Home   Guidance   O&M   Series 10 Horizontal Sliding

Operation

The panels (sashes) can slide after releasing any locking catches. Avoid fast movement or slamming actions. When operating tall, narrow sashes it is recommended that they are held on both sides at a reasonable height since this avoids 'racking' - the tendency for a sash to rotate and jam in the head frame. When closing the window, ensure that the interlock bars engage and seal properly.

Maintenance

Cleaning

The cleaning cycle will be dictated by local conditions and should consist of washing down the glass and aluminium with a non alkaline detergent in warm water using a soft cloth. The sashes can be removed to allow the rear glass surface to be cleaned.  For more stubborn marks on the aluminium, a soft brush or nylon pad should be used.  Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, strong acids or alkalis.  After cleaning, it is advisable to rinse the surfaces with clean water and then wipe dry. Chips or scratches in a paint finish can be touched in using a matching non cellulose paint and care must be taken not to get this into draught seals or moving parts.  Repair of anodised finishes is not practical other than by touching in with a colour matched paint, but the finished appearance is seldom complementary. The sliding tracks should be vacuumed occasionally to avoid build up of dust or dirt.  Wipe with a damp cloth and, if necessary, spray with a silicone lubricant such as WD40 to improve the sliding action.

Sash Removal

A full risk assessment must first be made.  The sashes can be removed, when in the open position, by lifting into the head of the frame until the bottom edge clears the track.  Gently swing towards the room and lower to allow the head to clear.  The sashes run on black glide pads or stainless steel rollers and these must not be placed on dirty or gritty surfaces.  Do not drop a sash on its corner since this will force it out of square.  It would then have to be 're-squared' using a block and mallet (see diagram ).  If the sashes are constructed from annealed (non safety) glass, they must not be left standing at low level if other people are in the vicinity without a warning or suitable protection.  Sashes are purpose made to suit each individual frame and must not be mixed up.  Reinstate sashes in their original sequence with the glide pads at the bottom.

Detached Glazing Bar

This can occur through incorrect handling or through applying too much force when sliding.  The tracks should be regularly cleaned and lubricated to overcome this.  Lift out the sash after completing a full risk assessment and lay flat on a suitable bench surface.  Remove the corner screws.  Ease the aluminium bar off the channel gasket and carefully wrap the gasket back on to the glass.  Re-apply the aluminium bar using initial hand pressure and then knock on with a block and mallet ensuring that it is straight and true.  Replace the corner screws and 'dress' the shoulder of the gasket on to the aluminium with a smooth flat pointed object (see diagram below).

Re-glazing

This can be carried out by a competent person after completing a full risk assessment.  Remove the sash and detach aluminium bars as described above.  Obtain a new piece of glass after establishing size, thickness and type.  Replace bars and ensure that the sash is 'squared' before reinstatement.