
- Find the Balance Shoe. Each section of glass on a double-hung window is called a sash. ...
- Locate the Tilt Pin. Each window sash has a tilt pin on either side, located in the balance shoe. ...
- Unlock the Balance Shoe. ...
- Reset the Pin. ...
- Adjust the Lower Sash. ...
- Reset the Window (and Test) Finally, snap the lower sash back into place. ...
How to replace old double hung windows with vinyl replacements?
Take Out the Sash
- The first step is to remove the old sash from the window frame. ...
- Next, take out the parting beads to free the upper sash. If your windows, like these, were previously fitted with sash-replacement kits, there won't be any beads. ...
- Then pivot one side of the sash upward to free it from the jamb liners.
How do you replace a double hung window?
- Do not include any trim in this measurement.
- To expose the jamb (the vertical side of the window frame) at the bottom of the window, raise the window sash.
- Place a tape measure horizontally between the inside jamb on the left and the right.
- Close the window and make a similar measurement from jamb to jamb near the middle of the window.
How to open a double hung window for cleaning?
- Window cleaner (i.e. Windex)
- Magic eraser (for vinyl windows)
- Wood polish and dust cloths (for wood windows)
- Vacuum with extension hose
- 5 gallon bucket of warm water
- window squeegee
- Extra towels or lint-free cloths
How to install double hung windows?
Tools Required
- Caulk gun
- Cordless drill
- Hammer
- Level
- Pliers
- Protractor
- Putty knife
- Tape measure
- Utility knife

Can double-hung windows be repaired?
Replacing a double-hung window altogether will start at around $200. However, repairing a double-hung window, in many cases, is an easy project you can do yourself. If you have a flathead screwdriver lying around, it won't cost you much more than a few minutes of your time.
Can vinyl replacement windows be repaired?
Can Vinyl Windows Be Repaired? Yes! It is possible to repair most damage to vinyl window frames. Some repairs are even simple enough that you can do them yourself.
How do you put a vinyl window back on track?
0:261:55How to fix popped out double hung vinyl window sash. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to take a flat headed screwdriver. Insert it into where the window pins themselves wouldMoreYou want to take a flat headed screwdriver. Insert it into where the window pins themselves would insert.
How do you fix a double-hung window that fell?
Fixing a Double-Hung Window that Falls ShutFind the balance shoe in the casing of the window's outer frame. ... Locate the tilt pin at the bottom of the window sash. ... Examine the balance shoe. ... Guide the shoe up the frame with your screwdriver until it's within a few inches of the disconnected sash.More items...
How do you repair vinyl windows?
0:008:29Repairing a Vinyl Window - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have a window that won't stay up or is hard to open this video might show you how to repairMoreIf you have a window that won't stay up or is hard to open this video might show you how to repair that window. I'm how to Bob let's take a look at this window.
Can vinyl windows be resealed?
If there is no water damage, but there is air drafting in, you may be able to reseal the window. To reseal the window you use caulk and weatherstripping to block any routes the air might be traveling. There should be an original bead of caulk between the trim and the wall.
How do you fix a window that came off track?
Answer provided byTake apart all attachments on the door panel, including the window crank (buttons that activate the electric window switch), armrests, and cupholders.Remove the door panel. ... Check the window motor. ... Check the cables. ... Move the glass pane. ... Ensure the window realigned properly.More items...
How do you fix house window that fell off track?
1:152:24How to Repair Up/Down Sliding Windows : Window CleaningYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce we have the rod hooked in place we're going to put this windowpane. Back back in and so inMoreOnce we have the rod hooked in place we're going to put this windowpane. Back back in and so in order to do this we're going to hook it the right side first. And they're going to hook on the left.
How do you fix a dropped window?
1:072:06How to Fix Dropping Windows & Windows That Won't Stay OpenYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you can do to help solve this problem is take a flat head screwdriver. Give a firm grip whenMoreWhat you can do to help solve this problem is take a flat head screwdriver. Give a firm grip when you insert it into the metal shoe be careful when you give it that quarter.
How do you repair a vinyl window spring?
1:433:24Side-Load Single Hung Balance Spring Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe balance spring tightly. Put downward pressure on the bound spring. Until you can slide the topMoreThe balance spring tightly. Put downward pressure on the bound spring. Until you can slide the top of the balance ring under the takeout clip to reinstall the sash into the frame of the window raise.
