Locks, Handles and Window Hardware

The lock on a window does one job: it pulls the sash tight against its seal and holds it there, and the figures kept at carlsbad new windows pretty little wine moms show that most air leaks start with a lock that no longer pulls. New windows in Carlsbad, CA arrive with hardware that is simple at first and easy to ignore until it fails.

Cam locks and sash locks

A double hung and a single hung use a cam lock in the middle of the meeting rail, which rotates to draw the two sashes together. When the lock is set, it should pull the sashes against the weatherstripping with a firm pressure. A lock that turns freely without pulling is worn or misaligned.

Casement cranks and operators

A casement uses a crank, an operator arm and hinge tracks. The crank turns a gear that pushes the arm, and the arm pushes the sash. Stainless steel parts last longest near the coast, where salt eats plain steel. Operators on a large sash need a lubricant matched to the manufacturer's directions. A drop in the wrong place attracts grit, so the arm and the track are wiped clean first, and the crank is turned slowly through its full range to spread the film evenly and to feel for any binding.

Slider latches and pulls

A slider has a latch at the meeting stile and often a pull handle molded into the frame. The latch hooks into a keeper, and if the sash settles even slightly, the hook can miss. A slider lock that is adjusted correctly engages with a distinct click and holds the sash against its weatherstrip.

Finishes and wear

Hardware comes in white, bronze, brushed nickel, black and brass looks. A plated finish wears faster than a solid finish, and salt air speeds it up. In Oceanside and near Agua Hedionda Lagoon, owners often choose a finish that matches interior door handles, since both get touched often.

Child and security features

Window opening limiters keep a sash from opening past a set width, and many have a quick release for emergency exit. They are installed so an adult can release them without a tool. Latches that satisfy egress rules still have to work easily from inside the room. A latch that needs two hands or a hard pull defeats the purpose, so the release is tested on every window in a bedroom before the hardware is considered finished, and a stiff one is adjusted or replaced.