Adjusting & Servicing

Comfort Series Casement

When operating the casement, first pull up on the lock until it is up as high as it will go. This will unlock the multi-point lock system. The sash can now be opened. If there is a bind in cranking the window open, double check to make sure the lock is fully disengaged. When closing the sash, crank the sash closed enough to engage the weatherstripping and then pull the lock lever down. Fold the crank handle back into its cradle after locking the window.

Our casement sash is adjusted for plumb, level, and square in our plant during production. Field adjustment for the sash can be done but it is not needed unless the window was installed out of square. Although there are some adjustment tolerances, the window should be re-installed when possible. The hinges are adjustable with the use of an open end 3/8" box wrench. The wrench must be thin enough to fit between the sash and frame. (Approximately 3/16" thick.) Gerkin does have these wrenches available. The best way to adjust the sash is to open the sash enough to expose the top and bottom hinges. Insert the box wrench around the pivot stud of the hinge where it attaches to the frame at the sill. While the wrench is attached to the stud, close the sash so that the sightlines can be viewed. Use caution when closing the sash. Closing the sash when using too thick of a wrench can cause damage. Rotate the wrench left or right until the sightlines around the sash are even. Once the proper adjustment has been made, remove the wrench. The same adjustments can be made at the head of the window as well. It is likely that if any adjustment is needed at all, both hinges will need to be re-adjusted rather than trying to make all of the adjustments at one hinge.

Screen removal is done by horizontally sliding the screen latches until they disengage with the window frame. Once all latches are disengaged, the screen can be removed. Reinstall screen with all screen latches pulled back. Position screen flush with the window frame, then engage each latch until the latch tab is flush with the screen.

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Comfort Series Awning

Our awning sash is adjusted for plumb, level, and square in our plant during production. Field adjustment for the sash can be done but it is not needed unless the window was installed out of square. Although there are some adjustment tolerances, the window should be re-installed when possible. The hinges are adjustable with the use of an open end 3/8" box wrench. The wrench must be thin enough to fit between the sash and frame. (Approximately 3/16" thick.) Gerkin does have these wrenches available. The best way to adjust the sash is to open the sash enough to expose the side hinges. Insert the box wrench around the pivot stud of the hinge where it attaches to the frame at the jambs. While the wrench is attached to the stud, close the sash so that the site lines can be viewed. Use caution when closing the sash. Closing the sash when using too thick of a wrench can cause damage. Rotate the wrench left or right until the site lines around the sash are even. Once the proper adjustment has been made, remove the wrench. It is likely that if any adjustment is needed at all, that both hinges will need to be re-adjusted, rather than trying to make all of the adjustments at one hinge.

Screen removal is done by horizontally sliding the screen latches until they disengage with the window frame. Once all latches are disengaged, the screen can be removed. Reinstall screen with all screen latches pulled back. Position screen flush with the window frame, then engage each latch until the latch tab is flush with the screen.

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Comfort Series Single Hung

There are no adjustment options for this window.

Window balances are replaceable. To do so, remove the sash by raising the sash 4" or more and then tilt in. Once at a 90 degree angle, raise or lower one balance so that it is no longer parallel with the opposite balance. This can be done by pushing down or pulling up on the sash where it is connected to the balance. As the balance is raised or lowered, the pivot bar located in the sash will disengage with the balance connection on one side. Once released, pull the pivot bar out of the opposite balance.

Remove the balance stop at the top of the balance track to expose the balance screw. This cover is snapped into place, so remove by using a bent pick in the upper corner and pull to disengage. Once the cover is loose, it can be pulled out by hand.

Remove the screw at the top of the balance. Pull the top of the balance towards the opposite side of the window until it is at a 90 degree angle. At this position, twist the balance ¼ turn to disengage the balance shoe. At this point, the balance can be removed.

Install the new balance by reversing the above process. Insert the balance shoe into the balance cavity with the open end of the shoe facing the interior and the top of the balance at a 90 degree angle to the balance cavity. Once the shoe is in the balance cavity, turn the balance ¼ turn so that the open end of the balance is facing down. Then pivot the balance up and pull into position so that the balance screw can be reused in the existing hole.

