Windows ultimately reveal their age, just like other elements of architecture and interior design: older frame materials frequently lose their integrity, certain styles become antiquated, and outmoded hardware ultimately deteriorates.
Crank mechanisms are the hardware component where this progressive deterioration is both more prevalent and problematic. Despite the fact that window cranks have long been a standard feature of casement window design, they are unreliable, out-of-date, and prone to breaking.
Continue reading to find out why crank-operated casement windows have mechanical problems and how Magic’s entirely crankle design transformed the casement window.
Understanding the type of window that crank mechanisms most frequently operate is crucial before delving into the mechanism itself.
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Old-fashioned, classic casement windows frequently have an operable window crank mechanism with a handle at the bottom of the frame that can be used to open and close the window.
The movable arm that this hand crank is connected to the sash (the part of the casement window that actually moves). The arm moves when the crank is twisted, causing the sash to swing outward or inward. A friction hinge, often known as a stay, keeps the sash in place when the window is open.
The physics supporting crank mechanisms is incorrect, which is their most obvious flaw:
When crank systems support and operate triple-glazed windows, the issues they cause are much more obvious. Three glass panes make up triple-glazed windows, which are frequently used in household settings.
These windows are significantly heavier than double-glazed equivalents because of the additional glass pane. The crank mechanism is put under greater constant stress as weight increases. Because of all of these problems, cranks need to be maintained on a regular basis to prevent serious harm to the window unit.
Our goal in creating the Magic-Series casement window was to completely eliminate window crank mechanisms in order to address the issue they provide. We developed the award-winning Parallex® hardware system, which does away with the crank mechanism to make operating the window easier and enhance its usefulness, performance, and longevity.
As we previously discussed, conventional cranks simply move the bottom of the sash, leaving the top of the sash to passively respond. This discrepancy may cause warping, sagging, and bowing problems over time, as well as distorted movement.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the third-most utilized synthetic polymer in the world, is the material used to make vinyl replacement windows.
In other words, PVC is nothing more or less than plain old plastic. With hollow chambers, these frames combine various plasticizers, colors, and chemicals to produce what they claim to be a lighter, more flexible product.
This essentially means that hollow vinyl window frames are weak, flexible, and short-lived. Because they are disposable, they are quite prone to deterioration and the wildly varying weather in Canada, as well as to expansion and contraction.
Any hollow vinyl window that other window replacement firms in the GTA try to sell you is an extruded piece of plastic, regardless of the terminology they employ. Additionally, despite the fact that PVC is an economical and energy-efficient material that enables window producers to weld corners to achieve a flawless seal, these qualities cannot compensate for the structural problems.
Although these hollow frames are undoubtedly less expensive than other options, they are a bad investment and may first appeal to homeowners. These frames will eventually grow, contract, and frequently become broken, necessitating yet another window replacement project.
Casement windows, single-hung windows, double-hung windows, etc. are typically replaced by homeowners because the hollow vinyl frames have failed or lost their seal. In light of this, it raises the question of why a bad window design would be replaced with a newer iteration of the same thing.
We have worked hard for more than 40 years to give our GTA clients replacement windows that are effective, secure, long-lasting, and fashionable. Regardless of the type of window, we have more than 40 design and engineering patents for windows, including our frames.
Initially, Magic produced aluminum windows. As a result, we are aware of and appreciate the structural benefits of these frames. Nevertheless, aluminum’s low energy efficiency can present issues. We created a novel remedy that mixes components for optimum performance to address them. Click here to learn more about the accordion windows
We decided to go for greater longevity, greater efficiency, and greater security while creating a replacement for the hollow vinyl PVC replacement window frames marketed in the GTA.
A more rigid unplasticized polyvinyl chloride is wrapped around an 18-gauge galvanized steel and anodized aluminum skeleton in our Hybrid Fusion Frame design (U-PVC). Therefore, even if the exterior layer of these reinforced designs continues to be made of high-quality PVC, our frames are not hollow.
These frame parts come together to produce a sturdy, high-quality item. Unmatched strength and durability are provided by the steel and aluminum core, while the U-PVC outer layer’s welded corners offer a high level of energy efficiency without the risk of expansion, contraction, or damage. Our hybrid fusion frames offer the best of both worlds in this way.
