Doors and Windows - Window Sticks

The house we just moved into has relatively new vinyl, double hung windows. One of the windows sticks, opens fairly easily, but is very hard to shut. Any suggestions on how to fix it? Thanks!

If it is square in the frame...try rubbing a white candle on any tracks or areas that rub. If that doesn't help there may be a problem with the balances (what counterbalances the window sash when up).

I'd guess you may have a bent spiral balance. Look into the tracks/channels on each side where the sash runs up and down, when the window is down...what do you see?

with the window down, i do not see anything in the tracks. if i swing the top of the bottom window down, there is a plastic cover with a screw through it in the channel. if i remove the channel, there is a spiral of metal. is that the spiral balance you are referring too?

Yes...thats it..some are exposed..some are covered as your's appear to be....

EDIT Well..let me qualify that...a spiral balance is normally a metal tube about 12-16 inches long, and a twisted piece of metal like an old children's top comes out of it. If its a coil more like a wound up tape measure, its called a tape balance or constant force balance. A failure of a tape balance would normally cause the window to slam down, unless it is binding up.

Spiral balances can be adjusted , but you need a special tool to unhook it, spin it and rehook it. It can be done with normal tools..but its not easy.

Do you know the manufacturer of the windows?

Oh...and don't lube the spiral shaft..they aren't designed for that. They depend on friction and spring tension to function correctly.

I'll try to find my old link for adjustment.....

i believe my window has a tape balance, as it does look like a measuring tape rolled up. i do not know the manufacturer of the window - are there usually any markings on the window that will identify the manufacturer? the window does not slam down. sometimes it opens and closes fine - but usually after it is opened, it will not shut, I have to use a lot of force or even a hammer to push it down.

Well, most vinyl windows have no markings that can be identified to the maker. Sometimes there are stickers on the sides of the sash, but after a few years these normally are unreadable. If this is a double hung window (both sashes move) the one on the top of the upper sash may still be there. A local supplier may be able to ID it.

If the tape balance is still intact, they are normally pretty trouble free. They can be cleaned and lubricated with a silicone spray if you have access to the tape in the channel.
Since it doesn't happen every time, hopefully you just have some grit or dirt in there.

Unfortunately tape balances can't normally be easily replaced if that's the problem.

Sorry, but I'm kinda outa help. Some of the others should comment sooner or later.