A window that won’t stay open usually has worn or misadjusted balances, loose friction hinges, or damaged sash cords; inspect and reset parts.
Why Your Window Won’t Stay Open
Windows fall shut for a handful of mechanical reasons. Double-hung models rely on hidden counterbalances. Casements use friction stays on their hinges. Old wood sashes use cords and weights. When those parts slip, bind, or break, gravity wins. Your job is to identify which system you have and test the pieces in the track or hinge.
Before you grab tools, close the sash and look at the frame. Note the material and window style. Vinyl and aluminum sash tracks often hide spring or spiral balances. Wood windows from pre-war homes may still run on pulleys and weights. Casements swing out on metal arms with an adjustable screw. Each design points to a different fix.
| Window Type | Likely Cause | First Check |
|---|---|---|
| Double-hung (vinyl/aluminum) | Channel or spiral balance out of tension | Look for balance shoes and intact pivot bars |
| Double-hung (older wood) | Broken or slack sash cord; light weights | Peek behind side panel for weight pocket |
| Casement/uPVC | Loose friction stay screw on hinge | Turn the small hinge screw and test |
| Slider | Debris in track; worn rollers | Vacuum track; inspect rollers |
| Tilt-in double-hung | Balance shoe stuck after tilting | Reset shoe height with a flat screwdriver |
Window Not Staying Open: Fast Diagnosis Steps
Work from safe to invasive. Start with cleaning and visual checks. Then test tension parts. Only remove sashes when needed. Keep one hand under the sash while you test in case it drops.
Step 1: Clean Tracks And Lube Moving Points
Vacuum jamb tracks, wipe clean, and add a light silicone shot on shoes or pulleys. Skip gummy oils.
Step 2: Identify The Balance Or Hinge Type
Channel shoe and cam equals channel balance. Spiral rod equals spiral. Disappearing cord equals weights. Casements show a hinge arm with a tiny tension screw.
Step 3: Test Tension And Engagement
Raise halfway and release. Sinking sash means low tension or a shoe that isn’t catching. Pre-wind spirals, verify cams grip pins, and replace snapped cords.
Repairs For Double-Hung Windows
Most drop problems on modern double-hung units trace to balances and shoes. The fix ranges from a quick reset to a simple swap. Work one side at a time and photograph parts as you go.
Reset A Stuck Balance Shoe
When a tilt-in sash was cleaned and the shoes stayed low, the sash pins sit above them and never catch. Remove the sash. Insert a flat screwdriver into the shoe cam, rotate it to the unlock position, slide the shoe to mid-frame, then rotate back to lock. Reinstall the sash and test. Many “guillotine” windows are cured by this minute-long reset.
Re-tension A Spiral Balance
Spiral systems lose spring over time. With the sash removed, place a spiral charging tool or needle-nose pliers on the tip. Turn clockwise to add one or two turns. Hook the tip onto the shoe or bracket and snap the retainer in place. Reinstall the sash and test. Add a turn if the sash still sags. Back off a turn if it climbs on its own. See how spiral systems create tension in this short primer on spiral balances.
Replace A Failed Channel Balance
If the metal track with a cord and pulley is bent or the cord is frayed, replacement is smart. Note the stamp code on the old balance and the length. Release spring tension, depress the take-out clip, slide the balance up, and pull it free. Install the new unit, set the clip, and reconnect the shoe. The sash should now pause at any height.
Fix Or Re-weight A Cord-And-Pulley Window
Classic wood sashes are the most charming and the most forgiving. Pry off the side access panel. Remove broken cord remnants. Thread new sash cord over the pulley and attach to the weight. If the sash still drifts down, add a small lead slug to the pocket until the weight equals the sash. Tie knots at equal lengths so both sides track evenly. For a detailed walkthrough, see this guide to repairing sash cords.
Repairs For Casement Windows
Casements that won’t hold position usually need friction added at the hinge. Some also have worn operators or link arms. Start with the free fix.
Tighten The Friction Stay
Open the window. Find the small screw on the hinge arm near the pivot. Turn clockwise a quarter turn. Close and reopen. Repeat until the sash holds at mid-travel without drifting. If the screw bottoms out and the sash still drops, the stay is worn and should be replaced in matched pairs.
Check The Operator And Arms
With the sash open, watch the gear operator while you crank. Slop or skipping teeth indicates a stripped worm gear. Link arms with play can also let the sash swing shut in wind. Replace as a set so alignment stays true. Replace in pairs to keep closing pressure even across the top hinge.
Safety Checks While You Work
Prop the sash while testing. Keep kids clear. On upper floors, limit openings to a few inches until repairs are done. Screens don’t stop falls; use window stops or guards.
Tools And Supplies
You can handle most fixes with basic hand tools. A few specialty items speed the job. Keep parts from each side in labeled bags so you can mirror the setup. Use eye protection. Always.
| Fix Option | DIY Time | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean tracks and lube | 15–30 minutes | $0–$10 |
| Reset balance shoe | 10–20 minutes | $0 |
| Re-tension spiral balance | 20–40 minutes | $0–$15 tool |
| Replace channel balance | 45–90 minutes | $20–$40 per side |
| Replace sash cords/weights | 1–3 hours | $10–$30 materials |
| Tighten/replace friction stay | 15–60 minutes | $0–$25 per hinge |
| Replace operator/arms | 1–2 hours | $40–$120 parts |
Step-By-Step: Channel Balance Swap
Set a blanket under the work area. Remove the sash, park the spring with the take-out clip, slide the old balance free, hook the new unit, reconnect the shoe, and test. The sash should hold at quarter, half, and three-quarter heights.
When To Call A Pro
Call in help when glass is cracked, wood is rotten, frames are out of square, or the sash binds even with balances free. Multiple failed parts across a set of windows can also point to age-out. In that case, compare repair time to a sash kit or full unit swap. Ask for part numbers in writing. Request estimates upfront.
Preventive Care To Keep Windows Holding
Once your sash stays put, keep it that way. Clean tracks each season. Wipe weatherstripping. Check weep holes, clear drain paths, and keep weatherstrip clean and seated. Test balance hold at a few points. Keep hinge screws snug. Open top sashes where you can to limit reach by kids. Where children are present, add stops or guards that adults can release during an emergency. Recheck seasonally and log what you changed. Mark dates on a small label.
Quick Troubleshooting Cheatsheet
Use these cues to jump to the right fix:
If The Sash Drops Fast
Balance spring broken or shoe not engaged. Reset the shoe or replace the balance.
If The Sash Creeps Down Slowly
Tension is low. Add a spiral turn or choose a heavier stamped balance.
If The Sash Pops Out When Tilted
Pins missed the shoe cam. Lower the shoes, lock the cams, and reseat.
If A Casement Closes On Its Own
Tighten the hinge friction screw. Replace worn stays if drift remains.
If Only One Side Slips
That balance is weak. Replace both sides so the forces match.