We had someone install new vinyl replacement windows purchased from Lowe's last fall. He measured the windows exactly. The front one was a tight fit. We have been having problems with this window and cannot track down the person who installed it to help us. We would like to fix it ourselves. The botton window will not stay up when it is opened and the top window will not lock into place. We are trying to determine if we need to take the entire frame out and make it larger or what. Can you help us?

 

Is this a double hung window?

 

Yes it is a double hung window.

 

Grandma#3,

You are dealing with 2 different problems with this window. The bottom sash not staying up is due to the spring tensioner not holding it in an open position. Call Lowe's on that one. The window is under warranty, and they will fix it.

The upper sash not locking in place (I'm assuming that the window has a cam lock in the center of the lower sash) is because -- A: The upper sash isn't fully closed (all the way up), or B: The lower sash isn't fully closed (all the way down). Since the window was a 'tight install' -- probably too tall for the existing hole -- I'm guessing that either the header (top) or the sill (bottom) of the vinly frame was warped to make it fit the opening, not allowing one sash or the other to fully close. Therefore, it can't be locked. THAT was the installer's fault! (Not a warranty issue with the window mfgr.) If you can't locate the installer, you'll have to find somebody else to remove the window and correct the problem.

 

Thank you for your help. I will check into both