Window Won't Stay Open? Easy Fix

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How to fix a window that won't stay open.
If your window won't stay open it could be that your balancers aren't fully engaged. In this short video, we'll show you how to check if they are, fix if they aren't, and what to do to keep it from happening again. houstonwindowe...
#HoustonWindowExperts
#WindowFix
#DoItYourself

[@OhHer01]

THANK YOU! So much...one little turn of the screw driver and the balancer snapping back into place and fixed it perfectly. Now I can stop my search for some scrap wood to prop the window open 😂

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Awesome!

[@brendafisher2353]

Thank you! I am a 75 year old woman and even I could follow your instructions.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Lol... Great job!

[@trishanderson1819]

Thank you so much! I was able to fix our windows myself, much to the surprise of my husband and father-in-law. I love that

[@maryannszwabowski6832]

My 2 living room windows broke like this while cleaning...one years ago and one last year. They are no longer broke thanks to your video! GREAT TUTORIAL.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That's Awesome!! Good job, Mary Ann!

[@juniorramirez9030]

Jajajaj 😂😂

[@BBFerg]

You are the best kind of teacher for me

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Thanks for watching

[@MaryseCarbonneau]

Thank you so very much. Saved my life... at least my patience! Merci! ♥

[@carolynmadden5731]

Excellent. Fixed a window that hasn't worked for a year.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Yay!

[@thegethconsensus393]

So that’s how these windows work. Thank you for the explanation. It’s very much appreciated.

[@azaquihelify]

Window issues drive nuts, but i can't wait to try this!!

[@garyrose6604]

I have tried fixing my windows for 2 years. I watched your video and 5 minutes later, both of my windows work. You explained the fix so well. Thank you.

[@lorihodges3734]

We have a warm day here so I decide to open my window about 30 minutes ago just to have it come crashing down. Your video just saved our day. Window is now open and the breeze is blowing. Thank you so much for sharing this information.

[@THX-wc2jo]

Brilliant! Fast, simple fix for ‘broken’ sash!! Thank you!!

[@Wowzersdude-k5c]

Thank you. I was about to call out for a service call and was able to fix it myself in 30 seconds.

[@CarolCausby-ec1tp]

Thank you Jeff! Thanks to you with your great explanation our window stays up now! You saved the day.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great 👍

[@acthompson2740]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! The balance shoe pivot was partially broken off. I've been propping it up all these years, thinking that it would no longer work. Turned the pivot anyway with a screwdriver and it popped right back up! At least I bought some time while I get a replacement shoe.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great 👍

[@Lustvig]

Wow, excellent video. Saved me a ton on headache. Video had good lighting, excellent sound volume. Demonstration was thankfully on an actual demo setup. Presenter was clear, easy to understand. Nice.

[@chelmer7132]

I just wanted to Thank you for the information and help you give!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! If I need any more windows, WE are going to you!! My wife found your video and fixed the window herself,she feels very proud she had a great instructor!!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That's amazing! I'm so glad that my video was able to help you with this. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you in the future, please.

[@user-mf9vq9yj3i]

Your step by step assistance did the trick!! My windows are back in smooth operation!!! Thanks!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Yay!!

[@adamdebesai]

Super helpful! Thank you sir!

[@jimphilpott1365]

THANKS!!! your clear explanation and demonstration made it so EASY!!

[@mikeb9760]

Thank you for the descriptive video on the frame parts. Our window wouldn’t stay open after a cleaning, and I was able to fix it exactly according to your instructions. Granted, the plastic housing around the shoe is cracked and won’t stay down by itself, but I was able to use vice grips to hold the cord long enough for me to reinstall the window. Good stuff!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great!!

[@authoralecgould1737]

You've saved our kitties lives. :) Thanks for the info video.

[@davidpepino4583]

Great video. Quick, simple, and solved the problem. Thanks

[@vtecmikee]

Very informative video. Went to fix one of the windows we have broken for a while now with just a screwdriver. Thank you!

[@candiburns4072]

Great video! Very informative and taught the name of the pieces. Also thanks for explaining the difference between single slide and double slide. Before you got to that explanation in your video, I spent time trying to figure out the difference. In my mind, double was envisioned as side by side. Not up and down🤦🏼‍♀️ I JUST learned that I have double slides. Will be subscribing to your channel because I need to learn how to replace broken sash pivots and broken balancing shoes. Hoping you have a video explaining that process.

[@kayono9357]

Thank you for teaching me a mechanism. I fixed it perfectly.

[@user-vz4mu5em9q]

Thank you! Your video made the fix so simple.

[@angelofcv]

GREAT INFO and Instructions ! Thank You So Much !

