Extending the useful life of old vinyl windows - fixing mechanisms
#1
08-08-17, 03:00 PM
Extending the useful life of old vinyl windows - fixing mechanisms
I have about 10 old, first generation, double hung vinyl windows. The glass is fine but they don't stay up - either the top sash falls or the bottom window falls when lifted. Most probably need both new balances and shoes. They have a screw balance.
I called in window repair person for an estimate. They estimated about $40 per window. During their estimate they said the process of installing a new screw balance probably will break the white vinyl trim on the insides of the window frame. And since there is no description as to the year or the manufacturer they wont be able to buy new ones.
Question 1: How hard is it to install new balances and shoes? I am moderately handy. But a bit short on time.
Question 2: What if I only put on new shoes for the bottom window? I have the the top window wedged in place with a white piece of trim. Is this a bad idea? Will the lower window stay up if it has new shoes only?
Question 3: I dont want to have broken white vinyl molding on the insides of the window. What might be work arounds to fix this? Or ways to find replacement parts for the sides of the window?
Thanks! Window repair is new to me. I appreciate your help.
I called in window repair person for an estimate. They estimated about $40 per window. During their estimate they said the process of installing a new screw balance probably will break the white vinyl trim on the insides of the window frame. And since there is no description as to the year or the manufacturer they wont be able to buy new ones.
Question 1: How hard is it to install new balances and shoes? I am moderately handy. But a bit short on time.
Question 2: What if I only put on new shoes for the bottom window? I have the the top window wedged in place with a white piece of trim. Is this a bad idea? Will the lower window stay up if it has new shoes only?
Question 3: I dont want to have broken white vinyl molding on the insides of the window. What might be work arounds to fix this? Or ways to find replacement parts for the sides of the window?
Thanks! Window repair is new to me. I appreciate your help.
#2
08-08-17, 03:06 PM
Group Moderator
Not too hard but you need a winding tool. And it helps to know what you are doing. You don't need new shoes unless the old ones are broken. The balance is what holds the window up, not the shoe. I doubt anything will break, they are just covering their butt.
#3
08-09-17, 08:40 AM
Thanks!
The shoes are broken. What is the purpose of a shoe if the balance holds the window up?
The shoes are broken. What is the purpose of a shoe if the balance holds the window up?
#4
08-09-17, 10:13 AM
Group Moderator
The shoe has to 1). Hold the pivot bars on each side of the window sash securely. 2). Lock by cam friction when the window sash is tipped down, then unlock and slide freely once the window has been closed. 3). Hold the ends of the spiral balances so that they can help raise the window.
