I recently bought a home that had double hung aluminum/vinyl windows installed in 1985. The windows were manufactured by Thermal-Barrier Products, Inc, which is no longer in business. These windows are the tilt in type for cleaning. Unfortunately the bottom halves of the windows will no longer stay up on their own. Any idea on how to fix this as a do-it-yourself project? A local company quoted me $60 to fix each window and I have 5 window that need this repair. Too expensive to pay a professional.

 

cbday1220,
First check for any screw type adjustments in the track area. You might get lucky. If they are the type with weights and cords, I can understand the charge per window. There is always the old stick method, cut to desired length.
fred

 

Thank you. I have the type of window that has a curly Q type metal rod on either side of the frame and also on bottom of the window there is 2 screws on each end holding in a small spring. I'll make sure those are tight.

 

The part is called a balance. A residential glass company should either stock it or special order for you.

 

What you have Curly Q balances, are called spiral balance.

To do a spiral balance, open the window almost to the top. Tilt out the window.
Disconnect the spiral rod from the clutch near the bottom of the now open window. Add tension by turning it clockwise 2 turns. Reconnect the spiral rod to the clutch.

Here are some examples with pictures:
http://www.jeld-wen.com/_pdf/resources/howto/SWD009.pdf
http://www.swisco.com/Screen/guide_balance_adjustment

A little late in the reply, but this post came up in my search for the answer to this question, so I thought I would reply to make the post complete.

 

SIX and a HALF years later.

Please check dates before responding,

fred

 

i just did a search and came upon this site. I am glad for the much later post as it helps me fix my window - today. thanks sportal. as long as these windows are in building the info is not out of date.

 

Welcome to the forums! Glad you were able to find your solution by searching our archives. Please come on back if we can help further.

 

I'm another DIY'er that found late answers extremely benefitial. Problems never go away, keep sending your posts!

 

Since February 2010 I have tried to purchase from Jeld Wen vinyl window balance "Type B" as displayed at www:JeldWen.com/_pdf/SWD009.pdf without sucess> Home depot has tried to assist by faxing Jeld Wen own PDF and sending picture of the balance without much sucess. They received the incorrect balance, returned the product and has not received the correct part yet. Where else can I purchase Jeld Wen balance Type B ?
North Carolina DIY

 

try-reposting your question in the forum with windows & doors.
might get moore views/answers