Your window may have 1 moveable sash if it’s single-hung or 2 moveable sashes if it’s a double-hung window. If your sash stop has been painted, you might not be able to pull it out. Take a putty knife and carefully run it between the sash and window frame to break the painted seal. Some sliding windows don’t have sash stops, so skip this step if yours doesn’t. In some windows, you’ll see a stick or dowel rod propped up to stop the window from moving—remove this and set it aside.
Be careful not to damage the wooden strips surrounding the window, since you’ll have to reinstall them after you replace the sashes. Use caution if you’re working with windows that have old paint on them—if the windows were painted before 1970, you may want to test them for lead and remove the contaminated paint as you replace the window.
Sometimes, the tabs are painted to match the window jamb, so your window’s tabs might be white instead of metallic. If you can’t pop the tabs up with your fingers, put a flathead screwdriver under the tabs and work the tabs up, so they pop away from the window jambs. If you’re having trouble finding the removal clips, consult the owner’s manual that came with your windows when they were first installed. The manual should have a schematic showing the exact location of the clips.
Do not let go of the sash at this point or it will fall because it’s no longer on its track.
It may take some wiggling to pry the sash loose, but don’t force it out. If the window seems stuck, check that you removed both of the cords, if your window has them, or ensure that the removal tabs are open. This method works for single-hung and double-hung windows. For single-hung windows, you’ll only be able to remove the bottom sash. If you have double-hung windows, you can remove the bottom sash before repeating the steps to remove the top sash.
If your window had cords that you removed, reinstall the cords to the sides of the sash before you push it back in place. For most windows, you simply push the cords into a slot on the side of the sash. For extra stability, you can also screw the cords to the side of the sash after you’ve pushed them into place.
This method works if your window has 1 moveable sash (a single-hung window) or 2 moveable sashes (a double-hung window). If you’re removing a vertical window that’s high up and you have trouble reaching the top of the sash once you open it, stand on a small step stool.
Some windows have long thin rods called restrictors that extend to keep the tilted window open. If your window has metal restrictors that prevent you from opening the window to 90-degrees, use a Philip’s head screwdriver to unscrew the restrictors and remove them. Keep holding the sash, so it doesn’t drop when you remove the restrictors.
This process works for double-hung windows, too. So, if you want to remove the top sash from the frame, slide the top sash down and repeat the process.
If your window has restrictors, extend them and screw them back into place after you’ve put the sash back in the frame. If you’re replacing both sashes on a double hung window, start with the top sash and place it in the outer track of the window. Then, reinstall the bottom sash on the inner track.