[@ac_junior72]

Ugh, really thought this was the problem with my window. I can even tell the right side didn't seem in place - sache pivot looked dislodged or un-level when I went to remove the window. My mom had these windows installed in 2009, not sure if this is a tad different? This started having the issue a few years ago - window just wont stay open, FINALLY checked here to see a solution, great video by the way. There is (was) a tiny plastic piece above the balancer shoe insert....the metal piece you inserted the screwdriver...this flimsy plastic seemed to be destroyed. i aligned it like you did at 3:34, window went in fine and level. But no luck on my end, window still won't stay open. I am not 100% certain that the balancer shoe insert is turning to lock this track in place, thinking this COULD be the problem or maybe this entire balancer assembly needs a total replacement. Eh...not sure. I have to try this again. Still, great video..I appreciate it. Have a good one!

[@tanyawieczorek6603]

Did you try it again?

[@howayyang]

Thank you for your video!! We haven’t been able to use our window for months! Now it’s working again!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Awesome!!

[@vdub7090]

Omg thank you so much, I just fixed one of my windows and I'm gonna fix the other when I take out my ac. You are an absolute life saver!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Thank you! I'm glad we were able to help.

[@user-de9rt1cl9f]

Great video- i cleaned my windows and had this problem. Was able to fix thanks to your video.

[@brendafranklin2248]

Thank you so much. My installer omitted explaining this to me.

[@SteveAlexander-pe5fx]

Hey there, thanks for the tip on how to reinstall a window I took out to clean. Put it back in and when I tried to open the window, it came crashing down. 👍👍 you video was a life savor

[@camarykaren]

Omg. Two of my windows had this problem and I thought it had somwthing to do with the balance . Tou saved me from what couls have lead ro a biggee issue . I didnt even notice those little tiny things. Thanks.😊 Also, great simple well thought instructions

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Awesome!! Thanks for watching

[@crazyblonde2012]

We bought our house with about 90% of our windows not able to stay open. We've owned it for 4 years now. I wish we requested this be fixed. Hopefully this is the fix!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Fingers crossed!

[@mscandelaria09]

Thank you Jeff I 😊 was able to fix window in Les than 15 min

[@ArleneBovill-b3f]

Thank you so much!!! The hardest part was finding a flathead screwdriver :)

[@Zyrog]

thanks bro, i couldnt figure out how to reseat my window to make it work again but i figured it out with your tutorial even though the mechanism was different

[@fancy1190]

Thank you!! Saved me a call to the repairman.

[@muddavi]

Great video! I've been putting off fixing one of my windows for about a year. Got it fixed in 2 minutes after watching this

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Sweet!

[@usamamakary1533]

Love your video, is it possible to guide me to any video or to share a list of components (parts) need to build my own sash windows ? I have a custom size and based on what I learn from you, I think I can do it if I know what are all the components to construct a sash window with Vinal or Prix glass instead of glass

[@crixmorgan]

Thank you!! Nothing like this comes with instructions!! lol!! had two windows like this after wife cleaned em.... to easy!!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great!!

[@Xtine1foryou]

Great video! We have very old double hung windows and we have been holding them up with cut lumber. It’s depressing. Lol I always thought they were broken for good.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great! I hope this helps.

[@halfmoonvector]

Yay! Thank you! Great explanation and demo. Window is working!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Awesome!!

[@jesusyepez7896]

Great video! Used your instructions to fix my window!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Awesome 👍

[@MARGAR0309]

WOW !! Thank you. Really appreciate the tutorial

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great! Thanks for watching

[@brucehanson8481]

Greta video-What's the cost to replace the balancers or springs?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

I would imagine that the parts are under $30. It's the labor, and the trip charges that will raise the price.

[@jenxwebdesign]

Very helpful, thank you 🙏 Do you have a video about fixing a double-hung window where the top sash won't stay open?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

I do not have a video about that yet. Thanks for giving me a good idea.

[@samchambers3284]

Thank you !

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

You're welcome

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Very helpful. Maybe there's hope for my poor functioning removable windows after all.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great 👍

[@peterzhang6091]

This is a great vedio

[@smashweights]

This is amazing! I have 4 heavy windows downstairs that all won't go up and crunch because the springs had come out of the carriers. After watching this video took me about 20 minutes to fix most of them after 3 years of just dealing with it. One of the windows is missing a carrier on one side, how can I replace this?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great! You will need to contact the manufacturer for the parts.

[@ladyblu143]

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Thank you for watching

[@user-yv7tv9gg6f]

Do you have a video of how to change the balancer and how to find out what balancer goes in your window !? Pls help

[@prajwalasamala1362]

Thank you so much! I fixed my window.😊

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great!

[@teesaeed6529]

Thanks a lot for uploading the video, I have seen few videos the way you are fixing it , I have double hung windows the upper parts after closing it , does not stay up all the way after little while it drops down like 10-12 inches any suggestion how could fix that any workable suggestion would much appreciated.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That sounds like the spring mechanism has failed. You need to replace those springs.

