Who doesn’t want to give the house an admirable look?
Nowadays, casement windows are becoming popular with their unique features. Homeowners love this window as it opens wider than other windows. This window vanishes the worries for ventilation and airflow. The more fresh air in the house, the more it feels lively. Casement windows are weather resistant that attracts homeowners. They are even secure to use. Modern style makes these windows extraordinary.
Lubricating the windows is necessary to keep them working. But we face a dilemma while lubricating the casement window. Some suggest WD40 spray on the window, and some say it is not suitable for the window components. So, it is sure to get confused about which one to do. Even many homeowners frequently ask us, “Can I use WD40 on casement windows?”
That’s why we are here to help you lubricate your casement windows. We will discuss suitable lubricants, and you will also find a lot of related information.
Can I Use WD40 on Casement windows?
You can not use WD40 on casement windows. Chemicals of WD40 are not suitable for the windows. It is a solvent-based aerosol spray that may attack the window parts. WD40 may cause less working efficiency in the window parts and even break them.
You may find dust and dirt because WD40 turns the streaks into dingy black on the hinges. That’s why we should avoid using WD40 on casement windows.
What is WD40? Is It A Lubricant or Cleaner?
W and D of WD40 mean Water Displacement. WD40 is a special mixture of lubricants. It is a multi-purpose product. Some people may describe it as a cleaner, which is wrong. WD40 works on protecting metal and non-metal from rust and corrosion. It displaces moisture and is easy to lubricate. It is also good for removing soil, grease and grime.
The saddest part is that WD40 is not appropriate for casement windows. As we already know the reasons, we should avoid WD40 on casement windows.
Do I Need to Lubricate Casement Windows?
Many of us get confused about whether casement windows need lubrication or not. The answer is yes, and you need to lubricate casement windows. These windows have moving components for those lubricating is necessary. There are three moving parts of casement windows, and these parts require checking twice a year. Locking mechanisms, operator arms, and the crank unit are three moving parts of casement windows.
To maintain their balanced movement, you need to lubricate them every six months or so. Again, to keep the window neat and clean, lubrication is a must. Using silicone-based lubricant is the best way. Avoid oil-based lubricant as it attracts dust and dirt.
Read more: Are Casement Windows Better Than Single Hung?
How To Lubricate Casement Windows?
Dust and dirt make the window difficult to open. Again, as we got the idea that casement windows need to be lubricated every six months, we should know the lubrication process. Here is the complete lubrication process mentioned below –
1. Clean The Window Tracks
Some say it is not very important to clean the window tracks. They prefer cleaning the tracks anyway. But this is a wrong idea that one should avoid. You need to clean the tracks well-handled. You can use a cloth to clean the dust and dirt. Even a vacuum cleaner helps in removing any debris. You can try to wipe the window tracks with a wet cloth and dry them using a dry cloth.
In this way, you can clean the tracks almost 90%.
Tip: Using sharp metal tools or abrasive cleaners can cause harm to the window tracks. Try to avoid them while cleaning.
2. Get a Silicone-based Lubricant
Buy a silicone-based lubricant for casement windows. We already knew silicone-based lubricants are more effective. That’s why get it from any local home improvement store.
3. Spray the Lubricant on Windows
You can not just pour the lubricant on the window. Take a dry cloth and spray the lubricant on it. Then wipe the window tracks, the operator arms and jamb liners with it. Spray on the cloth frequently to make sure the lubricant reaches all moving parts. The crank mechanism also needs lubricant, and try to uncover it if possible. You can open and close the window a few times to ensure the lubricant in every part.
Lastly, wait for some time to let it adjust. Then, try to open and close the window to see if it works.
Tip: You need to be careful while spraying the lubricant. Never spray it directly on the window. Avoid using it on the glass; otherwise, there will be a permanent mark.
