Window won't stay up on retractable screen storm door.

by Karen
(West Chazy, NY)


I have a Larson storm door with a fixed glass pane at the bottom and sliding glass pane at the top. There is a retractable screen attached to the top glass pane. My problem is, the top glass pane will no longer stay up only half way. The top window pane is either all the way open or all the way closed. I know this has something to do with the tension cords. As you can see them in the picture, they never used to do that. I know that they should be retracting when the screen is all the way closed. Does anyone know if this can be fixed. If so, could you point me in a direction?

Thanks, Karen

Comments for Window won't stay up on retractable screen storm door.

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Oct 31, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Window won't close NEW
by: Lisa

I have the retractable Larsen trade wind door. Same problem. After 3 years, window will not lock in closed position.
Nothing to remove on top of window. Worked for 3 years. It seems the latch has nothing to latch onto. My sense is window is not able to go high enough.
Larsen was supposed to call me back in 45 minutes. That wa 90 minutes ago.
Oct 08, 2024
Rating
star 		How do I see the answers and solutions??
by: Anonymous

I see my problem listed but can't see the answers. My top window won't stay up the latch doesn't grab like it used to...my storm door is south facing

Answer by Adrian:

The latch keys that hold the top panel up are made of plastic and wear out or break easily. They are easy to replace, its just a question of where you can find them. There are literally dozens and dozens of types. You would need to take the top panel out andtake a picture of the latch key so you have something you can send to Larson. Its also possible a local glass shop might stock them.
Oct 04, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson Tradewinds top window wont stay up-clip
by: Anonymous


Larson Tradewinds storm door- The top window will not stay up. To troubleshoot, it says to be sure to remove the black shipping clip at the top of the door. Where is it located? I have also read it is difficult to locate. I saved up for a long time for this door and am very nervous I bought a lemon.
Aug 23, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: Anonymous

Am I glad I found this site!! Removed that clip at the top and problem solved.
Jul 28, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		Lever will not hold windowpane in place.
by: Anonymous

When we first got the retractable screen door, the lever at the top of the bottom windowpane would hold the glass in place at different levels. It will not do that anymore. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Jul 23, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you for the clip advice, glass now locks into place!
by: Anonymous

An enormous thank you to everyone on this thread who shared the advice to remove the clip at the top of the screen/frame, I would never have figured that out without you. I thought I had a defective door but now the glass locks into place like a charm when raised. Very grateful for the easy fix!!
Jul 13, 2024
Rating
starstarstar 		upper window will not lock in place...South facing door
by: Anonymous

I've had a problem with the latch unable to go under the upper glass when the glass is raised all the way. The issue seems to be that because the storm door is on the south side of the home the intense summer heat has softened the black 'glazing' between the glass and the frame so the glass has actually slipped down about 1/4 of an inch within the aluminum frame... making the glass and frame combination too tall to raise up sufficiently for the latch to go under the lower frame section. I have read elsewhere that storm doors on the south side of homes are not a great idea because of the heat buildup. I do think the heat has softened the glazing holding the glass in the frame. I suspect that would be a problem with any manufacturers storm door.
Jul 02, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		black clip
by: Anonymous

what black clip is everyone talking about on a glass that falls down
Apr 30, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		Glass will not stay 1/2 way up.
by: Mo-Dave

I fixed mine with no new parts.
Apr 22, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		Glass will not stay 1/2 way up.
by: Mo-Dave

Karen did you ever get a solution to your problem of the glass not staying when partly up?

Mine is either up and latched or down. It quit staying part way up only after a few months.
Mar 24, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Window won't stay up on retractable Larson screen storm door
by: Todd

My window won't go up high enough either and does not stay up but I can't find a black clip in front of the screen
Dec 14, 2023
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starstarstarstarstar 		Just slid the clip
by: Anonymous

Had the retractable screen door issue of not staying up. After reading the comments I located the clip and slid it off. Thank you.
Aug 30, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Screen on Larson lakeview
by: Anonymous

Screen on Larson lakeview storm door will not stop at desired opening, falls all the way open. Tried calling support, but lines are always busy, this tells me they are junk. I've tried calling for four days and no one to talk to, as they are all busy.I just want my screen to stay where I move it. Do not buy these poor quality and poor customer service doors.
Jul 23, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson Retractable Window Won't Latch to Hold Window in Place
by: Tracey

Thank you for the comments!! When you pull down the window, at the very top in front of the screen there is a black clip that slides back and forth. It says REMOVE REMOVE REMOVE but is very hard to see the writing. Pull up/out to remove the clip and throw away. This will allow the retractable window to now be pushed all the way up for the latch to work, holding the window in place! I almost ordered a replacement latch and am really glad I found these helpful comments! Many thanks!!
Jul 13, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Remove black clipI
by: Lynn