Why do people use double hung windows?
Double-hung windows are very popular with homeowners because both the top and bottom sashes open , offering flexible airflow options. If you have a double-hung window that falls shut, you may find yourself propping it open with wooden dowels ...
What does it mean when a window drops?
A dropped window is an indicator of a bad, disconnected, or misplaced balance shoe. Each double-hung window in your home 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.
How to adjust a disconnected balance shoe?
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 til t pin at the bottom of the window sash. For the window to work correctly, the tilt pin must fit inside ...
Material Cost (DIY vs. Hiring a Pro)
If your windows are old or you’re worried about damaging the window frame, you may consult the help of a pro. Hiring a window repair specialist to diagnose and fix your window will cost about $100. Replacing a double-hung window altogether will start at around $200.
1. Find the Balance Shoe
Each section of glass on a double-hung window is called a sash. On a double-hung window, there are two sashes: the top sash and lower sash. These panes of glass slide up and down on pulleys in opposite directions.
2. Locate the Tilt Pin
Each window sash has a tilt pin on either side, located in the balance shoe. Tilt pins allow the sashes to open in an outward fashion for easy window cleaning and repair.
3. Unlock the Balance Shoe
The U-shape means your tilt pin is in a locked position. To repair a double-hung window, you’ll need to unlock it.
4. Reset the Pin
If your balance shoe is sitting at the bottom of the window frame, you’ll need to reset it. Position it approximately 2 inches from the bottom of the lower sash.
5. Adjust the Lower Sash
Move your window down to the point where you’ve reset (and relocked) your balance shoe.
6. Reset the Window (and Test)
Finally, snap the lower sash back into place. Make sure the tilt latches are fully hooked into the frame. Test your window by moving it up and down. When you stop, does it stay in place? If so, great! You’re all done.
How to remove double hung window?
Remove the double-hung window. First, you will need to pop out both takeout clips at a 45-degree angle. Then, you will need to locate the sash stops and remove those out of the frame before you can slide the sash up. When you’ve removed these, slide the window up until you feel it catch on the take out clips .
How much does it cost to fix double hung windows?
That’s totally okay, even if it’s not necessary. A fix for most double hung windows will cost at least $30 for a typical handyman to do. Even then, they will probably give you a quick tutorial on how to fix it should your window shut again.
What to do if your balance shoe tilt pin won't fit?
If the tilt pin can’t fit in your balance shoe, you will need to order a new balance shoe and replace it. If it can, proceed to the next step. Rotate your balance shoe to an unlocked position. You can do this with your fingernails, or a flathead screwdriver.
What does it mean when a double hung window falls?
A falling double hung window means that your balance shoe is a sign of a broken, unbalanced, or missing balance shoe. To get your double hung window ot stay open, you will need to check the tilt pin, make sure that it fits in the shoe, check the shoe’s position, unlock it, and then screw it closed. If it’s broken, you need to replace it.
How to adjust a window balance?
Ready to make sure your windows stay in place? Follow these instructions to make it happen: 1 Find the shoe balance, then take a look at the tilt pin. If the tilt pin can’t fit in your balance shoe, you will need to order a new balance shoe and replace it. If it can, proceed to the next step. 2 Rotate your balance shoe to an unlocked position. You can do this with your fingernails, or a flathead screwdriver. Either way, you will need to make sure to keep your balance shoe properly screwed in. 3 Guide your balance shoe up to the general area of the disconnected sash. You only need a couple of inches of space to make this happen. Lock your shoe back into place once it’s high up. 4 Slide your balance shoe back into place. Check to make sure that you can engage your tilt pin and lock it back into place. 5 Test it out a couple of times. Open your window to varying levels near the sash. If it stays up after a couple of knocks on your window, you should be good to go.
How to replace a sash on a window?
Put the sash above the balancer, and wiggle it back and forth until both of the top sides catch. Slowly slide down the sash. Install the sash stops and push in the takeout clips. You will then need to replace the sash stops, and put the take out clips back into the position. Test your window.
Do double hung windows have a balance shoe?
For the most part, any modern windows that are being used on a house’s exterior will have a balance shoe. In the past, double hung windows would occasionally have mechanisms that have their windows open separately for both the top half and bottom half. These windows usually used chains or locks to keep them open.