Reinstall the balance stop. Snap in one side first and then the opposite side.

Reinstall the sash into the balances by keeping the sash at a 90 degree angle to the window. Install the sash pivot bar into one balance shoe at a time. Raise or lower that balance until the sash pivot bar on the opposite side can be engaged into the balance shoe. Once engaged, bring the balances to level before tilting the sash up into place. Slide the sash up and down a few times to make sure it moves freely.

The screen can be removed by first raising the lower sash about 3". Using the slide latches at the top of the sash, disengage the latches from the jambs and tilt in about 30 degrees. Rest the tilted sash against your body and reach for the top of the screen. Pull down on the clear plastic latches that are engaged into the window at the top of the screen. Once unlatched, pull the top of the screen inward and then pull out between the tilted sash and window frame. Screen installation is exactly reverse of this procedure.

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Comfort Series Double Hung

There are no adjustment options for this window.

Window balances are replaceable. To do so, remove both sashes by opening each 4" or more and then tilt in. Once at a 90 degree angle, raise or lower one balance so that it is no longer parallel with the opposite balance. This can be done by pushing down or pulling up on the sash where it is connected to the balance. As the balance is raised or lowered, the pivot bar located in the sash will disengage with the balance connection on one side. Once released, pull the pivot bar out of the opposite balance.

Remove the balance cover if the lower sash balance needs replacing. This cover is snapped into place, so remove by using a bent pick in the upper corner and pull to disengage. Once the cover is loose, it can be pulled out by hand.

Remove the screw at the top of the balance. Pull the top of the balance toward the opposite side of the window until it is at a 90 degree angle. At this position, twist the balance ¼ turn to disengage the balance shoe. At this point, the balance can be removed.

Install the new balance by reversing the above process. Insert the balance shoe into the balance cavity with the open end of the shoe facing the interior and the top of the balance at a 90 degree angle to the balance cavity. Once the shoe is in the balance cavity, turn the balance ¼ turn so that the open end of the balance is facing down. Then pivot the balance up and pull into position so that the balance screw can be reused in the existing hole.

Reinstall the balance cover if previously removed. Snap in one side first and then the opposite side.

Reinstall the sash into the balances by keeping the sash at a 90 degree angle to the window. Install the sash pivot bar into one balance shoe at a time. Raise or lower that balance until the sash pivot bar on the opposite side can be engaged into the balance shoe. Once engaged, bring the balances to level before tilting the sash up into place. Slide the sash up and down a few times to make sure it moves freely.

Screen removal can be done by raising the lower sash fully, then pivot the two screen latches away from their connection at the window frame. Pivot the bottom part of the screen out a few inches and then pull down. This will disengage the screen from the head of the window. One hand should be at the bottom of the screen and the other hand at the center bar in the screen. Do not pull on the center bar, just use it to support the screen. Once removed, turn perpendicular to the window and bring through the lower portion of the window at a 45 degree angle.

To reinstall the screen, lift the lower sash fully. Then, at a 45 degree angle stick, the screen out through the opening with the top of the screen first. Bring the top of the screen into the head of the window by laying the screen flat to the window frame a few inches short of the top. Then slide the screen up until the screen flange engages into the built in kerf at the head of the window. It may be helpful to lower the top sash enough to grab the screen near the top to help guide it into place. Once the head is engaged, pivot the lower portion of the screen into place and swing the screen latches into the window frame so that they overlap the vinyl flange.

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Comfort Series Horizontal Slider

There are no adjustment options for this window.

The rollers at the bottom of the operating sash should be checked to make sure they roll smoothly. If the rollers are worn out, they can be easily replaced with new Gerkin rollers. To replace the rollers, use a flat screwdriver to pry underneath the roller housing. The housing will unsnap and can be pulled out. Replace with a new roller and roller housing by snapping back into place.
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Horizontal sliders have external weep covers. If one is damaged or missing, replace by prying the existing weep cover out with a flat screwdriver. They are just snapped into place, so removal will be quite simple. Snap in a new weep cover with the open end facing down.