I was having problems with my window not staying up also and then I read the comment about taking the black clip off at the top latch voila maybe they could add that to their instructions it would make life easier!
Jun 02, 2023
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starstarstarstarstar 		Screen panel for @ 1999 Larson Storm door
by: Rcw

Our door is three panels : 2 glass and 1 removable screen panel.1 glass panel is movable 1 is fixed at the bottom. I want the screen on top….how do I get it in. It is too wide to pop in the available tract. I’m trying to do this by myself.
Thanks in advance for your help🐣
May 22, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson door retractable screen problems
by: Anonymous

The same issue is still going on now as it has for many years. Wish I had known this before I bought my Tradewinds door. The retractable screen won’t stay up. The glass seems like it’s too long for the door as the clip can not slide under the top glass to hold it up. Larson sent me a new clip but it doesn’t fit. They also sent me a screen cassette which I do not know how to install. I have two other identical doors purchased at the same time. One has a bowed frame and one has a noticeable gap I can’t fix. Ironically the screens on these aren’t a problem. I’m going to order the latch on Amazon that was recommended in an earlier post. We shall see if that works.
Feb 25, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		top window will not stay up
by: Karen

I have the same problem with the Larson storm door the top window keeps sliding down the latch will not hold the window upI called and explained to customer service and she insisted I was doing something wrong and said I have an old latch they don't make them on the doors any longer. Then I said can you just please send me another latch she didn't she sent some plastic clips with some instructions. I bought two doors from Larson one works one doesn't at this point Im going to get a handyman to find a solution and not buy Larson's door again. Defender Doors are really good and expensive but they WORK.

KAREN
Jan 01, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Part to fix glass not staying up..poor quality latch
by: Mikee

I just had a larson door installed and they still have not improved the latch. They have not shown any fix so I found my own.
Amazon..
Prime Line Sash Lock
3/8 inch latch projection
Upc #0-49793 02590-6
Works perfect
Dec 11, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cords showing
by: Adrian

If the cords are showing that means the sash balance is jammed and needs to be oiled and / or replaced. The following document from the Larson website talks how you go about oiling them:

https://docs.larsondoors.com/PDF/Balance%20oil%20kit%20Instructions.pdf

If oiling the balances does not get them moving smoothly then they are probably worn beyond repair, the follwing document talks about replacement:

https://docs.larsondoors.com/PDF/Tradewinds%20Bottom%20Sash%20and%20Balance%20Replacement%20Instructions.pdf

Larson is using sash balances to hold the window sash in any position. Older storm doors used to use spring loaded panel clips to do this but you could only latch it at a predetermined height that had slots for the clips to fit into.

Sash balances can stop working if they get dirty or worn as they are only made from thin plastic. The balances are on both side so if one breaks there is still another to stop the sash from crashing down.


Dec 10, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Self Storing Window won't latch
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem. When the window is at its upper limit and the lower window at its lower limit, the upper window will not latch and keeps falling down a few inches.
Dec 10, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Larson screen door
by: jim

Larson screen door fixed bottom retractable screen top. Latch to hold screen up in winter, hits the glass, will not reach metal frame. Sounds like there is to fix and it's been going on for years.
Nov 19, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Larson screen away storm door
by: Anonymous

Screen away wont stay shut.take off the black clip!!!! thankyou.
Aug 11, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Retrackable sceen
by: Bruce

Screen won't roll up, cords showing, glass pane won't stay up. Ordered new screen but think that is not the problem
Jul 08, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Window in Larson Storm Door Wouldn't Stay Up
by: Katie

I had the same problem since the door was first installed. Finally got on a step ladder since I'm short.
The latch wasn't catching. I had to push up really, really, really hard on the latch before it would catch on the little lip.
I plan to order a new latch to see if it works any better.
Dec 11, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Solution for retractable screen
by: Jerry

I had the same problem with the retractable glass panel on the Lawson storm door slipping a couple of inches each time the door was closed, leaving the screen exposed. With winter approaching, I spent some time troubleshooting and found the source of the problem. The small latch at the top of the retractable screen wasn't latching properly because it had a black retaining clip in it (probably there to protect it from damage in shipment). As soon as I removed the black retaining clip, the retractable screen latch engaged perfectly and the upper glass panel no longer slides down a couple of inches when I close the storm door. Problem solved!
Dec 06, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Larson screen away storm door defective
by: Ted H

I have the same issue with the top glass dropping down 2 to 3 inches because the latch on the lower glass won't stop the top glass from dropping. I contacted customer service and they sent me a new latch, but it was identical to the original one. In addition, they sent me a new bottom glass insert, top glass insert, and new screen under warranty and still have the same issue. I have spent several hours replacing all these items and am about to throw it in the trash
Oct 25, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Can't lock the window part Larson storm door
by: Anonymous

I have Larson retractable screen storm door. I
could shut the window part and lock it with the
lock middle of door. Now I cannot get the lock to
go under the window part and lock it. The window
can slide down and don't like this with winter
coming on. Any suggestions. I chatted with
customer service but their advice did not help.
Sep 24, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Instructions for oiling the balances from Larson
by: Eric

This afternoon I used the following instructions provided by Larson and it fixed the issue:

https://docs.larsondoors.com/PDF/Balance%20oil%20kit%20Instructions.pdf

A few notes:

Tools needed: definitely needle-nose pliers.

