Why That Window Is So Hard To Open
Your home's windows should be easy to open and close, but if one has started acting up, it's time to take a closer look at the window assembly. The difficulty is likely due to something fixable, but it could also be due to a more serious issue.
No matter what style of window you have, you'll have to start with inspecting for the small things. Try to open the window slowly and see when and where it gets caught or starts to be more difficult to open. That will often lead you quickly to the cause, but if it doesn't, all you have to do is systematically work through the rest of the window's parts.
Blockages
One of the most likely causes is a blockage. Dirt and debris can get stuck in a sliding or hung window track, or an errant twig could have gotten caught in the hinge of a casement window. Inspect the tracks along both the bottom and top of horizontal sliding windows and the tracks on the sides of hung windows. For casement windows, inspect the entire edge that is next to the frame on the hinge side of the glass.
If you see anything, clean it out. You may need some lubricating oil for the tracks, or you may have to add some bleach to get rid of mold buildup in a hidden corner. If you do see mold, have the window inspected for leaks, and ensure the ventilation along the inside of the window is adequate.
Another possibility is a damaged track. If you have kids who like to throw things, for example, something might have landed in the window area, hitting the track in the process. This should be fixable, but have a window company do the repairs. Don't attempt to pry a metal track back into shape yourself.
One more possible problem for casement windows is rust on the hinge. If you haven't opened the window for a while, rust could have built up, jamming the hinge. Some anti-rust lubricating oil might be all you need to loosen up the hinge.
Springs, Screws, and Threads
Windows that are single hung, opening vertically, have a spring assembly that helps the window open. The spring might have been too tight, or it could have been knocked out of place. Again, these are fixable, but have window contractors take care of it. If you don't know what you're doing, you could make the problem worse.
Casement windows, the ones that have a crank that moves the window out, have a screw assembly inside the crank. The threads can be stripped over time, especially if the window has always been somewhat hard to open. Replacing the assembly should fix that, of course.
Wooden Window Problems
If the window in question has a wood frame, a couple of potential issues stand out. One is that, if the window was recently repainted, the paint could have formed a seal between the window and the frame. Inspect all around the window and gently nudge a chisel into areas that look like they have a paint seal.
Another problem is that wood expands in damp weather and in heat. If it's a really hot day or if it's been particularly humid, you could have an expansion problem. Call a window contractor to discuss modifying or replacing the wood.
The Serious Stuff
It is always possible that the window has suddenly become hard to open because the frame is now out of alignment due to the house having foundation issues. Houses can settle; this is normal. But if the house has settled so much that you actually can't open a window now, that is a sign that something is shifting by quite a lot.
Have both the window frame and the foundation inspected. If it turns out that the foundation is fine and it settled in just the right way to jam the window, it's best to replace the window.
However, this is among the rarer issues. If you're having trouble with a window, it's likely to be a problem that's much easier to solve. Give the Nor Sac Glass Company a call and have their workers inspect the window. Once they know what's wrong, they can suggest ways to fix it or discuss replacement styles with you.
