Reparatur eines einfach aufgehängten Fensters, das nicht oben bleibt: Reparatur und Einstellung des Ausgleichssystems

Is your single-hung window difficult to lift, or worse, does it slam shut when you let go? This common problem usually means the window balance system – the hidden mechanism that counteracts the sash weight – needs attention.

The good news is that adjusting or replacing window balances is often a manageable DIY repair. This guide explains how to diagnose the issue, identify your balance type, and perform common adjustments or replacements safely.

Brauchen Sie eine Auffrischung? Erfahren Sie mehr was ein einflügeliges Fenster ist first. Remember, only the bottom sash moves.

Safety Warning: Window balance systems contain springs under tension. Always wear Schutzbrille Und Handschuhe. Work carefully and follow steps precisely to avoid injury. If unsure, call a professional.

Diagnosing the Problem: Why Won’t It Stay Up?

• Sash Slams Down: The most common symptom. Indicates loss of tension or broken components in the balance system.
• Difficult to Lift: May mean balances are too tight, damaged, or the tracks are dirty/unlubricated (see general window sticking fixes first).
• Uneven Movement: One side moves easier than the other. Suggests one balance has failed or they are mismatched/misadjusted.
• Visible Broken Parts: You might see snapped cords (older windows) or damaged springs/components if you inspect the side jamb channels.

Tools You Might Need

• Sicherheit: Safety glasses (essential!), work gloves (essential!)
• Basic: Screwdriver set (Phillips & flathead), pliers, putty knife, utility knife
• Balance Specific:
  • Spiral Balance Tension Tool: (For spiral balances)
  • Needle-Nose Pliers: (Helpful for handling springs/hooks)
• Replacement Parts:
  • New balance mechanisms (ensure correct type, length, and weight rating)
  • New sash cord (for cord-and-weight systems)

Identifying Your Window Balance Type

Before you can fix it, you need to know what system your window uses. You’ll likely need to den unteren Fensterflügel entfernen to get a clear view inside the side jamb channels. Common types include:

1. Spiral Balances: Metal or plastic tubes containing a twisted rod connected to a spring. Often found in vinyl or aluminum windows. Usually adjusted for tension.
2. Block-and-Tackle Balances (Channel Balances): A combination of pulleys and springs connected by a cord, housed within a metal channel. Common in vinyl and wood windows. Usually replaced as a unit if faulty.
3. Constant Force (Coil) Balances: A coiled flat steel spring housed in a small case. Often used in newer vinyl windows. Replaced as a unit.
4. Cord-and-Weight Balances: Traditional system in older wood windows using cords, pulleys, and weights hidden in pockets within the frame. Usually requires cord replacement.

How to Fix Different Balance Systems

Adjusting/Replacing Spiral Balances

1. Remove Sash: Follow sash removal procedures for your window type.
2. Inspect Balances: Check if the spiral rod turns freely and if the spring feels intact. Look for obvious breaks.
3. Adjust Tension (If Intact):
   • The bottom of the spiral balance connects to a “balance shoe” in the track, which holds a pivot pin from the sash.
   • Verwenden Sie ein spiral balance tension tool (or sometimes pliers carefully) to grip the end of the spiral rod protruding from the tube.
   • To increase tension (for windows falling down): Turn the rod clockwise (usually several full rotations). The spring should retract into the tube.
   • To decrease tension (for windows hard to lift): Carefully turn the rod counter-clockwise while holding it securely to prevent it from spinning rapidly.
   • Lock the Shoe: The balance shoe usually has a mechanism (often a cam turned with a flathead screwdriver) to lock it in place in the jamb track while adjusting tension. Make sure it’s unlocked to adjust and locked before reinstalling the sash.
4. Replace Balance (If Broken):
   • Unlock the balance shoe.
   • Detach the old balance tube (usually held by a screw at the top of the jamb).
   • Measure the tube length (not the rod). Note any color codes or numbers stamped on it – these indicate weight capacity.
   • Order the correct replacement spiral balance based on length and weight code.
   • Install the new balance, securing it at the top. Apply initial tension (check manufacturer instructions, often 5-10 turns) vor reinstalling the sash.
5. Reinstall Sash & Test: Carefully reinstall the sash, ensuring pivot pins engage the balance shoes. Test operation. Adjust tension further if needed.

