping screw, fasten the new positive action lock to the vinyl sash. Replace the Milgard logo screw cover. Re-insert the sash into the window. Place sash above the bottom of the balancer, lineup and push in. Balance it back and forth until you feel both tops catch. Slide the sash down an inch or two. Make sure you don’t see any metal on either side of the spring. Push in the take out clips and close the sash. Re-install the sash stops.
