A double-hung window offers multiple airflow options in a home, it is one of the reasons homeowners install it in their homes. However, when the top sash of a double-hung window won't stay up, it presents several problems; insects flying into your home, rain and other debris, plus it's a safety issue. In this article, we will look at what you can do to fix such this problem.
How Do Double Hung Windows Work?
Simply a double hung window has two sashes, one at the bottom and one at the top. Both sash can move up and down to allow air into your home.
A double-hung window works by sliding on the side jambs. The side jambs and sometimes the head jamb house the balance system. The balance system is what counterbalances the weight of the window sash and enables it to move up and down. A double-hung window can be tilted inward using the tilt latches to allow you to wash the back of the windows without using any ladders. It has a lock-in mechanism that allows you to secure the sash in place.
The Top Sash of a Double-Hung Window Won’t Stay Up
While a double-hung window has a lot of benefits, there may be times that you may experience some faulty issues with your windows especially when the sash won't stay up. If you are dealing with such an issue, it is likely that you have one of the following problems:
The window tilt pin has disengaged from the balance shoe
This happens when the balance shoe which is the opening that controls the window sash has disengaged from the tilt pin. If the tilt pin is disconnected from the balance shoe, the window won't stay up because the controller is not working.
The balance system is damaged
Since the balance system is what counterbalances the weight of the window when it moves up and down when the balance system fails, it can stop the sash from staying up.
Now that we have identified the two likely problems, let's see how we can fix it.
How to Re-engage the Windows Tilt Pin to the Balance Shoe
The tilt pin locks into the balance shoe to keep the window sash moving up or down, so to re-engage the tilt pin, Here is what you will do:
- To remove the window sash, remove the tilt latches, tilt it to 90 degrees, and slowly disengage it from the window jamb
- Locate the balance shoe on the window jamb, if it is way too low then it has fallen out of place, return it and turn it to face upwards in a U- shape.
- Get the window sash and hook the pin into the U shape balance shoe on one side and complete it on the other side of the window
- Tilt the window sash upwards and this should free your window and cause it to stay up again.
How to Identify and Repair the Window Balance System
The balance system is located on the window jamb and may be covered with a plastic covering. The balance system comes in a variety of types depending on the type of window that you have. You can read up on the different types of balance systems available. To replace a spiral balance, here is what you need to do:
- Detach the window sash from the window frame
- Locate the balance system on each side of the window jamb and remove the plastic covering using a flathead screw
- Use a screwdriver to detach the balance system and remove it.
- Measure the length of the balance system from one end to the other and look for a replacement from a window vendor.
- Once you get a replacement, attach it to the window jamb with a screwdriver until firmly in place, use a balance winding tool to wind the balance until you can attach it to the balance shoe at the bottom. Cover the balance with the plastic covering
- Re-attach the window sash to the window frame and your window is working perfectly well.
If you have a double-hung window where the top sash won't stay up, troubleshoot to find out what the issue is. Having a good knowledge of how to fix it will help you to regain the use of your windows again. If however you are not technically inclined to do this by yourself, you can call a window technician or handyman to help you fix the problem.
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