Windows not only perform aesthetic roles, but they are designed to benefit us in various ways. Some of the essential purposes of the windows include protection against harsh weather conditions, light entry, and room ventilation. Double-hung windows perform these functions more efficiently because they have top and bottom sashes for optimum performance.
With time, the popularity of double-hung windows is increasing. One of the primary reasons they are so trendy among homeowners is that they allow adjustable airflow.
What Is A Double Hung Window?
You may have seen the windows with upper and lower window sashes. These windows can open and close from both sides and can slide vertically past one another.
Keep in mind that the casement of both parts of double-hung windows is the same. So they seem to be coming out from the same box.
These are the traditional windows in which a lower sash is present in front of the upper sash. By sashes, we mean the glass panes of the window on both upper and more downsides. These two sides are sometimes divided into various small decorative lights or may have a removable grid.
Remember that each window sash of the double-hung window slides independently of the other. So, we can say these windows have two separate grooves that allow separate sliding functionality. Sometimes, a window screen is present, which is familiar to both sashes.
The most remarkable feature of the double-hung window is having a ventilation area of half of the total window’s area.
However, some people complain that their window that is double-hung often falls shut. As a result, they find themselves keeping it in the usable state by using different objects of daily use, including study books, or wood blocks and these are temporary fixes.
Facing A Dropped Window? Here’s How You Can Diagnose It!
As we know that normal and commonly used windows open and move in the horizontal direction. So it is pretty easy to manage their casement. On the other hand, whether the windows are single or double-hung, they open and close in the vertical direction, so they are considerably affected by the gravitational forces.
In other words, they can drop more quickly than the horizontal windows and are more susceptible to falling issues. However, the new windows do not show such problems, but they may begin to show dropping problems with time. In this case, they refuse to keep working and fall again and again until someone holds them.
However, you should not worry about the repairs because they are straightforward and can be done correctly. Having little information is also crucial to do your job confidently in the right way.
The good news is that the problem can be solved without removing or detaching the sashes from the window frame.
Solving The Falling Issues Of Double-hung Windows
Lack of proper balance can give rise to dropped windows. Moreover, any bad fitting or disconnection can also lead to a window that falls shut.
Every double-hung window is made up of up to 4 cartridges that provide it a balance. Even if any one of them does not work properly, your double-hung window will start showing a dropping problem whenever you try to keep it up. In short, all your attempts will go in vain when you do not know how to solve and fix the double-hung window dropping problem.
Steps for the adjustment of the balance shoe and balance system
Here are the few steps that will help you in the adjustment of a balance shoe.
Here you might be wondering what the balance shoe is and how it can prevent your window from falling shut.
Just follow the steps given below, and you will get the point.
- A Balance shoe is a small tool used in the manufacturing process of a double-hung window. The location of this balance part is the outer frame of a window. In a particular situation of a dropped window, the balance shoe does not retain position to the lower region.
All you need to do is to find the balance shoe in the frame of the double-hung window.
- You’ll also find the small tilt pin near the bottom shoe. In double-hung windows that are entirely correct and do not drop, the pin is inserted. However, in case of the windows that drop, this pin will not seem fitted inside the balance shoe. This will apply especially to spiral balance types.
Wherever the tilt pin is present, you have to figure out what its exact location is.
- As discussed earlier, the dropped windows have the balance shoe in the bottom region of the frame. However, if you want to move it to the outer edge to stop your window from falling shut, you have to examine it first closely. If it is in the U shape, it simply means that the balance shoe is locked, and you cannot move it to the outer frame region.
- The next step is to unlock the balance shoe. For this purpose, you will need a flat head screwdriver. Keep on tightening the bottom shoe until it takes the form of “C.” Please be extremely cautious and proceed carefully as some times the whole balance system tension will pop!
- Now you have unlocked the bottom shoe, bring it up to the frame using the screwdriver until it reaches a small distance from the sash. Now, you can adjust the shoe!
- Make sure to adjust the position of the pin as it plays a vital role in protecting your window from dropping.
- If you want to avoid dropped window for the long term, unlock the sash and move it in the inner direction. Lock the sash again, and it will retain its vertical position.
Congratulations! You have fixed a double-hung window problem on your own by using a simple DIY technique.
Now it is time to check your repair.
This is the most exciting step!
Keep on moving the window in a vertical direction for a few minutes. It will enable you to find out whether or not the issue has been solved.
In almost 90% of the cases, you will love your achievement because your double-hung window is ready for long-term usage. Now, please note that in some cases the window balance system can break or go bad, therefore the previous steps won’t solve the problem and in this case the only way around it is to replace the entire balance system and not just the balance shoe.
Still Confused? Schedule A Meeting With A Window Repair Company Or Consultant
Although fixing a double-hung window is a DIY task, and you can easily do it yourself, the problem may still come back again.
Window repair companies provide permanent and long-term solutions to this problem. Sometimes, they will ask you to replace the window, especially when the double-hung window is a bit old.
The costs of hiring window repair companies are somewhat higher because now these double-hung windows have become an essential component of homes and offices.
Replacement of these windows requires a time of not more than two days, and the company will replace all the double-hung windows of a building or home during this time frame.
It is a stylish and functioning window that needs a bit of your care and will start adding beauty and freshness to your home.
Contact Advanced Window & Glass Repair if you need your window balance system repaired @ (571) 351-3692
The Bottom Line
A window that is double-hung is almost a guaranteed value; you must consider installing the one in your home.
However, if you already have it in your home and want to repair it, you must be a good do-it-yourselfer. Otherwise, requesting the help of a professional may be a better route to take.
If you have ever tried to use the given techniques of fixing a dropped window, do not forget to share your experiences with us. We will love to discuss them on the website.
