It takes a lot of strength to open your window when you want to let in some fresh air.There are a lot of simple fixes you can do at home if you are having trouble with a window.If your window has built-up dirt that is causing it to stick, you may need to replace some small components if they are still causing you trouble.We will show you how to fix some of the most common problems with just a few tools.Just like new, your window should be working when you finish.Check out our guide if you need to replace a window pane.This guide can be used for a full window replacement.
Step 1: Lift the sash out of the window.
The part of your window that moves is called the sliding sash.If you can, open the window and slide the sash open.Lift the window up so it comes off the track.Pull the top of the window out from the frame when you tilt the sash toward you.Place it on a work surface.Ask someone to help you lift and carry the window if you can't hold it on your own.If you accidentally break the glass by dropping the sash, you need to replace it.Release buttons can be found at the top of some sliding windows.Press the buttons and tilt the window toward you.Remove the sash stops and open the removal clips if you want to remove a vertical window.Pull the window out by opening it up to the top of the frame.
Step 2: The bottom track needs to be removed.
The sliding sash rolls on a track along the bottom of the window frame.Grab onto the rail with your fingers and pull it out of place.If you can't pop it out by hand, Pry the track with a knife.If your window opens vertically, you won't be able to remove the bottom or side tracks.If you have an aluminum or metal track, you may need to remove it or you won't be able to.You will be able to clean it.
Step 3: Remove the debris with a vacuum.
It is easier to reach your window with the hose attachment on your vacuum.The dirt under the track could cause the window to grind if you try to slide it.Pick up as much debris as you can with your vacuum.If it is more convenient for you, you can use a handheld vacuum.The brush attachment can be used to loosen dirt that is stuck on the frame or track.The side tracks should be vacuumed when cleaning a window that opens vertically.
Step 4: The tracks and window frame need to be washed.
Put a squirt of dish soap on a paper towel or non-abrasive cleaning cloth to get it damp.If you missed any dirt with your vacuum, you can wipe the bottom of the window frame and the tracks on the sides.The track piece needs to be cleaned off so that it doesn't have anything left on the surface.If you want a more powerful cleaning solution, sprinkle baking soda on the track and spray it with white vinegar.Allow it to sit for a while before wiping it off.
Step 5: To clean the tracks, wipe them with a clean paper towel.
Some debris may get caught in the tracks along the side of the window frame if it opens vertically.Put a paper towel in the track at the top of the window frame and wipe it down.Use a fresh paper towel on the opposite side of the window to clean out the mess.If you still can't see the build up, spray the track with some white vinegar and baking powder.You can use a butter knife to break apart gunk in corners.
Step 6: The window rollers need to be sprayed.
Dirt and gunk on the rollers can make it hard for your window to open and close.You can see the rollers on the bottom if you turn the sash upside-down.Give the rollers a short burst by pointing the lubricant nozzle at them.The rollers should be wiped with a paper towel.Windows that open vertically will not have rollers.
Step 7: If your window operates smoothly, replace the track and sash.
Push the track down until it snaps back into place.Push the top of the sash into the frame.Set the sliding piece on the track by moving the bottom of it back into the frame.If the window moves smoothly, try moving it back and forth.You might still have problems with the track or rollers if your window doesn't slide easily.
Step 8: Take the sliding sash out of the window.
If you can, open your window and slide it open.Lift it off the track by grabbing onto the sides of the sash.You can easily slide the top out if you guide the bottom out.While you are working, set the sash aside so it doesn't get damaged.The guard block on top of some windows prevents you from lifting the window out when it is closed.If you have trouble lifting it out, try opening it further past the block.
Step 9: Push the track down to make sure it's seated.
If the track was not installed correctly, it could be raised in some places and brush against your window as you try to open it.Put firm pressure on the entire length of the track.This only works on plastic tracks.Set a piece of wood on top of the track if you can't push it by hand.Use a hammer to force the track into the frame.
Step 10: A mallet and a piece of wood can be used to straighten a metal track.
