Window Hardware Repair

If your window slides down after you open it, or you have to prop it up with a stick, the balances are worn or broken. Balances sit in the side tracks of a double-hung or single-hung window and hold the sash at any height. When they fail, gravity wins.

There are three common kinds:

• Spiral balances (also called tube balances): a spring and a twisted rod inside a tube. Common in vinyl windows.
• Block-and-tackle balances (also called channel balances): a spring and a set of pulleys inside a metal channel with a cord.
• Constant-force coil balances: a flat coiled spring that rolls in and out of a pocket at the top of the track.

Older wood windows can use sash springs or a cord-and-weight system. We assess sash cords and weights case by case. For balance repairs, our technicians identify the system, match the parts and adjust the sash support.

Most modern double-hung windows tilt in for cleaning. Two tilt latches at the top of the sash hold it in the track, and two pivot bars at the bottom hold it in the balance shoes. When a latch breaks or a pivot bar breaks, the sash drops out of the frame, sits crooked or won't tilt back in.

We replace the tilt latches and pivot bars, reset the sash in the balance shoes, and check that it tilts, slides and closes square.

A sash lock that will not turn or meet its keeper needs the lock and sash alignment checked. A broken lock, loose keeper or sash that has dropped on worn balances can prevent it from closing properly. We identify the cause, replace the affected parts and check the alignment.

Paint, swelling, debris or failed hardware can make a window stick. Our technicians inspect the sash and operating parts and explain the repair needed.

A casement crank that spins without opening the window has stripped gears in the operator. A window that opens but won't close tight has a bent arm or worn hinges. We replace the crank operator, the handle, the hinges or the lock, matched to your window.

Awning windows use a similar operator, and we repair those too. We can usually source compatible cranks and operators for older or discontinued windows, subject to availability. Most hardware is ordered after the first inspection.

A drafty window usually has worn weatherstripping, a sash that doesn't close tight, or a lock that doesn't pull the sashes together. We replace the weatherstripping, adjust the sash and fix the lock so the window seals when it's closed.

If the glass itself has gone foggy, the seal between the panes has failed and the glass insulates less. See fogged window glass replacement.