Replacing Block-and-Tackle (Channel) Balances

These are typically replaced, not adjusted.

1. Remove Sash:
2. Identify Balance: Note any numbers or codes stamped on the metal channel – this is crucial for ordering the correct replacement (indicates length and weight capacity). Measure the channel length.
3. Remove Old Balance: Usually, the balance hooks into a slot at the top of the jamb and attaches to the balance shoe (or directly to the sash pivot pin). Unhook/unscrew the old balance unit.
4. (Subtle Product Link): Order the correct replacement channel balance using the stamped numbers/codes and measurements.
5. Install New Balance: Hook the new balance into the top slot. Ensure the cord and pulley system moves freely. Attach the bottom hook to the balance shoe or prepare it to receive the sash pivot pin.
6. Reinstall Sash & Test: Reinstall the sash, making sure the pivot pins correctly engage the new balances. Test window operation.

Replacing Constant Force (Coil) Balances

These are also typically replaced as units.

1. Remove Sash:
2. Access Balance: You may need to remove jamb liners or covers to access the balance assembly.
3. Identify Balance: Note any markings indicating weight rating.
4. Remove Old Balance: Usually involves detaching the spring housing (often screwed or clipped in) and unhooking the end from the pivot shoe/sash. Be careful, the spring is under tension.
5. (Subtle Product Link): Order the correct replacement coil balance.
6. Install New Balance: Secure the new housing and carefully attach the spring end to the shoe/sash attachment point.
7. Reinstall Sash & Test: Reassemble any covers/liners, reinstall the sash, and test.

Replacing Sash Cords (Cord-and-Weight System)

This applies mainly to older wood windows.

1. Remove Sash: (Often requires removing interior stops).
2. Access Weight Pocket: Locate and remove the access panel on the side jamb (usually held by screws or friction-fit).
3. Remove Old Cord/Weight: Pull the old weight and any remaining cord out of the pocket.
4. Attach New Cord: Thread new, appropriately sized sash cord through the pulley at the top of the frame and down into the weight pocket. Tie it securely to the weight using a strong knot (like a figure-eight).
5. Set Weight Height: Pull the cord until the weight hangs just above the bottom of the pocket when the sash is fully raised.
6. Attach Cord to Sash: Cut the cord to the correct length and secure it into the groove/hole on the side edge of the window sash (often using nails or knots).
7. Reinstall Sash & Test: Reinstall the sash and any stops. Test operation. Replace the weight pocket cover.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance Tips

• Still Won’t Stay Up? Double-check you have the correct weight-rated balances. Ensure balances are properly engaged with the sash/shoes. Check tracks for hidden obstructions.
• Clean Regularly: Keep tracks free of dirt and debris.
• Lubricate Sparingly: Use silicone spray on tracks if needed, wipe excess.

Wann Sie einen Fachmann anrufen sollten

Consider calling a window repair specialist if:

• You’re uncomfortable working with springs under tension.
• You can’t identify your balance type or find replacement parts.
• The window frame itself seems damaged.
• DIY attempts haven’t solved the problem.
• The window is very large, heavy, or on an upper floor.

Abschluss

A single-hung window that won’t stay up is usually due to a failing balance system. By identifying your balance type (spiral, channel, coil, or cord-and-weight) and carefully following the adjustment or replacement steps, you can often restore proper function yourself. Remember to prioritize safety, order the correct replacement parts if needed, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if the job feels beyond your comfort level or expertise. Properly functioning balances make your windows safer and much more pleasant to use.