The weather-stripping around your windows is designed to last for many years. Whenever cleaning your windows, you should inspect the weather-stripping to make sure it is not worn or missing. Your windows have been designed so that the weather-stripping can be replaced.

The operating sash on the horizontal slider can be easily removed. Start by sliding the sash to the fully open position. Then lift the sash straight up, clearing the sill track. If the sash does not lift up, try opening the sash further. There is an anti-lift device in the head of the window, which is a safety feature that prevents entry from the exterior while in the closed and locked position. If the sash isn't opened far enough, the anti-lift device will restrict the sash from being lifted. Once fully open, tilt the lower portion of the sash to the inside and then lower the sash out of the head track of the window.

The screen of the slider is removable from the inside. Open the sash fully. Grab the screen rail and pull it horizontal toward the middle of the window. The screen is a side load screen, so this motion will disengage the screen from the jamb. Pull the disengaged side of the screen toward the inside and pull the screen out of the opening. To reinstall the screen, just reverse these instructions.

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Comfort Series Sliding Patio Door

Our sliding glass doors are pre-adjusted during production, but in-field adjustments can easily be made by raising or lowering the wheels, which adjust the operating door panel sightlines with the frame. There is a snap in plug covering the adjustment screw for each wheel at the bottom of the operating door panel. Turning the adjustment screws clockwise will raise the door panel. Turning the screw counter-clockwise will lower the door panel.

The screen has four rollers that can be adjusted for smooth operation. When installing the screen, adjust the bottom rollers level so that the screen can close against the door jamb with even site lines top to bottom. Screwing clockwise will raise the rollers. Using a counter clockwise motion the rollers will lower. Once the bottom rollers have been adjusted, tighten the top rollers enough so that the screen can be lifted up no more than 1/8". If the adjustment is too loose, the screen can come off the track. If adjusted too tightly, the screen will not roll freely.

If the rollers become damaged or stop operating properly, they can be replaced. Remove the operating panel by sliding the door open half way and lift the panel as high into the head track as possible. While keeping the panel high into the track, pivot the lower portion of the panel in toward the room. If the rollers don't clear the sill, they will need to be adjusted upwards as described above in order to clear the sill. Prop the door panel on the side to give access to the rollers. Using a Phillips screw driver, unscrew the two screws holding the roller housing in place. Replace housing and reuse the screws. Do not over tighten.

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Comfort Series Swinging Patio Door

Our Atrium and French swing patio doors are all pre-adjusted to plumb, level, and square with the door frame during production. If the doors are properly installed, no further adjustments will be needed. However, during the heating and cooling seasons, it is possible for the house to expand and contract therefore adjustments may be needed on a periodic basis. Our doors have a three-way adjustable hinge set up. All three hinges have specific adjustment screws. The center hinge screw is designed to raise and lower the door panel. Rotating the door clockwise will raise the door while rotating the screw counter clockwise will lower the door panel. Use small ¼ turn adjustments at a time. The top hinge screw will adjust the jamb-to-jamb tolerance at the head. Turning the screw clockwise will bring the latch side of the door panel closer to the jamb. Turning the screw counter clockwise will pull the door panel away from the latch side jamb. The lower hinge screw adjustment will adjust the jamb-to-jamb tolerances at the sill. Use the same adjustment procedures as the top hinge.

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Rhino Series Sliders

The operating sash on the horizontal slider can easily be removed. Start by sliding the sash to the fully open position. Then lift the sash straight up, clearing the sill track. If the sash does not lift up, try opening the sash further. There is an anti-lift device in the head of the window which is a safety feature that prevents entry from the exterior while in the closed and locked position. If the sash isn't opened far enough, the anti-lift device will restrict the sash from being lifted. Once fully open, lift the sash up then tip the lower portion of the sash to the inside and lower the sash out of the head track of the window.

