Window No Longer Opens

Question

The windows were installed when our house was built in 1987. Yesterday one of the widows was almost impossible to raise-like something was holding it back-maybe a spring broken? Im thinking I need one or maybe both of the channel spring assemblies? The total length of the window is 58 1/4". I haven't figured out how to take the window out-it won't go far enough to one side to do that-can you tell em how they come out?Some of the other windows are getting hard to raise-if its possible to take them out and lubricate them can you tell me what to use>

Tom · Accepted Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out to us. Based on your description of the issue, I agree that your balance is almost certainly the culprit. Replacing it should get your window in working order again.

The problem with that is that, based on the design of your window, I don't think your balance was made to be repaired or replaced in any matter. Older windows like yours were mass produced and intended to be replaced entirely in the event that anything broke; they wanted you buying all new windows, not just a small repair part here or there.

This is bad business of course and not many windows are still made this way, but it doesn't change our situation. You might need to get a little creative to remove the original. The first step should be to raise the window and detach the spiral balance at the bottom, where it connects to the bottom corners of the frame. Take note that when the balances are disconnected like this, there isn't anything holding the window up. Make sure to keep a hand on it and gently lower it close once the balances are off.

After that, unscrew the balances at the top of the track and see if you can pull them up and out from the opening at the top. If you're lucky, there will be plenty of room and they'll just come out. If you're unlucky, it'll be a very tight fit. You just have to do your best.

Once the balance is out, show me a clearer picture of the bottom end of the spiral. I will also need you to tell me the length and diameter of the metal tube. That will hopefully point us in the right direction. I can't guarantee that we sell this design but at this stage I am optimistic that we can help.