Top 5 Silicone Lubricants for Casement Windows
We already saw WD40 is a solvent-based aerosol spray forbidden for casement windows. Silicone-based lubricants are best for windows. Therefore, we will help you with the top 5 silicone lubricants. Let’s not delay to take a look at these lubricants –
1. DuPont Silicone Lubricant with Teflon Fluoro Polymer
★★★★★
Features –
• Material – Light Duty
• Liquid Volume – 10 Fluid Ounces
• Warranty – AS Listed
DuPont Silicone lubricant is such a wonderful one for casement windows. It is effortless to use and so effective. In the window, it eliminates squeaking and bindings. There was a huge difference in the windows, and they looked like new ones. The great thing is this is an all-purpose lubricant for your home. You may not like its horrible smell, but trust me, it is better than WD40’s smell.
I highly recommend this lubricant.
What I Like –
• Including Components – Silicone Lubricant
• Temperature Range – 40°C to 204° C
• Water Resistance
• Reasonable Price
What I Don’t Like –
• Too much strong and horrible smell
2. Permatex 80070 Silicone Spray Lubricant
★★★★★
Features –
• Item Weight – 10.2 Ounces
• Multi-purpose lubricant
Permatex 80070 Silicone Spray lubricant is already my favorite for casement windows and slide doors. I used this lubricant on the window tracks, and it was simple to apply. I was amazed as it stopped the squeaking hinges quickly. Now I can open the windows easily and without the screeching sound. I even used it on the slide doors and got a satisfactory result. Now I suggest this one to whoever asks me.
What I Like –
• Free from dust and dirt
• Water Resistance
• Affordable price
What I Don’t Like –
• It may smell like gasoline
3. DuPont Teflon Silicone Lubricant Squeeze Bottle
★★★★★
Features –
• Material – Blend
• Liquid Volume – 4 Fluid Ounces
• Package Weight – 0.09 Kilograms
I like casement windows a lot, and for this reason, I installed a few of them in my house. I loved its appearance. But after some time, these windows used to stick constantly, and I was very irritated. Then I applied WD40 a few times on the windows, but it was no use. It vanishes so fast and leaves a bad smell.
Then, my neighbor suggested to me DuPont Teflon Silicone Lubricant. It helped the windows to get rid of the stuck issue. Now the windows open and close like brand new. I suggest you get this one if you are sensitive to smell. This lubricant is free from any bad smells. You may find the price a bit high, but the price is worth it with these awesome advantages.
What I Like –
• Temperature Range – 40°C to 204° C
• Water Resistance
• Eliminates squeaking and binding in windows
What I Don’t Like –
• Price is higher for this volume than other lubricants
4. Sprayway All-Purpose Industrial Silicone Lubricant
★★★★★
Features –
• Liquid Volume – 12 Ounces
• Item Weight – 1.06 Pounds
I used Sprayway All-Purpose Industrial Silicone Lubricant, which was very helpful. The significant part is you can use it for various purposes. I used it on my casement windows, and it lubricated window channels so well. This lubricant can also prevent squeaks in hinges. But I had a hard time because of the bad smell of it.
What I Like –
• Prevents squeaks in hinges
• Avoids sticking
• Budget-friendly
What I Don’t Like –
• Smells a little bit bad
5. B’laster 16- SL Industrial Strength Silicone Lubricant
★★★★★
Features –
• Flash Point – 71° C
• Liquid Volume – 11 Fluid Ounces
• Item Weight – 0.3 Kilograms
WD40 turned my casement windows black and dirty. I purchased B’laster 16-SL Industrial Strength Silicone lubricant to get rid of this. It worked so well on the windows and kept them free from dust and dirt. Again, this is also a longer-lasting lubricant. Windows are super free to open and close.
What I Like –
• Longer lasting lubricant
• Non-staining
• Avoids dirt and dust
What I Don’t Like –
• Not a dry lubricant
We found the lubricants mentioned above easy to use and friendly to window components. So, whenever you need lubricants for casement windows, get one of these lubricants, and rest assured.
Conclusion
Casement windows are so helpful and give an elegant look to the house. As we discussed everything, we don’t need to worry anymore about the raised question, “Can I use WD40 on casement windows?” WD40 is not suitable for casement windows. So, we can keep the window safe and sound with regular maintenance. We should use silicone-based lubricant on window parts frequently.
Most importantly, never open the window forcefully if it is sticking. Re-lubricate the window to get rid of this problem. Taking care of the window regularly may help you find any issue from the beginning.
