How can I replace non-tilt sashes or balances on double hung windows?

Peachtree strongly recommends the use of safety glasses and protective gloves when working with glass.

Before starting please note the following components must be reused: balances and attaching screws, guide bar attaching screws, latch mechanism, lift handles, wood sash liner, latch lever w/set screw.

Step #1: Lower sash removal:

• With window in unlocked position, loosen set screw on latch lever by lifting up.
• Loosen sash liner attaching screws on each end (corner) of upper rail.
• Remove screws holding lift handles.
• Remove lift handles.
• Remove wood sash liner by lifting up vertically.
• Save lift handles and wood sash liner.
• Remove screws holding guide bar to one side of sash.
• Pull/push guide bar up until disengaged from sash.
• With one guide bar removed, pivot sash to inside.
• Remove balance plug screw - located at checkrail area on jamb. Caution: Do not allow cord to snap back into balance.
• Hold sash cord firmly, removing plug from jamb and ease cord back into balance. For opposite side, pull sash and guide bar from jamb track - removing second balance plug screw - ease cord and plug back into balance.
• Remove and save balances and attaching screws from original sash.
• Remove and discard screws holding latch mechanism to upper rail---save latch mechanism.
• Remove and replace weather-strips where necessary.

Step #2: Lower sash replacement:

• Replace sash lock.
• Install balances from original sash into new sash.
• Install one guide bar - Note that guide bars are handed.
• Reverse sash removal procedure, using original lift handle screws (#10x11/4") and sash liner screws-(top sash, flat head --- lower sash, pan head).

Step #3: Upper sash removal:

Before starting note that the lower sash must be removed before removing upper sash. Important: All components and screws must be reused.

• Remove lower sash following lower sash removal procedure.
• All lower sash components and attaching screws must be reused.
• With lower sash removed, slide upper sash down to a comfortable working position.
• Remove and save wood sash liner screws on each end of upper rail.
• Remove wood sash liner.
• Remove and save screws holding guide bar to one side of sash.
• Pull guide bar up until disengaged from sash. Save guide bar.
• Pivot sash to inside, remove balance plug screw. Caution: do not allow to snap back into balance.
• Hold sash cord firmly, remove plug from jamb and ease cord back into balance. For opposite side, tilt sash over and up to relieve tension from sash cord, remove second balance plug screw and ease cord back into balance.
• Remove and save lock strike, attaching screws, and weather-strip.

Step #4: Upper sash replacement:

• Install lock strike with original screws.
• Install balances from original sash into new sash using original screws.
• Install one guide bar to new sash using screws from original sash. Note that guide bars are handed.
• Reverse sash removal procedure.