[@teesaeed6529]

@@HoustonWindowExperts thank you very much for a quick response I will sure check it

[@patc5003]

Great video -- thank you!

[@fariecyn]

Great video. I don't see the shoe on the front lower window track - it's on the back track for the upper window. I see round coils on my front lower window.😩

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

If it has the coil, it must have a shoe. The only reason it would not have a shoe is if it broke off. You may have to call a service technician for some help.

[@fariecyn]

Thank you so much! Yes, I found the shoe finally, but this window is a flat coil rolled in a cartridge looking thing. I haven't found a help video for that yet, but in the meantime, we had an earthquake here on Long Island - haa fun stuff! Thank you very kindly for your reply🤗@@HoustonWindowExperts

[@davemband91]

Very helpful! Sadly, I have two windows with my pivot areas broke. Has they same balancer as the who you are working with. I can find that matching pivot arm. Any idea where I can look for this style of window?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Call a glass company. They usually have parts.

[@Hahn929]

Thank you, I fixed it but now I can barely open it. What should I do?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

It sounds like you need to take it out and start all over. Maybe it's not seated in there correctly.

[@user-ph5ss6go6d]

Great video!!!

[@marcelinoramos4580]

Thank you

[@mormril]

Awesome video

[@autumn1231]

Hi Jeff, thank you for all of your past responses. I'm going back and forth with deciding on whether to go with a bay or a bow. I have a 1961 1850 sq ft split level home. There is currently a "rotting" bow in the living room but I find the bays more aesthetically pleasing. My wife will go either way but she leans toward the bow.. Wondering what your thoughts are and thank you. Charlotte, NC.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

If your house can support it that choice is yours. I like bay better than now because you get more glass.

[@janeleekeller]

a1231 Uninterrupted Glass 😊.

[@AMFitz]

I have that problem I hope it works. Will let you know.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great 👍

[@AMFitz]

@@HoustonWindowExperts I don't think it will I looked at it today my window spring is entirely different than what you advertised. Mine have the wind spring. I see people placing all these easy videos but they don't go into the difficult ones

[@user-re3du9ge1e]

Worked like a charm!

[@KuteKawaiiKitty]

My pivot bar thing at the bottom is broken...just one side of it. Help please! 1 bar springs up and one doest also.

[@DanTheManIOM]

?? What if the windows are at least 10 years old, and tabs broken and you can see that metal shoe up near the midpoint. I don't know who made these vinyl windows, but they did come from Home Depot. Looks like I will be measuring the parts and taking pictures. Thanks for the video, comments also raise it up in the search engine too.

[@KiwiBrowne]

Thank you. I just had new windows installed and some stay up and other slide back down. They are heavy aluminum, not vinyl, does that matter? Thanks so much.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

It should be the same process. Thanks for watching

[@colleengethings5010]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Glad to help

[@dmontgomery7533]

This is exactly the problem I have w a bathroom window. Getting ready to see if this fixes it? If it doesn't, what could be another reason and solution to get the window to stay up?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Did it work?

[@dmontgomery7533]

@@HoustonWindowExperts I got it to stay up to approx 2 inches and stay, but it's still not operating normally/correctly.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

You may need to call a window technician to take a look at that. I'm not sure what it could be in this case. Perhaps the balancer is broken.

[@OfficialNeuroticJdm]

very helpful thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

You're welcome!

[@Poleishon]

Thanks for the info

[@patneary4015]

Does it matter which way you turn the shoe? I notice that you did it inward on one and outward on the other..

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

The shoe can spin either direction. All you want to do is make sure it lines up with the window sash.

[@charliebellmyer3086]

THANK YOU!!! This video saved by bacon

[@MissyBee-g7e]

What are you using? Flat head screw driver or something else to move the shoe?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Flat head

[@RS-dq9pn]

My right side spring is loose how do I tighten it?

[@johnchlada5181]

What do I do when my balance er is broken and the metal strip is all coiled at the top of the bottom window ?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

You will need a new constant force balancer.

[@RealPete1013]

What about the top window that slides down, is it the same process?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Yes

[@zmorbi]

I’ve watched a great many of your videos with interest. I moved out of Houston a few years ago so I can’t use your services now as I’m doing a major renovation in my California home. Do you know a good window/patio door company in the SF/Bay Area, specifically in the South Bay like San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale CA area? Thanks for your great videos!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Thank you for watching and your question. Yes, we do have a list of great window companies all around the country and I think we have someone right in your area. Could you please email her office and they can check our list and get back to you? [e-mail]

[@profitthabarber9454]

I have an issue/ they installed a vertical slider horizontally so it slammed down how can I fix without Replacing whole window

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That is not a problem you can fix easily. That window will end up leaking because the weep holes are in the wrong location now. I would tell them to replace that window. It's the only right way to fix it.

