Doors and Windows - Aluminum windows don't stay up

Recent 1st time home owner. We have aluminum windows and they do not stay open. Rather than replacing the windows is it something that can easily repaired by us or better to get a window repair specialist to do the job? Thanks!

Do the windows tip in to clean? If so, do they have a round tube on each side of the frame with spiral rods connected to the pivot shoes (where the window hinges as it folds down)?

If so, those spiral balances are probably shot. They can be replaced, and no, it's not too hard to do, but you do need to buy the balances and the tool to disconnect, wind, and reconnect them.

Thanks so much for the reply. No, the windows do not tilt in to clean (30 yr. old alum. windows), but I do see metal tubes on the top side of the window on both sides. There are spiral balances attached to something at the top but dangling on both sides at the bottom inside the window when it is raised. So what kind of tool do I need? Any special grease? Thanks again!

Hmm. Well, it's hard to say how to repair them, but it likely has something to do with those spiral balances. They are usually shot and need to be replaced. It could be that they have just come disconnected and need to be re-wound.

You might try going to home depot's web site and search for "spiral balance" and see what comes up. There ought to be a tool that you can order from them (online) that will enable you to wind the spring. It's not available in their stores.

If you had a digital camera, you could post some pictures of the window parts online for us to look at.