Casement Window Latches
Replacing a casement window latch can be a relatively cheap and hassle-free upgrade to your windows. Casement windows are a functional and popular voice of window style for generations, you’ll even find them in many modern homes. If you’re restoring an older home, and especially if you have timber windows, you’ll most likely come across many windows that are either damaged or in need of repairs. Unless you want to replace the entire window, and let’s face it, the originals are always better, then you’ll need some new window hardware.
There could be a few reasons that you’ve decided to replace any casement window latch. You might be upgrading the style of the home and it just needs that extra touch. Whatever the reason you can find many styles at Restoration Online such as traditional and modern. While we have our favourites, it’s best that you choose a style that fits your personal tastes. After selecting the style, you should choose a finish, the ones we have available include antique brass and copper, black, chrome, polished brass and nickel, satin brass and chrome, along with the timeless stainless steel.
Casement windows, while beautiful, do have their problems and over time they can start to malfunction. Usually the windows stop working properly in a few ways and the causes are most often because the hardware is not doing its job. Some of the problems may include, the hinges not fitting properly anymore, the window stays are bent, or the latches are misaligned or broken. If any of these are damaged, the easiest way to fix them is to replace them. In our shop we have many parts to available to restore your casement windows.
Out of those problems the easiest by far is to replace the casement window latch. For the best results inspect the window and determine if the wooden frame is damaged. If the wood in the window is warped or rotted, then the entire window may need to be replaced. However, if your home has heritage status it may need to be repaired instead.
Although your window latches may be functioning properly, you may need to upgrade them to increase the security of your home. There are many options available if security is your concern and upgrading to a locking latch is perfect. If you’re upgrading a few windows, you’ll want to make sure you get the same windows lock key, otherwise it can be hard to keep track of what key goes where!
If you’re replacing your window latches take a look around our online shop for other items that you may need to make the best of your windows. You can buy almost anything for your windows including sash fasteners, lifts and accessories, awning hardware, curtain fittings and fanlight transoms.
How to Replace a Window Casement Latch
Take the existing casement window latch and see if you can shake it. If the latch is secure, you're in luck! This latch will most likely screw out easily and the wood is firm enough to take the new screws without a problem. If the latch is loose then you might be in for a more extensive repair job.
For the most part replacing a window latch is reasonably simple; unscrew the old latch and install the new one. But there are a few minor steps that need to be followed to get it all lined up and working properly. If your old latch was worn out or broken, you may not need to take any extra steps for the install job. However, if it didn’t lock because it was misaligned than you’ll need to make a few additional adjustments.
For best results installing a lock into bare wood will get everything working smoothly. Odds are that your new lock will be a different shape to your older one. After you remove the old lock, put your new casement window latch up to the window, then trace around it with a pencil and mark the screw holes. Sand or scrape away any paint in this section until you reach bare wood. Drill out the screw holes and install the lock (if you're going to paint the window soon after, you can put some painters tape around the latch before screwing it down).
With the latch installed, next you’ll need to install the keeper. Some latch kits will include a template, but if you don’t have one or it was lost you can still install the keeper without too much trouble. Close the window and hold the keeper in place and lock the window. The latch should slide smoothly into place, and the keeper should be hard against the latch. Mark the screw holes and drill them out, then screw the keeper in place (some keepers allow for adjustment after the screw holes have been drilled).
Test the window, and check that the casement window latch is working properly. Ideally everything should be perfect. Now all you’ll need to do is paint around the lock and the install will be seamless!
Buying Your Casement Window Latch
At Restoration Online we have a selection of casement window latch available in our online shop and we will ship Australia wide. We also have a 21-day return policy, so if the latch does not meet your expectations you can arrange for a return and choose something that suits better.
If you're restoring old traditional windows, have a look through our hardware section and we’re sure that you’ll find something to suit your next project!