[@NYPDBlew]

When lifting the pane, I heard the spring pop in the frame. Now it's dead weight. I'm unaware of the manufacturer as of now, but I'm wondering how to tell if it needs a spring replacement. I'd love to learn this without having to remove the 4 foot wide sash alone.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

If the spring has traveled to the top, just pull it down with a screwdriver.

[@NYPDBlew]

@HoustonWindowExperts how do Ifish it through and attach it back to tge bottom of the sash with the with window in place?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Obviously, it's hard for me to visualize exactly what has happened. However, if the spring is still connected to the shoe, you should be able to put a screwdriver in there and drag it down as I do in my video. If not, you're going to need to call a local window company for help.

[@NYPDBlew]

@HoustonWindowExperts thanks. When football is over hopefully I can snap a pic for the students. T hank you for your responsiveness.

[@paulhutton1507]

With my window it went cockeyed as I was cleaning it. It’s been “broken” for years lol

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Yikes

[@evelynvalencia9505]

Thank you so much!!! ❤

[@tanyawieczorek6603]

Ok but what caused it to not stay open before, when the two sides were still engaged in the shoes?

[@ericpawlow1231]

What if the track only stays "locked" when the U/C mechanism position is with the U facing downward? The side tracks seem locked but when I tilt the window back into position it falls right down because the window turns the U up when I push the window back in. Thanks.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Sorry, I'm not following you completely. The only problem I've ever seen is the one where the balancer is not connected to the sash. Can you check that and make sure it's connected properly? If it is connected properly, it would be likely then that the spring has failed inside of the balancer.

[@user-yv7tv9gg6f]

Do you have a video of how to replace those sliders in the window

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Not yet. I'll add it to my list.

[@justice4all997]

Let people know if their sash pivot is slightly bend it won't engage with the shoe . I eventually figured that out breaking one in the process just tapping it with a hammer. One side is holding the window up however I got to get the other one

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Good point. I forgot to mention that.

[@benanderson3900]

My window has the opposite issue. The chord is very tight and I cannot lower the window. Any way to fix?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

The "shoe" must be turned 90 degrees to far.

[@benanderson3900]

@@HoustonWindowExperts I dont fully understand what you mean. I tried rotating and the left side shoe and it was able to move up and down when unlocked. The issue I seem to be having is with the right side shoe, whenever I unlock it or try to, it makes a rough clicking noise and doesnt move up or down once unlocked. Any Idea how to fix?

[@benanderson3900]

Situation fixed. Just needed some WD-40, was stuck on something.

[@meg_pflueger]

I have double hung tilt windows and if I open them the top sash immediately falls

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

It sounds like you have a balancer issue. I'd suggest calling the manufacturer to see if it's under warranty.

[@nickkiser8958]

My house is 80+ years old and idk how old my bedroom window is but I tried to pick it up for my cat and it slammed shut. The metal coil on the side rolled up and I don't know how to fix it now

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That sounds like a broken part.. call a glass company and ask if they repair broken balancers.. Sorry to hear that

[@jogordon1530]

Mine just broke after about 15 years. Thanks for the information.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

You're welcome

[@steel916]

Hi Jeff, Great video! Quick question - what do you think of Window World / Window World windows particular their 6000 Series? I'm in Long Island, NY. Thank you.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

I don't have a lot of good things to say about their window. It is definitely targeted to a low end project at very affordable prices. I send them a lot of business everyday when somebody in my area is looking for something for a flip house.

[@steel916]

@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you!

[@shawnapruitt2482]

What happens if the sash pivot is broke in both sides? Can I use something to replace the sash pivot?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

These parts are readily available for most manufacturers or even on amazon.

[@justrose981]

That spring/coil, the golden thin metal came off from Two of my windows. How can I fix that?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That will probably require a service technician to come out and fix that. There are some special tools used for that.

[@biggchi828]

the springs are at the bottom of the frame, does this mean they’re broken?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Proven? Did you mean broken? If they're at the bottom and there is no tension on them when you tilt the shoe, then maybe that is the case.

[@johnthedon6867]

What is the name of that piece. Need to replace one

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

It's the Balancer Shoe

[@fh4867]

Is there a fix for not being careful enough and letting the tension cause the shoe to fly up to the top? It won’t budge now, even when unlocked 🤓

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Use a flat screwdriver and turn it vertical and slide it down.

[@DeSoccerRefMan]

How can I dentify the brand of double hung wooden window (manufactured 10/12/2005)

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

A lot of times you will find an etching in the corner of the glass that will tell you who manufactured the window. You might also look at the lock on a window to see if there's a name on the lock itself. If you cannot find a name in either of those two locations, it's probably an off-brand product.