Stubborn windows? Here are tips on how to fix a stuck window in your home!

So, one fine Sunday afternoon, you decide to get a breath of fresh air... only to be foiled by a stubborn window. Time to call a repairman? Not so fast. Give this article a read, and you may just unstick that window yourself!

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Usually, a stuck window isn't just being ornery. It's likely there's an issue causing it to stick.

Paint

This would be the human equivalent to having your hair tied in a knot. Sometimes, windows get stuck because they've been painted shut. The paint acts like an adhesive, allowing no movement.

Swelling

Some wooden window frames tend to swell in hot and humid weather, causing them to become too wide for the window opening.

Hardware

In some cases, the window hardware is either damaged or has seen better days in terms of functionality.

Step 2: Gather Tools

The complexity of your toolbox will depend on what's causing the problem. For painted windows, a putty knife or a utility knife can work magic. For swollen frames, you may need a plane to trim the excess wood. In case of hardware issues, a screwdriver and a replacement latch or handle could be the magic fix.

Step 3: Fix the Stuck Window

Painted Shut

Firstly, glide the edge of the putty knife or utility knife between the window sash and frame from the outside of the window, gently cutting through the paint. Repeat the process on the inside as well. I must emphasize the word gently, folks! You don't want to break the window in the process.

Swollen Frame

For swollen frames, remove the window from its casing and put the plane to use. Gently plane down the swollen areas until the sash can move smoothly within the casing again. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. So, take your time and keep checking the fit as you go.

Hardware Problems

In case of hardware issues, simply unscrew the faulty handle or latch and replace it with a new one. Just make sure to align it properly to avoid more sticking in the future!

Step 4: Smoothen the Sliding

Once your window is moving again, we suggest you take a few preventive steps to keep it sliding smooth and squeak-free. Apply a silicone-based lubricant along the tracks and along the edges of the window. If it's a wooden window, you can also try rubbing a block of paraffin wax along the edges of the sash.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

If your window was painted shut, you might have chipped paint due to the rescue operation. Give the window and its frame a fresh coat of paint. Just remember not to paint it shut this time!

Stay on Guard

With your new window-fixing skills, it's time you keep an eye on stubborn windows before they turn into a bigger problem. Remember, regular maintenance can save a lot of time and hassle.

And There You Go!

… see that wasn’t so hard, was it? You’re now a certified window-whisperer! So, the next time you have a window refusing to budge, you'll know exactly what to do. You’ve got the skill! You’ve got the tools! Free those windows, let the sunshine in, and enjoy your enhanced DIY status! Happy handy-work and remember, there is no window too stuck for you now!