Talk of The Villages Florida - I Love/Hate my Windows. Any solutions?

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I recently heard to clean the tracks and then wipe them down with pledge furniture polish PS I have not tried it yet but plan to soon

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Originally Posted by jamesdschramm (Post 2157270)

I recently heard to clean the tracks and then wipe them down with pledge furniture polish PS I have not tried it yet but plan to soon

Was going to post same advice.
It also works well on all curtain tracks as well.

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Originally Posted by bragones (Post 2157229)

Try replacing your window balancers. They are spring loaded and the springs wear out over time. I replaced them on the windows I open most frequently and it now takes very little effort open/close. You can get them on Amazon or have a handyman do it. It’s a fairly easy job.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hB_wGFn55ig&autoplay=1

This certainly may be the best solution. I'm not sure where to get the balancers for our windows but I guess I have some homework to do. If I can find them I think I have a fun project ahead.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 2157178)

I put these on each window. Saved a lot of broken fingernails. Under $5 on Amazon last year. Our home is 13yrs old so they may not be the same windows but the results are the same.

Nice handle, but looks like you may have installed them upside down. Shouldn't the hollow side face down?

Regarding replacing the balance springs, I tried this on my 15 yr old windows and spent $50 on a kit. The pieces broke right away and I gave up. I did end up getting my $50 back.

Window balancer information

There is a company named "Swisco" ( SWISCO.com ~ The Replacement Hardware Authority ). Their website has the information that you need to replace window balancers. Locally you can go to or call "Romac " in Leesburg. I did my windows and after the first one it was a breeze. I also told a friend who did some of his.

Keefelane66 , this seems like a clever, easy solution. Thank you!

AJ, this info is great. Thank you. So did you get your parts at Romac?

Wood Preen - is what my mom used to years to clean the edges of the storm windows - aluminum - it left a smooth coating and cleaned off the oxidation. Try that
They also make silicone lubricant you can get at Lowes or Home depot. NOT WD40 per the company that installed my lanai sliders

Call John Manion - he makes a wooden device that works beautifully. 352-259-1033

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Originally Posted by BostonRich (Post 2157133)

I very much love the size of our windows in our Stoneybrook. They are huge (4 feet wide). They let in a lot of light and lots of breeze when open and we have a wonderful view out from both our bedroom and living room.

So what's the problem? They are almost impossible to open. There is no lip on the bottom to get your fingers underneath to lift them up. At the very top there is a 1/4" indent along the frame which does not allow any grip or leverage especially since your lifting from chest level.

It is hard to believe that the builders decided on such a poor window design for senior citizen homes. Now I understand why lots of people don't open their windows in the Villages. They can't.

Has anyone found a solution to this problem? Is there a handle that can be attached to these windows? The frames are very narrow so there is not much of an area in which to drill. Would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

Pictures: 1- windows / 2 - no lip along the bottom / 3 - Inadequate indent at the top

Call John Manion - He mades a wooden device that works beautifully 352-259-1033 - They used to be about $10.

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Originally Posted by KAM+6 (Post 2157179)

Ed, can you post a link to those. Thanks

Amazon.com

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Originally Posted by dougawhite (Post 2157288)

Nice handle, but looks like you may have installed them upside down. Shouldn't the hollow side face down?

They seem to be the same on both sides. :D