Pittsburgh Double-Hung Windows

To open the lower sash on your double- or single-hung window, unlock the sash and push it up.

To open the upper sash on your double hung window, you will first need to unlock the lower sash. Then, pull down on the top of the upper sash to lower it. The upper sash on a single hung window does not open or close.

If the window becomes difficult to raise or lower, remove any deposits - such as grease, oil or stains - that may have come in contact with the weatherstrip, apply a small amount of concentrated fabric cleaner or carpet cleaner - such as Spray-n-Wash®, OxiClean® Fabric Cleaner or Resolve® Carpet Cleaner - to the weatherstrip. Scrub the cleaner into the weatherstrip with a toothbrush or similar applicator. Continue applying cleaner until the deposits are no longer visible. Rinse the weatherstrip with clean water, and dry with a paper towel. Pella also recommends using a dry silicone spray or a thin layer of paraffin wax such as Teflon Dry Lubricant or Gulf Wax. Do not use oily lubricants; they attract dust and grime, which will eventually restrict the window's movement. Once you have cleaned the weatherstrip, check to make sure weatherstrip is aligned properly on the sides (or jambs) of the window.

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Review the product overview section for double-hung windows in the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual or click the link below for the appropriate instructions based on the material type, brand and vintage of your Pella product.

Screen Removal Instructions

Clean the interior and exterior frame surfaces with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Stubborn stains and deposits may be removed with mineral spirits. Or Pine-Sol® can be applied with a clean, dry cloth or towel. Do not use abrasives. Do not scrape or use tools that might damage the surface. Should you need it, touch-up paint is available at the Pella Window and Door Showroom nearest you.

Clean the window sill using the brush attachment on a vacuum and vacuum off any debris.

It is normal for water to accumulate in the sill and track. On products with weep holes, the water is intended to drain to the outside via the drainage or "weep" holes.

• To clean the weep (drainage) system, check to make sure that the weep holes are clear of obstruction (dirt, sand, or building materials).
• To clean the weep holes, use a small, soft brush to clear the opening. Weep holes may be located both inside and outside the window in the bottom of the frame. If the window is "stacked," there may be weep holes between the units.

Warnings:

• Do not use abrasive or caustic solvents as they may damage your windows or patio doors.
• Do not scrape or use tools that might damage the surface.
• Do not power-wash.
• Review the Cleaning section of the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual for additional details about how to properly clean your Pella windows and patio doors.

Pella provides top energy-saving glass and exceeds the standards for energy efficiency. Learn more about how Pella creates advanced energy efficient windows.

Energy efficiency, reduced noise and curb appeal are chief among the key benefits of replacing your windows. Learn more about how replacement windows can represent an investment in your home.

A soft cloth and mild cleaner may be used on most Pella hardware finishes.

Living finish Oil-Rubbed Bronze hardware will develop its own unique patina with use, care and handling. Simply wipe the hardware with a soft cloth so as not to damage the finish. The changing of color on the hardware is not a warranty issue.

The solid brass hardware used on some previous vintages of Pella wood hinged (French) patio doors has a clear protective coating to prevent tarnishing. Download instructions to care for solid brass hardware.

For additional information about how to properly care for your Pella windows and doors, refer to the Cleaning section of the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual.

For further assistance, submit a request to Pella Corporation's customer support team or call (877)-473-5527.

Stained Wood Interior Finish – Pella strongly recommends the use of a good-quality pre-stain wood conditioner before staining Pella windows and patio doors to reduce the possibility of a blotchy-looking, uneven finish. Ask your paint or finishing professional to recommend a pre-stain wood conditioner, a stain and a finishing coat that are compatible.

Painted Wood Interior Finish – The most important consideration to make when choosing your paint is good blocking resistance — the ability of a paint to resist sticking. Failure to use a high-quality paint with good blocking resistance may result in a window or door that sticks shut, even after the paint has dried. Ask your qualified paint professional to recommend a paint with good blocking resistance. Don't simply rely on a paint's price or brand name in making your selection. Expensive paint may not necessarily offer good blocking resistance. Also, ask your paint professional to recommend a wood primer and paint that are compatible and whether sanding is required between coats of paint.

Explore the factory pre-finish options available for Pella's wood products.