Replacing the Channel Balance on a Single Hung Window

Mobile Minute – DIY Friday: Replacing the Channel Balance on a Single Hung Window

Hello there, DIY enthusiasts! We at Mobile Screen and Glass are back with another edition of our DIY Friday, where we walk you through simple, effective, and practical solutions to common issues that you can handle yourself. Today, we’re tackling a great winter project: replacing the channel balance on a single hung window.

The channel balance is a crucial component in your single hung windows. It’s a device that helps keep the window in place once it’s raised. However, over time, this device can become corroded or damaged, making it difficult to open the window. In some cases, if it’s broken, the window might not hold steady and could come crashing back down. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Channel Balance

1. Close the window sash: Start by moving the sash (the portion of the window that moves up and down) all the way to the closed position.
2. Remove sash stops: These are usually located at the top of the channel that the sash slides in. They typically pry out toward the center of the window or may be held in place by a screw.
3. Disengage the sash from the balances: Look in the track that the sash slides in. Toward the top, you’ll see a square, flat metal tab, about ¼” wide by 1” tall, one on each side. Place a flat screwdriver end underneath the bottom of that tab and pry up gently. The bottom of the tab should pop out about ¼”.
4. Raise the sash: Do this until the top of the sash goes past those tabs about 2-3 inches. Now your sash will be disengaged from the balances and loose in your hands. The bottom plastic ends of the balances should now be visible beneath the sash and fully clear of the sash.
5. Remove the sash: Move the sash left or right until one side of the sash clears the main-frame of the window, then swing that side of the sash out toward you until it is free of the main-frame. You should now be able to remove the sash completely by moving it toward the freed side.
6. Remove the balance: Push down on the top of the balance to free it from the top clip, tilt it slightly toward the center of the window, then raise it up until the hook on the bottom of the balance disengages from the hole that it hooks into.
7. Inspect the plastic top sash caps: These are often the source of the problem. Sometimes replacing these tops caps is the only fix necessary to solve your problem. If not, bring your old balance with you into Mobile Screen & Glass so that we can match it up with the correct new balance for your window.
8. Reinstall your new balances and the sash: This occurs in exactly the opposite order from the directions for removal.

We hope this guide proves helpful for your DIY project. Remember, taking care of your windows ensures they last longer, function better, and look great. For a visual guide on how to replace the channel balance, you can watch our video demonstration here.

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks from your trusted experts at Mobile Screen and Glass. Happy DIY Friday!