Alcan window
Home Owner from Florida
Oct 3, 2025 3:19 pm
Having trouble removing a single hung Alcan window sash. The opened take-out clips catch both balancers and the sash becomes loose - I can move it side to side about 3/8 of an inch. Undortunately, it isn't quite loose enough to remove the sash. I need another 1/8 of an inch. What am I missing? There seems to be a white plastic part on the top corners of the sash that isn't part of the balance but adds to the effective width of the sash. Does it have to be removed and if so, how?
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4 Replies
Casey from SWISCO
Oct 9, 2025 10:37 am
Hello,
Have you seen our video below showing how to remove the sash to access these non-tilt channel balances? There is no special trick, but you should have room to push the sash to one side and carefully remove it from the sash as shown in the video. The plastic parts in the corners are the top sash guides, which are used to hold the balances in place below the sash.
Home Owner from Florida
Oct 9, 2025 11:44 am
Thanks vor the video. Unfortunately for me, I don't have enough side-to-side room to remove the sash. I suspect the window frames have "squished" inward slightly over time, preventing the loosened sash from being removed without a vicious fight. Any other thoughts? Should I use a 2x4 to force the frame slightly wider to create the necessary opening width to remove the sash?
Paul from SWISCO
Oct 9, 2025 1:05 pm
As shown in our video, pull out the take-out clips and raise the sash to disengage the sash from the balances. Make sure the bottom of the sash is above the bottom nylon shoes, and push the sash to one side. You'll need a putty knife to work the sash out of the window frame on the opposite side.
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