Jim, even if by chance the windows don’t tilt in, as long as you can get the screen off from the inside there is a way to clean the outside of the lower sash from the inside. It’s not super easy, but I’ve done it several times when it was the best/safest option.
[MENTION=153]danwagner[/MENTION] Hi Dan, My question would be, How is that possible? There is only a half inch to an inch clearance between the two panes of glass if you slide the lower pane up. Or is there a special tool you use? By the way, I like your videos! You wouldn’t happen to have a video showing this method would you? Hint, hint!
[MENTION=39052]Hard2BeMe[/MENTION], sorry no videos!
This can be done assuming you can get the screen out and move the upper sash all the way up and down within the opening.
First pull the upper sash down to the sill or at least as far as possible. Then bring the lower sash up as high as you can while still being able to reach over it to clean the top part of the outside. You may need a short ladder to get good positioning. Once you’ve removed the hard water stains, you can mop what you are able to reach and use a squeegee that will fit and pull across the sash. Or you can hand wipe with a towel until it looks as good as if done with a squeegee. Then push the upper/outer sash back up and pull the lower/inner sash down to finish up what you couldn’t reach from up above. It’s kind of a pain, but definitely has saved me a few times.
[MENTION=153]danwagner[/MENTION] Hi Dan, I think the upper sash is fixed into the frame and not moveable. The windows that most homebuilders have used here are the IG vinyl clad. Most of them have cracked and chipped vinyl from the unrelenting sun (on west exposures). Many also have the film and crystallization between the panes which totally ruins them. It is sad as most of these homes are 4000 sq ft and bigger. in the $600,000. & up price range.
I wish they would use higher grade windows where the top one slides down. You guys up north have the good windows 
I have the older aluminum frame windows in my home, and the top sash slides down in those. Thank you for explaining this to me. You guys are the best!
Thank you,
Jim
[MENTION=153]danwagner[/MENTION] Dan, Most of these homes with dormers only have a half screen on the lower half of the window. I don’t see too many homes with full screens here, unless they are from the 1930’s to 1950’s. I could be wrong in calling them double hung, but that is what most around here call them.
I wish I had more knowledge about these windows. Come to think about it, when I wipe the frames, I only notice the latch locking the window shut.
Would the half screen be an indication that the top is fixed? It would certainly make my life easier if the tops did slide down.
Thank you,
Jim
Jim, that could be an indicator that they are single-hung. But not a guarantee. One window in my bathroom is a double-hung with a half-screen.
But if the dormer windows have fixed upper sashes, it’s almost a certainty that the bottom will tilt in and the screen will come out from the inside. If not, the designer of that window should be shuttled to the moon.
Thanks Dan, You guys are the best!