You can shape the track back into place if it gets bent or warped.Put a straight, narrow piece of wood behind the track.The metal that bows in toward the middle of the track should be pressed tightly against the straight edge of wood.The metal track should be straight against the side of the wood.If you hit the track without a piece of wood, your window sash could fall out from the frame.
Step 11: If your window has a broken or damaged sill track, install a new one.
If there is damage to your track, you may need to replace it.Measure the length of the old track to know how long you need for the new one.You should buy a track that is the same brand and model as your window.Place the new track inside the frame and press it into place.You can put the new rail over the first one if you are replacing a metal track.Press the caulk over the old track after applying a thin line of caulk.You can buy replacement rails from a home improvement store.You might need to call a window repair service if you can't find them on your own.
Step 12: The sliding sash needs to be removed from the window.
You may need to replace the rollers if they don't operate smoothly after you've cleaned them.You won't be able to lift it out of the frame if you open the window as far as you can.Lift it off of the track by holding onto the sides.To get the top out of the frame, tilt the sash toward your body.You can access the rollers on the bottom if you bring it over to your work area.Since you broke the window pane, be very careful when transporting the sash.
Step 13: There are damaged roller wheels on the window.
You can see the rollers running along the bottom by turning the sash upside down.Use aPhillips head screwdriver and look for a screw to hold the assembly in place.You can pry the wheels out of the assembly with a flathead screwdriver if you don't see a screw.Depending on the size and brand of your window, there are usually two roller assembly that each have 2 rollers.
Step 14: Purchase new roller wheels that match the window model.
If you want to know which rollers to get, write down the brand on your window.You should bring the old rollers with you when you buy the new ones.Purchase enough replacements to fit in your window.Roller replacements can be bought from home improvement stores.
Step 15: New rollers can be inserted into the assembly.
If you remove the entire assembly, use the same screws to attach the new ones to the slots.Push the rollers back into the slots if you only popped them out.If you removed the old rollers from the assembly, you should use the same slots for the rollers.
Step 16: Attach the sash to the window.
The top should be guided back into the channel at the top of the window frame by flipping the sliding sash right-side-up.Lift the window and put the bottom on the track.Roll the sash back and forth to see if it runs smoothly.If it works, you are done with your repairs.Call a professional service if your window doesn't open or close.
Step 17: On the sides of the window, open the removal clips.
There are metal removal clips on the sides of the frame.The clips should be pried open by hand or with a flathead screwdriver.There is a balancing system hidden inside of the window.The window will not have clips if the removal buttons are on top of the sliding section.
Step 18: Take the sash out of the frame.
Lift the sliding section of your window.Lift your window until you feel tension.Slowly slide the window out of the frame.Press the buttons on the top of the sash and tilt the window toward you to pull it out.The plastic guards at the top of the frame may prevent you from removing the window.You can either pop them out by hand or use your screwdriver.
Step 19: If your window gets stuck, replace the balance springs.
Slowly tilt the balance spring away from the side as you hold onto the top of the long metal cover.You can unhook it from the frame if you feel the balance spring come loose.The spring needs to be removed from the other side of the window.Put your new balance springs in the holes and tilt them back against the sides until they click into the removal clips.The balance springs are metal pieces that run along the side of the window so it is easier to open and close.You may need to use aPhillips screwdriver to remove the balance spring from your window.
Step 20: If you popped your window out of the track, raise the balance shoes.
The weight of the window is supported by balance shoes.The horseshoe-shaped hole has a flathead screwdriver in it.Lift the shoe up by about 5 inches above the frame.The opening of the horseshoe needs to be turned 90 degrees counterclockwise to lock it.They can be raised to the same height if they repeat the process on the other side.If you try to tilt it in before raising it, it might pop out of the shoes.
Step 21: If your window doesn't work again, you should install the sliding sash.
On a window with balance springs, place the sash in the frame 2–3 in above the removal clips.The springs have to be locked back into the window.If your window has balance shoes, place the bottom pins of the sash in the horseshoe-shaped holes and tilt the window back into the frame.If your window is malfunctioning, you should call a professional service to fix it.