Tips For Opening A Stuck Window

During milder times of the year you may crave fresh air. Fall and spring months mark turning points between the extreme temperatures of the summer and winter seasons. After the heat and humidity of the summer or the bitter cold and ice of the winter you may experience problems trying to open your windows.

In some cases lightly pounding on the window frame will loosen the window enough to be able to open it. In many other instances you’ll need to take practical steps to work through the problem.

Losing heat during the winter and allowing cool, dry air to creep out during the summer are major causes of decreased energy efficiency and high power bills. If a window gets stuck without being completely sealed you’re likely to pay when your monthly bill arrives.

Use these simple steps to open a stuck window:

Break the Seal

Windows that don’t happen can frustrate homeowners quickly. Whether you need fresh air during summer months or circulating air during cooler months trying to pry open a window stuck shut tries can agitate the most patient person. Usually windows stay shut because they’ve been painted closed. Break the seal using a sharp object. Add oil to and clear the sash tracks to open the window.

Consider using a paint chipper or similar advice to break thinner seals of paint. Heavier, thicker coatings may require more heavy duty artillery.

Checking Tracks

In some cases you may not be able to open the window after breaking the seal. Look at the window frame tracks. In particular, observe the tracks above the sash. Stuck windows have tracks that are likely gummed up due to with paint build-up. Remove this build-up from the tracks by patiently and carefully chipping away at the paint with a hammer and chisel. Perform this task gingerly to avoid cracking your window.

Avoid chipping away too fervently as this can gouge out the track wood. Simply focus on removing the thick, hardened paint that’s causing the problem. Once you’ve chipped away at the paint sandpaper the tracks and lubricate them for easier opening and closing.

Prying

Particularly stubborn windows may require prying with a small bar if the first 2 steps don’t free the window. Attempt to pry the window open from the outside. Place the flat end of the pry bar gently under the sash. To effectively leverage the bar position a small wooden block underneath the pry.

First pry at the corners and then in to the center of the sash. Carefully jostle the bar to avoid damaging the window frame. Lubricate the tracks after cleaning them if you’re able to pry open the window.

If the window remains stuck call a window specialist to handle the problem. Uneven settling, shoddy construction work or climate conditions like heavy, prolonged humidity may be the culprits. A professional can fix the problem but you’ll likely damage your window using any other unorthodox strategy other than those listed above.

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