The windows in your home serve several important purposes. They allow light to enter, give you a view of the exterior, and ventilate your space. Double-hung windows are especially popular with homeowners because the top and bottom sashes open, offering flexible airflow options.
However, dealing with a double-hung window that keeps sliding down can be a nuisance. These windows aren’t perfect and are susceptible to issues. If you have a double-hung window that won't stay up, you may find yourself propping it open with wooden dowels or sturdy books. While this is an acceptable short-term fix, it isn’t a long-term solution.
Before you pay to have your windows replaced, follow this double-hung window repair guide from Glass Doctor®:
- Diagnosing a dropped window
- Fixing a double-hung window that won’t stay open
- Double-hung window repair
Diagnosing a Dropped Window
Various types of windows operate in different ways. For example, sliding windows move horizontally, while awning and casement windows pivot outward. Meanwhile, single- and double-hung windows open vertically, making them uniquely susceptible to what is known as a “dropped window.” This is when the sash keeps falling shut or refuses to stay open.
If you’re experiencing a “window falling”, you can tackle the repair with a little information and the proper tool — a flathead screwdriver. Remember that you don’t need to remove the sash from the window frame to perform the repair.
Fixing a Double-Hung Window that Keeps Sliding Down
If your double-hung window keeps sliding down, this indicates a bad, disconnected, or misplaced balance shoe. Each double-hung window has four balance cartridges —two per jamb liner. If one of the balance shoes inside isn’t working properly, the sash will slide down when you attempt to raise it.
To adjust a disconnected balance shoe, follow these steps:
- Find the balance shoe in the casing of the window’s outer frame. In the case of dropped windows, the balance shoe is usually pushed to the bottom of the frame.
- Locate the tilt pin at the bottom of the window sash. The tilt pin must fit inside the balance shoe for the window to function correctly.
- Examine the balance shoe. If it has a “U” shape within it, this means it’s in the locked position. However, you want the shoe to be unlocked, so rotate it with a flathead screwdriver until it resembles a “C.”
- Guide the shoe up the frame with a screwdriver until it’s within a few inches of the disconnected sash, then lock the shoe back into place.
- Slide the sash back down and re-engage the tilt pin with the balance shoe.
- For extra assurance, unlock the top of the sash and tilt it inward the way you would when cleaning a window. Knock on the area you just reconnected a few times, and then lock the sash back into its vertical position.
- Slide the sash up and down a few times to test out your repair.
Double-Hung Window Repair
If you’re having trouble fixing a fallen double-hung window, don’t worry. Your local Glass Doctor has specialized tools and decades of experience to tackle the problem head-on.
Our double-hung window repair process goes like this:
- Assessment: A professional will assess the condition of your double-hung windows to identify any issues requiring repair.
- Estimate: After the assessment, you will receive an estimate for the cost of the repairs. This may include the cost of replacement parts, labor, and any other relevant fees.
- Repairs: We will proceed with the repairs once you approve the estimate. This might involve replacing broken glass, repairing or replacing hardware, fixing balance issues, or addressing any other problems.
- Quality check: After completing the repairs, we will perform a quality check to ensure that the windows function correctly and that the repairs meet the necessary standards.
- Cleanup: We’ll clean up any debris or materials left from the repair process, leaving your space in good condition.
Scheduling Repair for a Double-Hung Window That Won’t Stay Up is Easy With Glass Doctor
If you don’t have the time, skills, or patience to learn how to fix a falling window, turn to Glass Doctor for the services you need. Not only do we repair broken glass and replace window panes, but we also repair damaged components, such as balance shoes in double-hung windows.
Contact Glass Doctor today for double-hung window repair and other home glass repairs. You can also give us a call or request a job estimate online!