Double Hung Pella Windows are Stuck

We have wood frame, double hung Pella windows that were installed in 2010.  In the last week, two of them have become stuck about an inch from the sill.  They slide perfectly until they hit that point and then they hit a hard stop, as if there was some sort of obstruction but I have looked at them pretty carefully and I don't see any physical blockage.

The windows were installed by HG Edwards in Summit but they appear to no longer be in business.  I am currently in the 20th minute of being on hold for the Pella Corporate repair people and I have heard that they are often scheduled weeks in advance.  

Can anyone suggest a DIY fix or someone who might be able to fix them for me?


Once you get them moving again, I can recommend lubricating the tracks with bar soap from your bathroom, but I can't help you unstick them.


Try visiting or calling The Pella showroom in Springfield to see if they can help get you service.

Pella Windows and Doors of Springfield

659 Morris Turnpike, Springfield Township, NJ 07081

(973) 912-8822


Is there a counter weight attached by a chain that disappears into the window's frame, like the original double hung windows?


Are both windows stopping at the exact same distance from the bottom? I have a dim memory of some windows having a lock mechanism at the top of the sliding section (or somewhere) that clicks in when the window is at a set distance from the bottom. I could be wrong. 

If they are stopping at different distances I fear that they MAY have been installed incorrectly and perhaps the sides have bowed in ever-so-slightly near the bottom where there would be the most downward pressure over time.


The gentleman at Two Guys from Newstead [at corner of Parker and Valley] could probably help you - windows seem to be his specialty.


Tom_Reingold said:
Once you get them moving again, I can recommend lubricating the tracks with bar soap from your bathroom, but I can't help you unstick them.

 I like rubbing a candle on them instead.  Water resistant.  Best to use an unlit candle.


Raise the window up and check to see if the balance shoe is down at the bottom of the track. It's usually a metal gadget with a slot in it. The pivot pin connected to the bottom of the window sash should fit into the balance shoe. Most likely it came out of the slot. That would prevent the window from going all the way down.



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