The rollers at the bottom of the operating sash should be checked to make sure they roll smoothly. If the rollers are worn out, they can be easily replaced with new Gerkin rollers. To replace a roller, use a screwdriver or pick to pry the roller out of the housing. The housing does not have to be removed unless it is damaged. Replace the roller by snapping in a new roller. Be sure to use the same roller location as before. If the roller housing is damaged, the housing will need to be pried out with a flat screwdriver and a new one snapped back in place.

The screen of the slider can be removed by first removing the operating sash as described above. The screen is a side load screen. Grab the pull rail on the screen and pull firmly horizontally away from the jamb of the window. This motion will disengage the screen from the jamb. Pull the disengaged side of the screen towards the inside and pull the screen out of the opening.

To reinstall the screen, make sure the operating sash is removed. Insert the side of the screen with the springs into the furthest outside channel in the jamb of the window. Once the screen is engaged into the jamb, pivot the opposite side into the channel of the center mullion. Pull horizontally to flatten the springs to allow the latch rail to snap into place.

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Rhino Series Single Hung

Raising the sash is done by lifting on the two sash locks at the sill. Use both hands so that both locks unlatch together. The locks will automatically lock when closed. Tilting the sash in for cleaning can be done by raising the sash a minimum of 4" then using the slide latches on the top of the sash, simultaneously slide the lathes towards each other. This will disengage the top of the sash from the window frame. While holding the latches in, tilt the sash inward. The sash does not have to be removed in order to remove the screen. The screen can be removed by pulling down on the screen rail, located at the top of the screen, until the screen frame has disengaged from the screen pocket. When disengaged, tilt the screen inward then lift and remove.

If the sash needs to be removed, first tilt the sash inward to 90 degrees. Then grasp the sash frame closest to the window. Slide one side of the sash higher in the window frame than the other side until the higher side of the sash disengages with the balance shoe. Pull the sash horizontally out of the engaged balance shoe and carefully remove the sash.

Reinstallation of the sash can be done by installing the lower side of the sash into the balance shoe first. The sash must be at a 90 degree angle to the window to do this. Once the lower portion is installed into the balance shoe, raise the opposite side of the sash up to the other balance shoe. In order to engage this shoe, the lower portion of the sash will have to be raised slightly until engagement is possible. Once the sash is fully engaged in both balance shoes, lower the higher side of the sash level to the lower side. Once the sash is level, it can be tilted back into place. Make sure that both latches on the sash engage. To insure that installation of the sash is correct, slide the sash up and down a few times and check to make sure that the force moving up and down is relatively even. If the sash is not properly engaged into the balances, the sash will but much tougher to raise.

If a balance needs to be replaced, remove the sash first as described above, then remove the screw at the top of the balance. Pull the top of the balance towards the opposite side of the window until it is at a 90 degree angle. At this position, twist the balance 1/4 turn to disengage the balance shoe. At this point, the balance can be removed.

Install the new balance by reversing the above process. Insert the balance shoe into the balance cavity with the open end of the shoe facing the interior and the top of the balance at a 90 degree angle to the balance cavity. Once the shoe is in the balance cavity, turn the balance 1/4 turn so that the open end of the balance is facing down. Then pivot the balance up and pull into position so that the balance screw can be reused in the existing hole.

Reinstall the sash into the balances by keeping the sash at a 90 degree angle to the window. Install the sash pivot bar into one balance shoe at a time. Raise or lower that balance until the sash pivot bar on the opposite side can be engaged into the balance shoe. Once engaged, bring the balances to level before tilting the sash up into place. Slide the sash up and down a few times to make sure it moves freely.

The screen can be removed by first raising the lower sash about 3" and then tilt sash inward. Grasp the screen rail at the top of the screen and pull down to disengage the screen frame. Pull in on the screen while disengaged at the top and tip the screen inward. Then pull the screen out between the tilted sash and window frame. Screen installation is exactly reverse of this procedure.

