You’re not alone if you think, “I can’t deal with this” every time your double hung window won’t stay up.
Window problems are frustrating. When it’s your house, naturally you want it to feel like home. You might feel exasperated and don’t know where to start.
There’s a few ways to fix a window that doesn’t stay up. First, you need to figure out what the underlying cause is. So, let’s take a look.
Common Causes & Solutions for Window Problems
There’s many common reasons why windows won’t stay open, but you also need to know how to fix them. Here’s what might be happening and what you can do about it:
1. It might be painted shut.
Bad paint jobs on windows can’t always be avoided, especially if your windows are older. With double hung windows, you also need to paint them every three to five years for upkeep.
Solution: When you’re painting windows, it’s best to open them so the paint can dry with it open like that. However, if it’s too late for that, use a putty or utility knife around the window seal to break the paint up.
2. The window tracks might be dirty.
Dirty window tracks full of grime are not only gross but also cause friction on windows.
Solution: Vacuum up all of the dirt on the window tracks before wiping it down. Wet a clean cloth with wax for wooden windows and household cleaner for vinyl windows.
Whatever you do, don’t use oil. It ruins both wooden and vinyl windows.
3. The fasteners are loose.
Loose fasteners definitely make double hung windows not stay up.
Solution: Try tightening the fasteners. This should do the trick, but if it doesn’t then your window’s fastening hole might be stripped. If that’s the case, you’ll need to use wood filler in the hole before replacing the fastener.
4. Your windows don’t have enough lubricant.
Windows often don’t stay up because there’s not enough lubricant on the tracks. They end up getting stuck in some awkward position, if you can even open them at all.
Solution: Try candle wax. If you have vinyl windows, then use a silicone-based lubricant. This should make the tracks less sticky and allow your window to stay up.
5. The sash cords might be broken.
Double hung windows have a system of cords and pulleys inside that help balance the weight of the window while opening it. Unfortunately, it likely needs replacing.
Solution: Remove the window, then repair the broken sash cords.
Better to Buy Replacement Windows?
It might be better altogether to replace your windows if they’re too old or you don’t have time to fix them. However, you’re going to have to proceed carefully because replacement windows can have many problems too.
Some of these problems include fogging up, a loss of insulation, or highly conductive. Avoid these problems with replacement windowsby choosing your new windows carefully.
Double Hung Windows: No Longer an Annoyance
Now that you know how to fix double hung windows that won’t stay up (or how to decide if you should replace them), hopefully they’re less of an annoyance to you! Double hung windows add a nice aesthetic to your home, and their upkeep doesn’t need to be a nuisance.
It’s worth it to keep maintenance up on them to avoid more problems later!
