Window Types
Double Hung Window - The double hung window is a style of window with two operating (movable) sashes that slide open and closed with a vertical motion.
Single Hung Window - Almost visually identical to the double hung window, except that the top sash does not slide or open, while the lower sash does. The most common "hung" window used in new construction.
Picture Window - As its name implies, this is a window with no operable parts. The window frame secures the glass in place as like a picture frame. This window does not open and therefore will have no operating parts or screen.
Casement Window - The casement window is most always smaller than a picture window but is similar in appearance. Casement windows will open and close using a lever, handle or a crank, and will swing outside to open like a door.
Awning Window - Awning windows, like the casement window will swing outward to open. The awning window swings upward to open, hinged from the top and resembles an awning when open, hence it's name.
Hopper Window - Like the awning window, the hopper window swings vertically, but is hinged at the bottom and usually tilts inward toward the interior of a building. Operating like a laundry or trash chute or hopper, we get it's name.
Sliding Window - Also referrred to as a "slider", the operating sashes in this window slide horizontally like a patio door or medicine cabinet. There are many versions of the slider with multiple operating sashes in one frame.
Storm Window - Storm windows come in many varieties such as picture and hung models like the primary windows listed above. A more simple version of a window than its primary counterparts, are used to increase the building's defense against wind and precipitation. Storm windows can have up to four operating sashes and screens, and are identified by the number of tracks in the frame to accomodate operating and non-operating sashes.
Part Identification
1) The first step in identifying a part is to identify what type of window the part is needed for. Use the descriptions listed above to first identify the type of window.
2) Next, see if you can determine the brand of window. There may be stickers inside the frame, or a stamped name in one of the parts. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify the brand name if not impossible in some cases. It can be helpful to look at other, identical or similar style windows in your home or building to see if there are any labels on them.
3) If your broken or malfunctioning part is destroyed or un-identifiable, find the part on another window to help identify it. Many parts for hung windows are in duplicate and can be found on the opposite side of the sash.
4) Sometimes parts have part numbers or markings on them and sometimes they do not. Consider yourself lucky if your part has a name, brand or a number on it. Many heavier metal parts that are cast and have moving pieces will have a number on them somewhere. Finding it is the key.
5) If your part is held to the frame or sash with screws, measure the hole distances. Measure the distance from center to center of corresponding holes. You may also measure the length of operating parts from each end or from screw holes or rivets to the holes or rivets at the end of such piece, or measure the total length.
6) And lastly, write down which side the part came from. Many parts in duplicate on either side of a sash are designed for either the right side or left side. These parts sometimes will have an "R" or an "L" stamped on them. If your part is from a casement window, your part may also have this stamp on them, identifying whether the part is designed for left-opening or right-opening sashes.
Parts List
** Please note that we did not include pictures of these parts because the variations are too numerous to include. If you identify your part by name below, we recommend searching Google Images to see various pictures of these parts for help in identification. If you're looking for a balance shoe, however, we recommend looking for the image using the phrase "window balance shoe" because you will otherwise see too many results for the brand New Balance footwear company. There are also many, many other parts in existence than those listed here, which can be as specific as for a particular brand and style of window. We have included the most common parts, however.
Balance – The window balance is used in hung windows to keep sashes in their place, from whatever position you leave them. They are also used to allow heavy sashes to be raised and lifted easily. Common balance types are constant force balances, block and tackle balances, and tube or spiral balances. Each balance is to be replaced by size and operating strength. It is also recommended that balances be replaced in pairs for even wear and for optimal window operation after replacement.
Balance Shoe – The balance shoe is a part used in hung windows, making the connection between the pivot bar, the window frame, and the window balance. This is the part that the pivot pin or pivot bar fits into when removing or re-installing the sash. There are numerous varieties of this part. Measurement dimensions of this part are very helpful in identifying the specific part you need.
Channel Bracket – A “U” shaped channel of metal that functions as a track for the operator arm to slide along the length of the sash in a casement window as it is opened and closed.