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Rhino Series Double Hung

Raising the sash is done by lifting on the two sash locks at the sill. Use both hands so that both locks unlatch together. The top sash can be lowered by pulling down on the two latches at the head in the same manner that is used to lift the lower sash. The sash locks will automatically lock when closed at the head and sill of the window. Tilting the sash in for cleaning can be done by raising the sash a minimum of 4" then using the slide latches on the top of the sash, simultaneously slide the lathes towards each other. This will disengage the top of the sash from the window frame. While holding the latches in, tilt the sash inward. The top sash can also be tilted in by using the same procedure. In order to tilt the upper sash, the bottom sash must first be tilted in or removed.

If either sash needs to be removed, first tilt the lower sash inward to 90 degrees. Then grab the sash frame close to the balance. Lift the sash up and out of the balances on both sides of the window. While still holding the sash at 90 degrees, lift one side of the sash higher than the other until the sash can clear the window frame and then remove. Repeat this procedure for the upper sash.

If both sashes have been removed, start first by installing the upper sash and then install the lower sash. Reinstallation of the sash can be done by holding the sash at 90 degrees and laying the pivot bars of the sash into the balance shoes. Once the sash is level, it can be tilted back into place. Make sure that both latches on the sash engage. To insure that installation of the sash is correct, slide the sash up and down a few times and check to make sure that the force moving up and down is relatively even. If the sash is not properly engaged into the balances, the sash will be much tougher to raise.

If a balance needs to be replaced, remove the sash first as described above. Remove the screw at the top of the balance. Pull the top of the balance towards the opposite side of the window until it is at a 90 degree angle. At this position, twist the balance 1/4 turn to disengage the balance shoe. At this point, the balance can be removed.

Install the new balance by reversing the above process. Insert the balance shoe into the balance cavity with the open end of the shoe facing the interior and the top of the balance at a 90 degree angle to the balance cavity. Once the shoe is in the balance cavity, turn the balance 1/4 turn so that the open end of the balance is facing down. Then pivot the balance up and pull into position so that the balance screw can be reused in the existing hole.

Reinstall the sash into the balances by keeping the sash at a 90 degree angle to the window. Install the sash pivot bar into one balance shoe at a time. Once engaged, bring the balances to level before tilting the sash up into place. Slide the sash up and down a few times to make sure it moves freely.

The screen can be removed from the interior by first removing the sash. There is a locking pin on each side of the screen. Pull the locking pins horizontally out of the window jambs. While holding the spring loaded pins out, pull down on the screen. The screen is spring loaded at the sill, so pulling down on the screen will disengage the screen from the head of the window. Tip the head of the screen inward and remove the screen.

To reinstall the screen, put the bottom of the screen in first and push down to flatten the springs. While doing this, tip the top of the screen into the outside head track. The spring loaded side pins will need to be pulled back while doing this. Once the top of the screen is in place, release the downward pressure and let the screen slide into the head track. Make sure the side-load pins are properly engaged.

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Rhino Series Casement

When operating the casement, first pull up on the lock until it is up as high as it will go. This will unlock the multi-point lock system. The sash can now be opened. If there is a bind in cranking the window open, double check to make sure the lock is fully disengaged. When closing the sash, crank the sash closed enough to engage the weatherstripping and then pull the lock lever down.

Our casement sash is adjusted for plumb, level, and square in our plant during production. Field adjustment for the sash can be done but it is not needed unless the window was installed out of square. Although there are some minimal adjustment tolerances for square-ness, the window should be re-installed when possible. If hinge readjustment is needed, we recommend hiring a Gerkin trained service person to perform this service. The following is the procedure required to adjust hinges. It is likely that if any adjustment is needed at all, that both hinges will need to be readjusted rather than trying to make all of the adjustments at one hinge. The hinges have three screws that will need to be loosened or removed. Adjustments should start on the top hinge. Remove the center screw completely. This is a set screw which is used to secure the sash after adjustments of the two outside screws are made. Loosen the two outside screws of the hinge, but do not remove them. The outside screws are installed into built-in slots in the hinge which allow for adjustments. Once loosened, slide the hinge left or right, depending on the adjustment needed. Once the adjustment has been made, tighten the two outside screws. The set screw will probably have to be re-drilled.

