Hi, I have some vinyl windows that will not stay open. Does anyone have a solution to this problem other than a stick. Thanks, Art
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art-- depending on the type of vinyl window, sometimes you can retension the balances by unscrewing them from the jamb, turning them so the balance springs become tighter, and reattaching them. its really pretty simple; just be careful that the balances don't get away from you and completely unwind when you take them off. its a little trial and error to get them set right, but its worth it.
Art,
Most vinyl single hung windows that I have dealt with have an approx. 5/8 x5/8 sq. tube that recess into ''dados" in the sides of the of the side of the operator sash. the lifting power is derived from a coil spring attached to a miniature block and tackle ,the free end of which hooks in a slot in the jamb of the primary frame. These devices, called balances, have a number printed on the side such as 17-3 or 17- 30. The first number refers to the length of the case and is fairly specific to the size of the sash in which it is installed. In a pinch, you could use one that is slightly shorter than what the window came with but never one that is longer. The second number refers to the strength of the spring and and will vary according to the weight of the sash in which it resides this value is usually calculated by the window manufacturer and they usually do a good job. occasionally, however, due to variables such as very wide SH windows, dark tinted, and therefore thicker, glass, or the use of laminated safety glass to meet a code,or simply a dumb day, Monday or Friday, the balances are not strong enough to raise the sash to it's proper height. In this case you must obtain stronger rated balances. the example 17- 3 or 17-30 would need to be changed to 17-4 or 1740. Another possibility is that one of the balances is broken( spring or nylon line) so only one is doing any work. This is usually easy to spot because the broken balance will often, but not always, stay on the bottom of the frame when the sash is lifted. In any case, you need to remove the sash to get at the balances. Usually, there will be a pair of metal clips set into the jamb on either side,above the top of the sash. If you stick your finger nail or a small flat screwdriver blade under the bottom edge of these clips and pull out on them, they will hinge out to form hooks that will capture the balances when the sash is raised. once you feel the balances release,continue to raise the sash as far as it will go. At this point,push to one side or the other and tip the free side out of the primary frame. Now you should be able to read the numbers on the balance tube. If this is a relatively new house your builder and/or window supplier should take care of all this for you.If not,contact a retailer who deals in your brand of window and explain the situation and they should be able to order you heavier balances.If you can't determine your window brand, and many are hard for a layman to identify, you might try an independent glass shop and have them handle it . It will be more expensive, but way less than buying a lot of the wrong parts. If you do it all your self, be extremely careful removing the old ones and installing the new ones. The springs are fully compressed in the stored position. to remove, grasp the balance tube with BOTH hands and pull down slightly until the upper end is free of the clip.Now raise the balance until all resistance is gone. Now unhook the end of the cord from the slot in the jamb. To install the new ones, reverse the procedure. I can't stress strongly enough the importance of holding on tightly when there is any tension on the spring. I have seen one get away and blast a hole through the header of the window. Think what that could do to an eye,ear,nose or hand. Good luck and I hope this pertains to your windows.
Chris
Awesome! Thanks for detailed answer. thanks, Art
I like Shep's attempt at a fix first. Before you remove the screw at the top where the spring is attached use a small set of locking pliers with a cloth in the jaw to prevent it from spinning. You should count the winds and do the same to both sides. Try this first though. I would assume that your windows tilt in to clean. If this was done and one of the springs is no longer attached to the sash the sash will just fall. Tilt your sash in and look to the pivot points to see if the connection looks right. All springs should lock on the frame when the sash is tipped in so they won't rise up when the weight is taken off of them. When this happened and the sash was put back in place it could have been skewed or the pin at the bottom of the sash might just not have touched the release connected to the bottom of the sash spring to put the tension back on the sash. Some types are an excentric cam that locks on the frame when the window is tilted. The slot is open on the top when you tilt the window in so the sash can be then removed from the frame by lifting one side up at a time. You should see the slot (for the keeper on the spring)and the pin (on the bottom of the sash) nested before you tilt it back up. If this is the type and they are not nested before you tilt back up, when you lift the sash you will see a gray keeper sitting in the frame track that isn't moving and feel the weight of the sash without counterballance. Just tilt the sash back in, re-nest the parts, and tilt back up carefully.
If it is a part problem, most part on a vinyl window are transferable to another make as long as they fit the extrusions so if the part does need to be replaced it could be bought over the counter at a local supplier. Taking the part to them to compare would be easiest.