home improvement






 

Question by  redkudu67 (17)

What can I do about hard to open vinyl windows?

With fall approaching I would like to open my windows, the only problem is they are difficult to open.

 
+7

Answer by  scott96 (113)

Vinyl windows should open freely with a lot of force and maybe some oil if they haven't been opened in a while. You should also check to see if they have been painted and check the hardware (springs and rods) at the side of the window sashes for damage.

 
+7

Answer by  joebob31 (622)

It may be because of the way the were installed. The installer may not have ensured all sides were level and may have also torqued to window. These may be difficult to fix. Some light oil on the frame may help.

Reply by PatsyK (1):
What does it mean torqued to window?
What can you do if this is the problem?  add a comment
 
+6

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

If they are hard to open then they are shimmed incorrectly or out of square. Use a tape measure and measure corner to corner to make sure it's square.

 
+5

Answer by  Latin4 (11170)

Make sure they were installed correctly and not to tight so they won't open. Run bees wax along the canal that houses the window and move it up and down.

 
+4

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well if they are not opening properly, then just apply some vinegar onto the surface and rubbing alcohol as well to open them easier. They should slide open now and easily.

 
+4

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

Take a bar of soap and run it where the windows slide that will make it much easier to open and close the windows.

 
+3

Answer by  les59 (852)

I would recommend replacing hard to open vinyl windows. The reason that I recommend that is because if the windows themselves are old enough to have become hard to open, they probably also leak and are not air tight. This would cost you a fortune in wasted Heating and Cooling of your home.

 
+3

Answer by  acesi (24)

If you spray WD-40 in the crevices where it is sticking and let sit overnight then open, problem solved!

 
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