Tilt Window Both Sashes Fall Down

Home Owner from Pittsburgh

Jun 5, 2015 9:24 pm

The bottom sash would slowly fall down after being opened for awhile. Now the top sash falls as soon as the window latch is released. I know the balance needed to be replaced since the bottom sash would fall but I don't know what I need to do to fix the top sash. Also when the top sash does fall to the bottom you can see the balance which is a 600 series and it's very lose. Any idea on what I need to fix both of the sashes???

I attached a picture of the window.

Melissa

User submitted a photo of window hardware.

7 Replies

Home Owner from Pittsburgh

Jun 6, 2015 10:20 am

Here's a picture of the bottom of the top sash. I'm not sure what that "stopper" is.

We took the bottom sash out this morning to determine the balance. 5/8" 27" Black Tip.

Paul from SWISCO

Jun 8, 2015 2:21 pm

You may just need to recharge the balances so that they can get their tension back. Since you have tilt windows, see our guide below on how you can do this.

Guide: How to adjust a spiral balance on a tilt window

Home Owner from Pittsburgh

Jun 8, 2015 2:59 pm

Recharging the balance will the keep the Top Sash from falling down? Right now it falls as soon as the window is un-latched.

Paul from SWISCO

Jun 9, 2015 11:27 am

Yes, recharging your spiral balances should give them their tension back, which will allow them to do their job again. However, if you find that charging them does not work, or if you're charging them without feeling any tension build in the spring (you would definitely feel it), then the springs may be shot. In that case, the balances would have to be replaced entirely.

Home Owner from Pittsburgh

Jun 16, 2015 7:57 pm

I received the tension tool and how do I know if the balance is bad or if I'm charging it wrong? I pushed it all the way up and turned it clockwise and it doesn't seem to do anything and the window is worse now.

Paul from SWISCO

Jun 17, 2015 2:59 pm

If you are charging them without feeling any tension build, then they are likely worn out. I would recommend replacing them entirely. If the diameter of the tube is 5/8" or 9/16", I would recommend our Series 600 spiral balances.