Tilt-window sashes are designed to tilt inward for easier cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. To operate the window safely, the sash must first be unlocked, raised slightly, and released by retracting both tilt latches at the same time.

Before You Start

Prepare the area before tilting the sash:

• Move furniture and objects away from the window.
• Remove blinds, curtains, or other coverings that may interfere.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Use both hands to control the sash.
• Ask for assistance if the sash is large, heavy, or difficult to operate.
• Wear gloves if the frame has sharp edges or damaged glass.

Important: Do not release the tilt latches while the sash is fully closed against the sill. Raise the sash several inches first so the bottom rail has room to pivot.

Never allow the sash to fall inward. Maintain control as soon as both tilt latches disengage from the jamb.

A typical tilt-window system includes:

• Tilt latches: Hold the sash upright inside the jamb.
• Pivot bars: Extend from the lower sash corners and connect the sash to the pivot lock shoes.
• Pivot lock shoes: Travel inside the jamb and support the sash through the balance system.
• Window balances: Help support the sash during normal raising and lowering.
• Sash lock: Secures the window in the closed position.

When the sash tilts inward, the pivot bars remain seated in the pivot lock shoes and act as the lower pivot points.

Turn the sash lock to the unlocked position before attempting to raise or tilt the window.

Depending on the window design, there may be one lock in the center or multiple locks positioned along the meeting rails.

Do not force the sash upward if the lock appears to be open but the window remains secured. Confirm that every lock has fully disengaged from its keeper.

1. Place both hands along the lower rail of the sash.
2. Raise the sash approximately three to six inches above the sill.
3. Make sure the sash moves evenly on both sides.
4. Stop at a comfortable height where the tilt latches are easy to reach.

Raising the sash creates clearance between its bottom rail and the sill so it can rotate inward without binding.

Look along the top rail of the sash near the left and right corners.

Tilt-latch controls may appear as:

• Small sliding buttons
• Recessed thumb levers
• Spring-loaded tabs
• Surface-mounted latch housings
• Actuators connected to internal latches

Both latches must retract completely before the sash can tilt without placing uneven stress on the frame.

1. Place one hand near each upper corner of the sash.
2. Slide or press both latch controls toward the center.
3. Confirm that both projecting noses clear the jamb.
4. Keep the latches retracted while beginning to pull the sash inward.

If one latch releases but the other does not, return the first side to the upright position and investigate the sticking latch.

Do not pull one corner inward while the opposite latch remains engaged. Twisting the sash may damage the latch, sash frame, pivot bars, or glass.

1. Continue holding the sash near both upper corners.
2. Pull the top rail gently toward the room.
3. Allow the sash to rotate on the pivot bars at its lower corners.
4. Lower it inward slowly to a comfortable working position.

Some windows are designed to rest near a horizontal position, while others should remain partially supported.

Do not push down on, sit on, or place heavy objects against the tilted sash.

With the sash tilted inward, you can clean the exterior glass from inside the room and inspect the visible hardware.

Check for:

• Broken, cracked, or sticking tilt latches
• Loose mounting screws
• Damaged weatherstripping
• Dirt inside the jamb channels
• Loose or damaged pivot bars
• Pivot lock shoes sitting at different heights
• Frayed balance cords or damaged balance components

Avoid spraying excessive cleaner directly into the latch mechanisms, jamb channels, or balance system.

1. Grip both sides of the sash securely.
2. Lift the top rail slowly toward the jamb.
3. Keep the sash level as it approaches the upright position.
4. Press the top corners into the jamb until both latch noses engage.
5. Gently pull inward on each corner to confirm that it is secured.

You may hear or feel the latches click into place. Visually confirm that both latch noses are fully extended into the jamb.

Do not lower the sash until both sides are securely engaged.

1. Lower the sash slowly toward the sill.
2. Confirm that it travels evenly on both sides.
3. Close the sash completely.
4. Turn the sash lock into the secured position.
5. Verify that the lock engages the keeper without excessive force.

If the lock will not engage, do not force it. Recheck that the sash is fully upright, both tilt latches are engaged, and the meeting rails are aligned.

On a double-hung window, the upper sash may also tilt inward.

1. Tilt the lower sash inward first and support it carefully.
2. Lower the upper sash several inches from the head jamb.
3. Locate and retract both upper-sash tilt latches.
4. Pull the upper sash inward slowly while supporting both sides.
5. Clean or inspect the upper sash.
6. Return the upper sash upright and confirm that both latches engage.
7. Raise the upper sash completely before returning the lower sash upright.

Not every upper sash is designed to move or tilt. Do not force a fixed upper sash.

The Tilt Latches Will Not Retract

• Confirm that the sash is raised above the sill.
• Check for paint, dirt, or debris around the latch controls.
• Look for cracked housings or bent internal components.
• Avoid using excessive force on a plastic actuator.

Only One Side Releases

• Return the released side to the upright position.
• Check whether the opposite latch nose is fully retracting.
• Do not twist the sash or pull harder on the released corner.

The Sash Will Not Return Upright

• Confirm that the sash remains level.
• Check whether a pivot bar has moved out of its shoe.
• Look for jamb debris blocking the latch noses.
• Make sure the pivot lock shoes are positioned at equal heights.

The Window Will Not Lock

• Confirm that both tilt latches have re-engaged.
• Close both sashes completely.
• Check the meeting rails for dirt or misalignment.
• Inspect the lock and keeper for loose screws or damage.

• Trying to tilt the sash while it is fully closed
• Releasing only one tilt latch
• Pulling one corner inward before the other side is free
• Allowing the sash to fall inward
• Twisting or flexing the sash frame
• Using the tilted sash as a shelf or support surface
• Forcing a fixed sash to move
• Removing a sash unintentionally from its pivot shoes
• Lowering the sash before both latches have re-engaged
• Forcing the sash lock when the meeting rails are misaligned
• Ignoring broken or sticking tilt latches

To open a tilt-latch window, unlock the sash, raise it several inches, retract both tilt latches, and guide the top rail inward while supporting both sides.

When returning the sash upright, confirm that both latch noses fully engage the jamb before lowering or locking the window.