In step 3, the screws on my door were on the outside of the door. After removing the screws, I couldn't see the plastic end of the balance until I pushed the window up slightly.

In step 4, when you pull down on the plastic end of the balance, make sure you pull straight down - as much as possible - to avoid bending the metal balance. They do mention that in step 5 but by then it might be too late.

The 'oil' I used was Blaster Advanced Dry Lube with Teflon which is for windows and door tracks, among other uses.
Aug 07, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Easy fix for keeping storm window up
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem with my Larson door, window wouldn't stay up. We bought it from a local lumber yard. GUESS WHAT THE HANDLE ON THE WINDOW WAS ON UPSIDE DOWN TURN YOUR HANDLE AROUND EASY FIX NOW WORKS WONDERFUL BEST DOOR WE'VE EVEN HAD .
May 23, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Possible fix
by: Mark

Did you ever get your door fixed? I had the same problem and finally was able to remedy it. I think I have the same door as you.
Oct 13, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson screen door, glass wont stay up
by: Anonymous

I also have a Larson door. am so disappointed that the screen wont go all the way to the top and stay. they sent me new clips. that's not the problem. I see they have changed the door. they must have had a lot of complaints. Doesnt help me any. they say they dont even have any reps that goes to people's home. not very good customer service.
Oct 06, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		got parts but no one to put them in.
by: Anonymous

Bought 3 Larson storm doors with sliding screens. Screen stopped working( bundled up in a mess at the top of the door frame. The window fell down on my hand and chopped out a portion of my finger. After many trips to Lowes and failed installer appointments I called Larson. I sent receipts, photos of problem and they sent me parts about 4 weeks later. Now find someone to replace the broken parts? Not so easy, anyone have similar issues and how did you fix them?
Apr 15, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Adjusting Tension on the Screen Spring
by: Martin

If your screen allows the glass frame to slide to the bottom then there is not enough tension upwards to hold the window pane in a closed position. It should hold the window pane closed even with no spacers. Think of it like a blind with a spring pulling it up, without this spring it will not go up. Remove the screen from the door. Roll the spring bar a number of times with a vice grip (reintroducing a spring like pull) then reinstall the screen. Good luck, you're going to need it, sounds easy, but it is a bastard to do.
Feb 22, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Rolscreen window issues
by: Anonymous

I am wondering if the window can open a portion of the way. Sometimes I like to have it only opened a few inches or half way and it does not hold. It slides all the way down. What do you do to fix
this issue
Jan 01, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How to fix
by: Doug

Larson has replacement plastic clips for inside of door frame just above lower glass pane. Remove screw holding broken clips and then get pieces out from lower frame. Install new plastic clip on each side with correct screw. Amazingly this fixes the problem. Upper panel slides up and latches in place. Won't drop down anymore - until plastic clips age and break again.
Larson service dept sold me the clips provided instructions and talked me through it when I got stuck By telling me how to get old broken pieces out.
Jun 03, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Window trouble
by: Anonymous

I have opposite problem my window won't stay down keeps sliding back up


May 02, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Finding answers ?
by: Jack

Seems that this is a problem that has no fix
@ Fixing screens.com
Dec 20, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		No answer on Larson screen door?
by: Anonymous

Fixing Screens.com, why haven't you answered any of these questions? Are you only about selling stuff?
Feb 13, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		upper panel locking
by: Anonymous

Same door here, my issue is the lock that keeps upper panel up keeps releasing panel when door closes, which allows the panel to drop a few inches.
I cant find another window lock to put along side the existing window lock to reinforce it.
The door already is on the slowest closing speed possible.
Nov 16, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		screen door problem
by: sandy

I have a larson door ...same kind and same problem how do you fix it...store wont do anything to help..

Oct 19, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Same problem
by: Heidi

I have the same problem. I just emailed Larson customer service asking if this can be fixed. I'll let you know what they say when they get back to me.
Sep 03, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Me too!
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem. Been searching for a solution or advice, but no luck yet.
Jun 14, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dorm door window won't stay up
by: Anonymous

How do yow fix its a brand new door
Feb 17, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Same problem here
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem, and there's a string hanging out..... what do I do to fix that??
Aug 24, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		I have the same problem
by: Anonymous

Did you get an answer I have the same problem, same door.

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