Alternately, a catch—which secures the window when closed—can also fail. You may be able to bend a small part to make it work, but often the best solution is to replace the catch. Finding replacement parts can be difficult, so if you can find the make and model of the unit, you may be able to contact the manufacturer or an online parts supply source to obtain what you need. Most sliding window repairs won’t take very long—one or two hours, tops. The exact tools you’ll need will vary by the project, but it’s a good idea to have basic home repair items on hand, like a screwdriver, pliers, and hammer.
How to Repair a Rough-Gliding Slider
Step 1: Remove Sliding Sash
To remove a sliding sash, start by removing any security devices that may be holding it in place. Lift the sash into the top track, tilt the bottom out, and remove the window. With some models, you may need to align the rollers with notches in the bottom track before the sash will tilt out.
Step 2: Clean the Track
Vacuum the track, then clean it with a solvent-dampened rag until all the dust, debris, and sediment is removed.
Step 3: Remove Bottom Roller
If the bottom roller (or glide) does not roll, try cleaning it first. If it still does not operate, remove it. On a wood sash, you can unscrew the roller unit and remove it, but for some metal units, you may have to first disassemble the bottom rail. Knock the pieces apart using a hammer and a block of wood.
Step 4: Add a New Roller Unit
Slip a new roller unit in and tighten the mounting screws. If you had to dismantle the window, you can reinstall the bottom rail at this point.
Step 5: Replace the Window
When replacing the window after repair, it often helps to ease the rollers over the lip of the track with a putty knife.
How to Fix a Bent Track
To straighten a bent track, place a piece of hardwood against it and tap with a hammer. If that doesn’t work, you can try using pliers, but work carefully so that you don’t create a series of small kinks.
How to Fix a Broken Latch
If a latch doesn’t grab properly, check for an obstruction in the tracks that may be keeping the sash from closing fully. You can also inspect the weatherstripping, which can sometimes wad up and make closing the window difficult. You may be able to adjust the latch by loosening a screw, moving the latch, and retightening the screw. If this still doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace it.
How to Fix a Rattling Window
For quick repair to seal the unit for the winter, push tubular insulation into the channels. If you can find replacement insulation for your type of window, remove the old one and clean the surface with a solvent-soaked rag. Use slightly thicker insulation if needed to create a good seal. Replace the cover, reinstall the sliding sash, and test.
How to Burglar-Proof a Window
A security bar firmly secures a sliding window so that it can’t be opened from the outside. Some models swing down to secure the sash (like seen above) and can be adjusted to allow a slight opening for ventilation. Quick-open security clips (above) allow you to open a sliding window with relative ease.
