How to Remove and Reinsert a Double Hung Sash

Learn how to remove and reinsert a double hung sash on a Milgard window by watching this video demo and following the steps outlined below.

For this project you’ll need safety glasses and gloves.

To remove lower sash begin by opening the sash by lifting up on the handle or turning spoon, depending on the window series.  If there is a window opening control device, disable it.  Slide the sash up four inches.  Press both tilt latch buttons on top of the sash until they click.  Rotate the sash towards the inside of home until it’s perpendicular to the wall.  Lift up on one side two inches, then lift up on the other sides two inches.  Make sure pivot bars are not connected to balance shoe.  Lift one side to rotate sash out of frame.

To remove the upper sash, make sure the lower sash is removed first.  Then slide the upper sash down until approximately six inches higher than the window sill.  Next press both tilt latch buttons on top of sash until they click.  Rotate the sash towards the inside of home until it is perpendicular to the wall.  Then lift up on one side two inches and repeat on other side.  Make sure pivot bars are not connected to balance shoe.  Lift to one side to rotate sash out of frame.

To re-install the sashes, begin with the upper sash first.  Hold upper sash perpendicular to wall, then place one pivot bar, found on the bottom corner of the window, into the outer balance shoe.  Then put the pivot bar on the other side of the window into the ALF balance shoe.  Make sure pivot bars are fully seated into shoes.  Damage will result to the window if bars are not fully seated.  Once you feel both pivot bars are in the balance shoes, give a little tap.  Rotate sash upward, making sure one side doesn’t drop.  Then push the sash until it contacts the frame fully to engage the tilt latches.  Make sure sash is inserted correctly by trying to pull away from frame.  It will not pull away from the frame if tilt latches are engaged correctly.  If tilt latches aren’t engaged correctly then the sash will pull away from the frame.  If this is the case, push the sash against the frame again until the latches engage.  Slide sash up and down to check full range of motion.  Replacement of upper sash is now complete.

To replace lower sash, begin by holding lower sash perpendicular to wall.  Place one pivot bar into one inner balance shoe.  The place the pivot bar on the opposite side into the balance bar.  Make sure pivot bars are fully seated in shoes.  Damage will result to the window if bars are not fully seated.  Once you feel that both pivot bars are in the balance shoes, give a little tap.  Rotate sash upwards, make sure one side does not drop.  Push into frame fully and ensure tilt latches are fully engaged by giving a slight tug forward.  If tilt latches are fully engaged the sash won’t pull away from the frame.  If tilt latch is not working, try pushing it against the frame again.  If it still doesn’t work, the tilt latch needs servicing.  Slide the sash up and down to check full range of motion.  Check operation of handle or spoon.  If the hardware doesn’t engage then make sure the upper sash is all the way up and the lower sash is all the way down.  Replacement of lower sash is now complete.