Any holes not used will need to be caulked. If the adjustment is minor, then one hinge adjustment may be enough. If more adjustment is needed, then half of the adjustments should be made on each hinge. Double check the weatherstrip connection on the inside of the window. The reveal must be even on all four sides.

The screen of the casement is held in by turn buttons. Simply turn all of the locking buttons so they are disengaged with the screen and then remove. To reinstall, set the screen on the roto crank housing and then turn all locking buttons over the screen.

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Rhino Series Awning

When operating the casement, first pull up on the locks until they are up as high as they will go. This will unlock the multi-point lock system. The sash can now be opened. If there is a bind in cranking the window open, double check to make sure the lock is fully disengaged. When closing the sash, crank the sash closed enough to engage the weatherstripping and then pull the lock levers down.

Our awning sash is adjusted for plumb, level, and square in our plant during production. Field adjustment for the sash can be done but it is not needed unless the window was installed out of square. Although there are some minimal adjustment tolerances for square-ness, the window should be re-installed when possible. If hinge readjustment is needed, we recommend hiring a Gerkin trained service person to perform this service. The following is the procedure required to adjust hinges. It is likely that if any adjustment is needed at all, that both hinges will need to be readjusted rather than trying to make all of the adjustments at one hinge. The hinges have three screws that will need to be loosened or removed. Adjustments should start on the top hinge. Remove the center screw completely. This is a set screw which is used to secure the sash after adjustments of the two outside screws are made. Loosen the two outside screws of the hinge, but do not remove them. The outside screws are installed into built in slots in the hinge which allow for adjustments. Once loosened, slide the hinge left or right, depending on the adjustment needed. Once the adjustment has been made, tighten the two outside screws. The set screw will probably have to be re-drilled. Any holes not used will need to be caulked. If the adjustment is minor, then one hinge adjustment may be enough. If more adjustment is needed, then half of the adjustments should be made on each hinge. Double check the weather-strip connection on the inside of the window. The reveal must be even on all four sides.

The screen of the casement is held in by turn buttons. Simply turn all of the locking buttons so they are disengaged with the screen and then remove. To reinstall, set the screen on the roto crank housing and then turn all locking buttons over the screen.

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Rhino Series Hopper

When operating the hopper, pivot the two latches downward and then pull in. Closing the sash is done by pushing the sash closed while the latches are in the down position. To lock the sash, pivot each lock up to the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.

Our hopper sash is adjusted for plumb, level and square in our plant during production. Field adjustment for the sash can be done but it is not needed unless the window was installed out of square. Although there are some minimal adjustment tolerances for squareness, the window should be re-installed when possible. If hinge readjustment is needed, we recommend hiring a Gerkin trained service person to perform this service. The following is the procedure required to adjust hinges. It is likely that if any adjustment is needed at all, that both hinges will need to be readjusted rather than trying to make all of the adjustments at one hinge.

The hinges have three screws that will need to be loosened or removed. Adjustments should start on one of the side hinges. Remove the center screw completely. This is a set screw which is used to secure the sash after adjustments of the two outside screws are made. Loosen the two outside screws of the hinge, but do not remove them. The outside screws are installed into built-in slots in the hinge which allow for adjustments. Once loosened, slide the hinge up or down, depending on the adjustment needed. Once the adjustment has been made, tighten the two outside screws. The set screw will probably have to be re-drilled. Any holes not used will need to be caulked. If the adjustment is minor, then one hinge adjustment may be enough. If more adjustment is needed, then half of the adjustments should be made on each hinge. Double check the weatherstrip connection on the inside of the window. The reveal must be even on all four sides.

The screen is on the hopper is screwed into place with four screws from the inside. Open the sash fully. Remove the four screws holding the screen in place. When removing the last screw, hold on to the screen to keep it from falling out. Once loose, bring in to the inside.

To reinstall the screen, slide the screen through the window opening and bring it back flush to the face of the window with the screen weatherstrip up against the window. Line up with the screw holes and screw the screen in place.

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