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How Does This Window Work?
It seems like I need 4 hands to open this thing comfortably. There are two latches on the bottom that I need to put constant pressure on to move it up first. There are also two switches at the top that have to be pushed in to take resistance off of metal bars. It's pretty difficult to push it up, and it makes a terrible sound, as I cannot hold the latches in and push up at the same time.
Discussion
Those two things on top release it from the track allowing you to remove the window completely pull them both and you can pull it off. I don’t know why’s it’s hard to slide.
Id probably search for a lubricant to help in those side holes. Unless there's other issues that point to foundation issues. I'd guess it just needs a little oomph
It looks like that’s a double hung window, so you can tilt the window inward to clean the exterior pane more easily.
Window manufacturer here.
The top latches are for tilting in to clean. You do not press them inwards unless you are cleaning the window.
The difficulty to open would be attributed to the balances drying out. This are the silver tubes on each side of the window. They can be replaced by a professional.
Or if you want to bandaid it do the following. Get 100% silicone spray. Do not use wd40 unless it’s their version of 100% silicone. Open the window 4-5” upward. Tilt the sash slightly inward (45 degrees) using the tilt latches you’ve located on top of the sash. You’re just needing to tilt the window in far enough to expose the lower portion of the balances. They will look like a metal spiral. Spray the spirals with the silicone spray, a few sprays will do it. Then using a paper towel wipe the spirals down. Repeat a couple times, silicone spray will loosen the dirt from the spirals, the towel will remove it. The spirals should get less and less dark as you do this. After a few rounds of this, spray the spirals top to bottom then tilt the window closed. Slowly open it up and down to spread out the silicone. This should allow it to work better than before.
That is not a permanent fix and without changing the balances out you will have to reapply silicone every couple weeks. The importance of swapping out for new balances is the upper cartridge of a new balance is plum full of ….you guessed it, silicone lubricants. They aren’t expensive. Our costs are under $10 per balance, we always swap out in pairs. Likely will have a labor charge as well. Hope this helps
Follow up, I forgot to include that if the balances have disconnected from the shoe (part that attaches the sash to the window) that no amount of silicone will save you. The rattling sound of a balance usually proceeds its demise.
Thanks, dude!
Those top latches are to remove your window. It sounds like you need to replace your spiral window spring balances. Windows usually have balances to counter-balance the weight of the window, thus making them easier to open and close. Those metal tubes on each side of the window are the spring balances.
When you pull the top sliders in you can drop the sash towards you to clean the outside.
Yeah those top ones slide then the window tilts in.
Raise window 6 inches,pull both latches inward and pull top of window toward yourself. You can then remove the window by twisting it in the horizontal position. At least this is how ours work.
Sounds like the spring/spiral is broken within the window frame, which helps the window go up and down on the tracks. That's probably why the window is difficult to open/close
Sounds like the frame is one of two things. 1: not plumb and level causing increased friction. 2: compressed Either by movement of the structure or by the installation of too much spray foam to insulate the window.
The top latches allow the window sash to come out, either by swinging down or completely being removed.
A lot of people mention the top releases are for removing the window or cleaning.
The window can also be used like that to insert a screen for your window to keep bugs out while the window is open normally
Nah that straight up broken…. The frame is broken inside the track.
Lift the window up 2 inches. Squeeze both aping latches at the same time. While squeezing both simultaneously pull the top of the window towards you SLOWLY! Do not make one side higher than the other, they need to stay level.
Someone probably sprayed great stuff behind the molding.
That's just to tilt it in for cleaning if I'm not mistaken.
you lift both tabs SIMULTANEOUSLY and the top of the sash tilts in
Clean out the tracks and lube them up with some wd-40 if you please. It’s penetrating oil, but will get the job done of making your window easier to open. Dirt and debris will build up in the tracks over time. Heat can also cause some expansion in the frames of window depending on what they’re made out of.
Shouldn’t need to use the top levers unless you’re trying to clean the outside part of the window. Cleaning the tracks will be easier with the window tilted inside the house.
If you’re skeptical of wd-40 with rubber, then choose a different lubricant.
I'd rather use a dry lubricant.
Well that is why I said if you’re skeptical, then choose a different lubricant. Most people have wd-40 lying around the house, and it’s used with rubber all the time. Preferred or not, it’ll work and won’t cost anything given that they already have it
Wd-40 evaporates. It’s a horrible ( or I should say “temporary “ ) lubricant. For plastic, use white lithium spray.
I could be wrong, but I think the latches at the top that you are operating in the video are to allow you to tip the pane inward into the room so that you can clean the outside glass from inside the house. If you pull both top latches at the same time and then pull gently on the top of the pane, does it tip inward?
Yes this is right..
You are correct. Op pull both top latch and the top of the windows swings down and in.
Thank you! It was pretty hard, and I needed help, but I eventually got it open, and it had a corkscrew looking thing on the inside.
As a window manufacturer, this is correct.
I’m this guy’s customer. He’s right.
Lol YUP you have NO idea how long it took me to realize that at my old apartment but I had never seen a window like that before XD
Also to allow you to remove the screen.
OP, you may need to open the window a couple inches before tilting it.
Otherwise it may break the window.