How to Fix a Double-Hung Window

Imagine this: You’re taking one of your wood double-hung window sashes out of its frame when suddenly and violently, the spring-loaded balance releases and snaps up into the vinyl jamb liner. The first time this happens, you stand there in shock. Then you notice broken plastic parts on the floor and that there’s no longer any tensioning force to hold the sash open after you put the sash back into the window jamb liner (or track).

You must decide if you’d prefer to let a pro handle this repair. If so, search online or look in the Yellow Pages under “Windows, Repairs.” Search for outfits specializing in a range of window repair work, and avoid the listed hardware stores that may only replace broken glass. If you fix this yourself, choose one of the following three repair options (depending on the damage you identify and/or your skill level):

1. Replace the whole vinyl jamb liner unit—including both balance cartridges. This is the simplest but most costly approach. If you’re a beginning do-it- yourselfer, go this route.
2. Replace only the broken balance cartridge. This inexpensive repair is for intermediate skill workers.
3. Take apart the crippled balance cartridge, replace the broken locking terminal and (sometimes) restring the pulley mechanism. Tackle this only if you’re a highly experienced do-it-yourselfer.

First, get the repair parts. (Note: The parts and the repair techniques are different for wood windows and all-vinyl windows.) Double-hung wooden window hardware may vary by brand. To make sure you get the right parts, first refer to any product literature you may have. Then order repair parts from the manufacturer through the dealer where you bought your window.

If the original part sources are unknown, you can buy generic parts over the Internet. If you’re going to buy either the entire vinyl track unit or just the damaged balance cartridge, copy the number stamped on the cartridge’s face. This number is the glass size code for your window; a parts retailer can’t fill your order without it.

Whichever repair option you choose, if it’s a wood double-hung window, you must first remove the vinyl jamb liner unit from the window frame.

Notes:

• Our window was a factory-made unit, not an older window retrofitted with vinyl tracks.
• Each type of window has a different method for jamb liner installation.
• Our jamb liner came out of the left-hand side of the window opening. For right-hand side jamb liners, reverse any instructions calling for turning a screwdriver clockwise or counterclockwise.

Window Balance Repair Figure A: Anatomy of a Window Balance

Our window uses a “block-and-tackle” balance. Each window has four balances, two per jamb liner. If the locking terminal is broken, the cord in one block-and-tackle mechanism may have snarled. To restring the pulley system, use a pliers to grab the top of the tensioning spring and detach it from the holding pin. Once the pulleys are restrung, run some cord out the bottom of the balance, clamp it with locking pliers and reconnect the pulley block to the spring. Insert the holding pin and install a new locking terminal.

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Window Balance Repair Figure B: Glass Size Code

Record the glass size code stamped on the balance cartridge. If you replace the whole cartridge, you’ll need this code to order parts. Note the position of both the locking terminal and the braking pawl before the unit is installed in the jamb liner (Photo 7).

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