Do you want to let your house breathe, but you’re having difficulty opening your windows? Prying open a stuck window can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what’s causing the problem. If your windows are stuck, there are different ways of identifying the problem, and once you’ve identified the issue, you’ll more than likely be able to fix it quickly and easily. Today, we’re covering reasons why your window might be stuck and how you can fix it.
Humidity
One common reason that your window might be stuck is humidity. Moisture resulting from humidity can cause wooden window frames to expand and stick. This problem is especially common in high humidity areas like Jacksonville, but it has a few incredibly simple solutions.
One way you can unstick your window is by placing a dehumidifier next to it. If you don’t have a dehumidifier and don’t want to purchase one, you can use a hairdryer to unstick your window. All you need to do is set your hairdryer to low heat and aim it towards your expanded window frame. You can run it along the entirety of the frame, or you can target a specific side of the frame to loosen it. Once you’ve reduced the swelling, you can then fidget the window open.
Paint Seal
If humidity isn’t the culprit, check to see if dried paint is covering the seal. If this is the problem causing your window to remain shut, don’t worry — you’ll be able to fix it.
When you’re ready to go to work on your paint-covered window, grab a knife or another thin tool. Next, run your tools around the window seal to break up the paint keeping your window stuck. After breaking the paint seal, use force to open it.
If you’re still unable to open the window after you’ve loosened the paint, use a crowbar or another wedge-based tool to pry the window open, but be careful not to use too much force, or else you might break the window.
Warped Wood
Another problem that could be causing your window to remain stuck is that frame’s wood is warped. If your window is older, it may have become warped after experiencing years of moisture. Excess moisture caused by rain and humidity can cause your windows to absorb water, and this can result in serious damage and even rotting wood.
If your window frame is warped, try loosening its hinges to relieve the tightness that was caused by the frame’s expansion. Once you’ve adjusted your hinges so that the window can open again, tighten the hinge in the new position. Adjusting the hinge will more than likely result in gaps forming along the seams of the window, so use weatherstripping to fill the newly formed gaps.
Get a Replacement Window from American Window Products
Adjusting your window hinge is a great temporary solution for your warped window, but you may want to invest in a more permanent fix, like a new window frame. Rather than buying another wooden frame, consider replacing your wooden window frame with vinyl, which doesn’t warp or expand when exposed to moisture.
Here at American Window Products, we have gorgeous vinyl windows that are durable, energy-efficient, and cost-efficient. If you’re interested in purchasing beautiful vinyl windows, click here. We also offer a wide range of windows made out of aluminum and acrylic. If you have any questions or want to discuss what windows are best for you and your budget, reach out to us here. We’re looking forward to finding your perfect window!