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Tom from SWISCO responded:
October 13, 2020
Looks like someone installed a casement window sideways to make a slapdash attempt at an awning window. I would bet that's at least half the reason why you're having so much trouble. This really isn't the best job. They should have installed an actual awning window here to save you the trouble you're having now. If you want to stick with what you have, I recommend the 39-176 operator. This will replace your old one. However, you should consider looking into getting an all new window. I can't imagine what further complications you'll run into later down the line. |
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
October 14, 2020
The main issue is just that casement operators aren't made to hold windows up like that. They're meant to hold casement windows, which open from the side like doors. Awning windows have a lot more pressure on the operator itself since the work of gravity and the weight of the sash are working against it. In addition to that, most awning windows in this size have operators installed dead center on the sill. That allows them to comfortably open and close the window from the best possible structural position. You only have one operator on the side (the side being the bottom on a normal casement window), which means the operator is at a very awkward angle. There's also very little to support the sash on the left side of the window (or the top, in normal circumstances). I don't expect them to all fail overnight. Your windows have probably been working fine like this for years. However, it's not the way they're meant to work. You can expect parts to wear out earlier than they otherwise might due to the increased strain. Think of your operator like a man who lifts boxes for a living. Instead of lifting with his legs, he's been lifting with his back all this time. He can still do his job, but he's going to have to see his chiropractor soon enough. |
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Tom from SWISCO responded:
October 15, 2020
The operator is almost definitely the part at fault here. Your handle is honestly probably still in good condition, those last for a long time. Or, to put it more precisely, if there is a problem then the gearing in the operator is going to fail before the handle does. It's very rare that the handle fails first. A good way to confirm for sure is to get a handle off of one of the other windows in the house and try it on the problem operator. If it works again, then that proves that the handle is the issue after all. If you run into the same problem, though, then it's the operator that needs to be replaced. |
