Stuck or hard to open windows.
There’s nothing like opening a living room window on a lovely sunny day. Let the breeze in and catch some fresh air. But what if your window doesn’t open correctly or at all? Fortunately, there are some fixes for these problems.
If your window is stuck shut, there’s a good chance it’s caused by a build-up of dust and dirt between the sash and the frame. An easy fix for this problem is some lubricating spray.
Spray lubricating spray such as WD-40 or PB Blaster into the crack between the sash and the frame and allow it to soak in. After a few minutes, you should open the window with ease. Once it’s opened, be sure to wipe down the track to remove any dirt that will cause further problems.
However, if you’re still unable to open the window, it could be something more problematic such as a warped frame. For example, on a casement window, you might see where the frame rubs against the sash when you open the window indicating the frame is warping. This is relatively rare as the most common windows, such as vinyl and aluminum, do typically not warp.
Air drafts are coming through windows.
This is one of the most common problems with windows that drive homeowners nuts. Drafty air coming from around the window not only makes a room feel uncomfortable but can affect your utility bills as well.
The first thing you need to do is identify where the draft is coming from. Take your hand and feel around the window frame to determine where the air is entering. Once you do this, you’ll know whether you need to apply weatherstripping or caulking.
If the air is coming from either the jamb or the sill, the air enters between the window and the frame. To fix this, you’ll need to apply weatherstripping. If the air is coming from around the frame, you might also notice some cracking. Apply a bead of caulking to the area to seal it off.
Keep in mind that some windows are either older or cheap builder-grade windows that do a terrible job at keeping outside air out of your home. If that’s the case, a temporary fix would be to put up window insulation plastic. This will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but it’s unsightly and not an excellent long-term solution.
For best results, you may want to consider upgrading your windows to something a little more energy-efficient.
Leaking windows.
Not only will leaky windows create a mess, but there’s also some long-term damage that occurs due to water getting in. If left untreated, you may grow mold, and wood will rot. At this point, it’s no longer a window problem, but you may also have to replace walls and flooring near the leak. It’s best to take care of it as soon as possible.
To fix a window leak, though, really depends on where the water is coming from. If the water is coming from around a pane of glass, you can apply caulking to keep the water out. This is more of a temporary fix. You’ll want to have the window replaced altogether for a more permanent solution.
If water is entering from around the frame, you’re probably going to have to replace the entire window. Chances are your frame is warped, and the only solution to that problem is a replacement.
Sometimes you may notice water around your windows, but it might not necessarily be a leak but rather condensation or moisture.
Condensation or moisture building up on windows.
This is one of the most common problems with windows, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing. Unsightly, sure, but probably not a significant issue.
If you have moisture on the inside of your window, that means your windows are doing their job. They’re preventing air from getting in or out, allowing your house to stay at a higher humidity level. These droplets of condensation form when the warmth from your home meets the coolness of the window and moisture from the air begins to form. You can wipe down the window or circulate the air to prevent this problem.
However, the real problem lies when you can’t wipe the moisture away. It’s because it is between the panes of glass. That means you have seals that have failed. In this situation, your once energy-efficient double-paned windows are no longer energy-efficient. While there is no household fix for this problem, you don’t need to worry about potential long-term damage like you do with a leak. You will want to have the window replaced at some point if you want to retain your energy efficiency, though.
Ready to start fixing some of these common problems with windows?
Window problems are common, but there are ways to fix them. Older windows may cause more problems than newer windows. Older windows lack the technological advances that newer ones have and fail a bit more.
Any of these problems, if left ignored, may result in more significant problems down the road, so you might want to consider having a professional take a look at them. A reputable window company will assess your current situation and offer solutions that work best for you, your home, and your budget.