Old wooden window won't close

RickJ · Dec 15, 2005, 03:29 AM

There should be a piece of trim that acts as the "track" for the window. Remove it from one side and you will be able to pull the window in toward you.

Now you'll be able to see what's rubbing - and plane it down.

Heck, you might get lucky and find that it's just a piece of something...or a small nail or screw or something that slipped down in there and is causing the rubbing...which is causing the sawdust pile - and jams the window.

mikestorm · Dec 15, 2005, 05:38 AM

I know exactly what you're referring to (track). It didn't look removable, but I'll give it a second look. I think you might also be right about it being something simple.

The issue most likely originated when the chain connecting that side of the window to the counter-weight in the window frame disconnected from the window (just bought the house no not sure when it happened). The previous owner ignored the issue, so one side of the window lifted with the benefit of a counter-weight and one side did not. I'm sure over time the overall levelness of the window pane eroded as it was continuously lifted and shut, eventually causing the window to jam.

RickJ · Dec 15, 2005, 05:41 AM

I think you hit the nail on the head. It's not being balanced has got it trying to go up and down cockeyed.

As far as the "track"; it's likely a piece of trim that has been painted over many times over the years...so you may not see right away that it's just a piece of trim...usually quarter round or something similar.

fredg · Dec 15, 2005, 05:59 AM

HI,
This might sound really dumb, but have you tried spraying a little WD40 on it?
I wouldn't use Vaseline to make it slippery, because the Vaseline will harden over a short period of time.
Might work with WD40. Available at any hardware, department store, or auto store.
Best of luck.

Lotta · Dec 16, 2005, 03:52 AM

You can try rubbing a bar of soap along the track that the window moves within.

RickJ · Dec 16, 2005, 03:58 AM

Lubrication may help, but probably only temporarily. Replace that other balancer and it will work like a charm.

To get to where the balance is, you'll need to remove the trim from around your window.

dherman1 · Dec 16, 2005, 06:14 AM

I would suggest using a candle (or other source of wax) to lube the window.

Soap, like vaseline, will harden over time, or it will attract moisture and cause an even bigger problem with swelling, rot, etc.

Soap works great as a lubricant for screws though. (bar not liquid)

RickJ is right though, fix the balance issue and the window will work great, or at least better. You may want to consider doing a sash replacement kit. Marvin and others make really easy kits for doing that. Plus, it will have a mild impact on your fuel bill.

Good Luck, Dan

mikestorm · Dec 16, 2005, 03:01 PM

Well, although not 100% fixed, the issue has been addressed.

I went back and reexamined the window. The left and right side of the frame contains the sash, and an aluminum track (with an upright ridge in the center) is what the sash physically rides on. There is a indented channel on each side of the sash. The channel fits in the aluminum ridge, and the window slides up and down.

I reexamined the aluminum ridge on the left side, and it was bent inward (like someone had taken a hammer to it). I used pliers to straighten the ridge back to its original shape, and the window now travels freely.

The chain connected to the counter weight in the frame of the window is still loose, but as far as I can tell the only way to reattach it is to remove the sash, which seems like an awful lot of work now that the immediate problems (thermal and security) have been addressed.

I think the counter weight unattaching from the window on the same side was a coincidence, and the real problem was the bent track (meaning the problem won't replicate itself since I didn't reattached the chain).

Thanks to all who responded!

Old wooden window won't close

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