Crank Handle – The crank handle is the part which attaches to the operator of a casement or awning window for use in opening and closing the window. There are numerous types of crank handles, but most of them have a grooved inner slot and use a screw to secure into place atop the operator. The brand, color, overall length and overall female hole dimension (grooves included) will usually be enough information to identify this part easily.
Hinge – A generic name for any number of parts specific to the type of window it is used for. Hinges can take on many shapes and be of varied size depending on its application. A thorough description and sometimes a drawing of this part is necessary for identification.
Keeper – The keeper is the stationary locking component used in conjunction with the lock to secure the window in its closed position. The keeper for a cam-style lock has a groove that the rounded end of the lock rotates into in order to secure the sash. Other keepers will secure an anchor latch or swing latch or “catch”.
Lever or Handle – Any operating part that can be operated using more than one finger at a time. Depending on the application and type of window, your lever or handle may operate a lock, be used to open and close a sash or lift a sash for opening.
Lock – There are numerous types of window locks and too many to mention. One of the most common styles is the cam type, which operates by rotating a small finger lever from side to side in order to hold or “lock” the window when not open or in use.
Operator – The mechanism that performs the function of opening and closing a casement and awning window. The operator usually has a vertically ribbed bit for the handle to attach to, several holes on its base for fastening to the window frame, and the rotation and lever mechanism that attaches to the operating sash. One of the heaviest replacement parts and easily distinguishable by the components listed above. Its most common visual characteristic is the flat, rounded, toothed cam that is rotated as the handle is used. This part requires every available piece of information to replace if you do not have a brand and part number. These can be right or left-handed, come in many colors, and may or may not have replaceable operator arm.
We can identify the operator for you. Download, complete and return this form. Click here to download the form.
Operator arm – The part extending towards the sash of a casement, awning or hopper window, which connects to and pushes or pulls the window open or closed. On the other end, this part attaches to the operator’s toothed cam or a lever arm extending from the round mechanism that turns when the crank handle is used.
Pivot Pin or Pivot Bar – Functions as the hinge mechanism for many operating windows. The “pin” or “bar” extends from the edge of the sash into a part of the frame which secures the vertical position of the sash as it moves and operates as a hinge in casement, awning and hopper windows. In hung windows, this part may fit into a moving piece inside the frame allowing vertical movement of the sash while serving the dual function as the hinge.
Sash – Simply stated, any part of a window that contains glass. Windows may contain one or several sashes depending on the window type.
Sash Lift – A handle or a rail used as the primary component to open and close a hung window. In vinyl windows, the sash lift is commonly part of the sash frame itself and is not replaceable. In older windows, a “D” shaped handle is used as the sash lift and there are numerous models and styles available. A measurement of the holes for accurate replacement, and the style of handle.. square ends, oval ends, rounded, flat are common descriptions. A full measurement from one end to the other is also very helpful. Make note of the metal color or finish as well.
Screen - The assembly built to fit a window or a door that houses a continuous wire, nylon or fiberglass mesh that spans the opening of a window or a door. The screen is designed to allow airflow through the fenestration or door opening without allowing insects or outside debris from entering the structure.
Screen Tabs and Pulls - Parts of a window or door screen used as a mechanism for installing, removing and/or securing a screen in its intended position.
Screen Wire - Screening material composed of metallic wire material. Screen wire is most often composed of aluminum but may be made of a variety of materials. Generically, nylon and fiberglass screen mesh may be referred to as screen wire.
Stop – A “Stop” is any piece or part that can be seen along the edges of the glass, which is the part used to secure the glass in place. These can be vinyl, metal, or wood. They usually cover the entire outer edge of the glass and snap directly into the window frame or are screwed or nailed in many cases to a wooden sash. There are many, many types of stops and most of them are particular to the brand and type of window you have. This can be a difficult part to identify and find a replacement for.
Tilt Latch – Usually a spring-loaded finger-operated latch mechanism used to secure the top section of a hung sash in place. Releasing the tilt latches on a hung window sash will allow the sash to be tilted out and/or removed for cleaning and maintenance.
