What to Do When a Window Won't Open or Close in Your Home

Window won’t open or close? Discover practical solutions and step-by-step troubleshooting tips to fix common window issues in your home, ensuring smooth operation and enhanced comfort.

There are only a few more frustrating and annoying things than a window that won’t close or open and is stuck. At the same time, a stuck window is also a very common issue in every household.

Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a major safety concern, you should have this problem resolved ASAP. Due to debris or humidity, a window’s shifting foundation or the warped wood underneath may leave it stuck.

At Crystal Glass, we have a fix to all your glass-related issues. We have been rendering our glass repair and replacement services in Canada for 65 years now. From fixing windshield crack to repairing your stuck window, we can do it all!

Here’s how you can fix your stuck window:

1. Identify the Type of Window

Identify First The Type of Window You Are Dealing With.

Before you start troubleshooting, it’s essential to know what kind of window you’re dealing with. The most common types include:

Double-Hung Windows: Windows that slide up and down.
Casement Windows: Windows that crank open outward.
Sliding Windows: Windows that slide horizontally.
Awning Windows: Windows that tilt open from the bottom.
Each type has specific mechanisms and potential issues.

2. Some Minor Adjustments

Depending on the severity of your problem, you may only need to make some minor adjustments to fix the window that’s stuck.

Check to see if the window is misaligned with the shifting foundation. In this case, you need to lift and shift the window slightly.
If it’s stuck because it hasn’t been used in a long time, try using some lubricants on the track or frame where the slash slides.
Sometimes windows get stuck due to debris. Cleaning the slides may be all that it needs.

How To Inspect for Obstacles When a Window Won’t Open or Close in Your Home

Double-Hung Windows

Check the Tracks: Dirt, debris, or paint buildup can obstruct the tracks. Clean the tracks thoroughly.
Check the Sashes: Ensure the window sashes are not painted shut or swollen due to humidity.

Casement Windows

Inspect the Crank Mechanism: Lubricate the crank mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant.
Check for Warping: Warped frames can prevent the window from closing properly.

Sliding Windows

Clean the Tracks: Remove any dirt or debris from the tracks.
Check the Rollers: Ensure the rollers are not damaged and are rolling smoothly.

Awning Windows

Check the Hinges: Make sure the hinges are not rusted or broken.
Inspect the Seal: A damaged seal can cause the window to stick.

3. Repairs When a Window Won’t Open or Close in Your Home

If the issue is more severe, you may need to consult an expert for professional glass repair. Examine your window to see if a part of the window’s wooden frame is rotten. This will require you to replace the damaged section.

Double-Hung Windows: Check the balances or springs. If they’re broken, you may need to replace them.
Casement Windows: Inspect the crank mechanism. If it’s stripped or broken, replace it.
Sliding Windows: Ensure the rollers are properly adjusted. Replace any that are worn out.
Awning Windows: Tighten or replace any loose or broken hinges.

Lubricate Moving Parts Of the Window

Lubrication can often resolve issues with windows that are hard to open or close. Use a silicone-based spray lubricant on:

Window tracks
Hinges
Rollers
Crank mechanisms

Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt and debris.

4. Address Seal and Weatherstripping Issues

Window Won’t Open or Close in Your Home Check For Weatherstripping Related Issues

Worn or damaged seals and weatherstripping can cause windows to stick. Replace any damaged weatherstripping to improve the operation of your windows.

Seals and weatherstripping play a crucial role in the functionality and efficiency of your windows. Over time, these components can wear out, become damaged, or lose their effectiveness, leading to windows that stick, drafts, and reduced energy efficiency. Addressing seal and weatherstripping issues can significantly improve the operation of your windows.

Inspect Seals: These are typically found around the edges of the window panes and frames. They help to create an airtight barrier, preventing air, window moisture, and dust from entering your home.

Inspect Weatherstripping: This is a material used to seal gaps around the movable parts of windows, such as the sashes in double-hung windows or the edges of casement windows. Weatherstripping is designed to compress and create a tight seal when the window is closed.

5. Window Replacement

If the window at your home is completely stuck and none of the above tricks work, it may be a sign of a bigger problem.

If all your windows are stuck or damaged, it may be time for an all-around window upgrade. We don’t just offer glass repair services but also full glass replacement services in Edmonton.

Remember that there’s no easy fix to a problem such as this. Trying to find an easy fix for an expensive window will only cause bigger problems. So it’s best to leave it to experts.