Doors and Windows - Slipping Replacement windows

I have replacement double hung windows installed in many of my openings. Some of the windows (either top or bottom) have begun to slip downward on their own accord. Is this something that I can repair on my own?

Bob: Yes, you can fix that problem yourself. It happened to my parent's house as well. Mccullog, this may apply to your's also:

First, let me ask - who installed your vinyl-work?

We had a contractor install our vinyls. It was November in CT, a good time to tell if new vinyl windows would make a difference in heat retention in winter. They didn't. Also, when Mom tilted them down to clean, one sash fell out and nearly knocked her senseless. The culprit - the windows were literally "thrown in" and sealed up, without any of the necessary adj. made. These are also the most neglected steps or installing vinyl work.

Bob and Mc- fffollowing steps should mostly remedy your problems of crashing sashes and drafts:

#1. Raise lower sash about 3inches. Lower upper sash almost all the way down(about 2inches above its stop).

2. Visually inspect the side frame-rails or any(DAMN LETTER 'F' DOESNT WORK ON MY KEYBOARD!!!!) flat head or philips about halfway up rom the windowsill.

These screws have the effect of stabilizing the side jambs(frame rails as I called them) By turning the screws clockwise enough, you can bow the jambs in slightly - enough to create a tighter fit between the sash and the window frame.

3. BEfORE adjusting these screws, however, scrape away any caulk, if present.

4. Adust screws conservatively, 1/2 turn at a time. There may be a screw in each frame rail - the inside rail for lower sash, outside rail for upper. Do a 1/2 turn for each side. Tilt and lock both sash back in place, and give 'em a ride. Tilt them both back down fffor another 1/2 turn if necessary. When you notice the sides beginning to bow in(toward the center of the window) slightly - STOP!! The business end of the jamb adjusters has contacted the rough opening in the wall, and is serving to stabilize the jamb.

Good!

5. Replace sash up and locked. Number 6 is optional.

6. Remove inside wooden stops. You will see the space between the vinyl frame and the house. Tuck some fiberglass pipe insulation in here, but don't squash it. Loose, fluffy insulation insulates better.

7. Pop the stops back in place, and re-caulk the sides, tops, and bottoms of the vinyl windows.

8. Repeat for as many offending windows as there are; you will now have professionally installed vinyl replacements in your houses.

Keep us posted.

-Chris

HI Chris,

Thanks for the suggestions. I really like the contractor who installed the windows. He usually does good work, but am going to try this stuff and see how it goes.

I hope Chewie gets you the hydrospanners. Must be a Star Wars reference....

RRRRRRRROOOooowwwWWWAAoo RRROAARR!!!

(yes, Chewie does read DIY.com!)

Best of luck with the fix.

Chris