Home and Garden | Installing Window Friction Channels - Windows

Improve old and loose double-hung windows that use the weight-and-pulley system by installing new friction channels. Your sash will operate more smoothly and leak less air. Once the weights and pulleys are removed, increase the energy efficiency of the window area even further by filling the void with insulation. Window friction channels are sold as kits to fit windows of various sizes; they are available in aluminum or vinyl. In order to install the channels, you need to first remove the window sash, and then trim the channels to fit the window frame. Use the step-by-step instructions below as a guide while referring to the manufacturer's instructions for more specific details.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Easy
Estimated Project Time: 2 hours
Start Tips: Plan to do this job on a day when the weather is clear.
Safety Tips: Have a helper ready to assist you in removing and reinstalling the window.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Friction channels	Hammer
Utility knife or taping knife	Wood chisel or small saw
Chisel	Block plane or scraper
Pry bar	Paintbrush and primer
Work gloves	Spirit level
Dust mask	Power drill/driver
Insulation, as needed	Screws

Fig. 1

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Remove stops
Start by carefully removing the inside and outside stops, trying not to crack or damage them. If they are covered with layers of paint, first use a utility knife or taping knife to score the painted seam along the stop and then use a chisel to break the bond between the stop molding and the window casing. Use a prybar to gradually lift off the stops (Fig. 1). An old stop, which you can reuse, is likely to be brittle and snap easily. Scrape the sash smooth and then clean it. If removing the weights, do so, and then fill the holes with insulation. When handling the insulation wear long sleeves, work gloves and a dust mask.

Fig. 2

2) Set the new channel in place
Position the new channel and mark its location on the existing top trim (Fig. 2). You'll have to notch the trim in order to install the channel.

Fig. 3

3) Notch trim
Working along the lines marked in Step 2, use a small saw or a hammer and chisel to cut away the top trim so that the molded side channels will fit properly. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 4

4) Smooth out the sides of the sash
Using a plane or scraper, smooth down the sides of the sash so that the window will move easily in the new channels. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 5

5) Fit sash into channels
After priming any raw wood, fit the sash into the appropriate sides of the channels, and reinstall them as one unit. (Fig. 5)

Fig. 6

6) Fasten channels in place
Use a spirit level to make sure the channels are plumb. Slide the sash out of the way, and then permanently fasten the channels to the window frame using a power driver and screws. (Fig. 6)