How to Fix A Window That Won’t Stay Up

How to Fix A Window That Won’t Stay Up

Windows that won’t stay up when you open them aren’t just an irritation — they can be potentially dangerous. This kind of home repair shouldn’t be ignored. Here, we look at how to fix a window that won’t stay up and also explore some of the reasons this fault tends to develop.

What Causes a Window To Keep Falling?

One of the main reasons a window doesn’t stay up is likely that one or both of the balances of the window have become detached from the sash. This is the most common reason for a falling window.

Another reason a window doesn’t stay up is that the balances are still connected but aren’t functioning properly. In both of these instances, it’s important to replace the balances before the window becomes a safety hazard.

How to Fix a Window That Won’t Stay Up

If your wood window won’t stay up, then you should fix it immediately. A falling window could cause injury to a child or pet if it drops on them when they’re looking out of the opening. In addition, if the window breaks or shatters as a result of the impact, that creates a secondary safety hazard.

How to fix a window that won’t stay up depends on what the problem is that’s causing it to fall. There are some simple temporary fixes that can stop the window from slamming shut unexpectedly, but you should inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the cause and make sure the problem isn’t likely to come back.

The simplest fix is to replace the pivot bar. This bar connects the balances to the sash of the window and holds it securely in place. A snapped or bent pivot bar is an obvious issue, and this part is easy to replace.

If the pivot bar appears to be in good working order, the issue could be with the shoes or balances of the window frame. Shoes are small plastic or metal blocks that sit inside the frame. If these are damaged, there’s nothing for the bar to grip to hold the window in position.

Balances come in three types:

  • Spiral
  • Constant force
  • Block and tackle

Most balances are held in place with one or two screws. Take care when inspecting or removing them, because they may be under tension and spring out when you release them. A broken balance should be easy to spot.

If your windows are very old, you may struggle to find manufacturer-branded replacement parts. Fortunately, most window manufacturers stick to a very similar format for their parts, so generic pivot bars, balances and shoes should be OK as long as the dimensions are the same.

Should You Replace Your Windows if They Won’t Stay Up?

If you’ve found yourself wondering how to fix a window that won’t stay up, it’s likely you’ve had your existing glazing for quite a few years and it may be time for replacements. Modern windows could help cut your heating or AC costs.

Even if you aren’t having issues because a wood window won’t stay up or you’re just looking to make your home more energy-efficient, call Thompson Creek to learn about the range of sound-proof and energy-efficient windows.