Why Are My Windows Hard To Open?

Opening a few windows during nice weather can create a great cross-breeze, getting rid of the stuffy, stale air in your home. But if your windows are stuck or hard to operate, the process can be frustrating.

Windows can become difficult to open over time due to dirt, debris, or mechanical issues. Here’s a breakdown of how to fix different types of windows, from sliding windows to casement windows, with simple DIY steps.

How to Fix Hard-to-Open Windows

For Sliding Windows

Sliding windows can be prone to collecting dirt and debris in the tracks, causing them to stick.

1. Clean the Tracks:
   • Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove loose dirt from all sides of the window tracks.
   • Wipe the tracks with an all-purpose cleaner, paying attention to the bottom track where dirt tends to accumulate.
   • Slide the window back and forth to loosen any stubborn dirt.
2. Lubricate the Tracks:
   • Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks, making sure to spread it evenly across the entire track.
   • Open and close the window a few times to ensure smooth operation.
3. Check Rollers for Damage:
   • Inspect the rollers for wear or damage. If the rollers are stuck or damaged, they can make it hard to slide the window. Replace them if needed.

For Casement Windows

Casement windows, which open outward with a crank, can develop issues due to stiff hinges or mechanical failure in the operator.

1. Clean and Lubricate the Hinges:
   • Open the window fully.
   • Wipe the hinges with a cloth to remove any dirt.
   • Apply a silicone-based spray to the hinges, and then open and close the window several times to work the lubricant into the mechanism.
2. Inspect for Loose Screws or Misaligned Parts:
   • Check the screws on the hinges and the operator. If they are loose or misaligned, tighten or replace them to improve the window’s function.
3. Replace the Window Operator (if needed):
   • If the window still doesn’t open smoothly after lubricating the hinges, the issue might be with the operator (the part connected to the crank that pushes the window open). In this case, replacing the operator may be necessary.

For Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows

Double-hung and single-hung windows, which slide up and down, can develop issues from accumulated debris or misaligned springs.

1. Clean the Tracks:
   • Vacuum up any loose dirt from the window tracks.
   • Use an all-purpose cleaner to scrub away grime, focusing on the vertical sides where debris tends to collect.
2. Lubricate the Tracks:
   • Apply a silicone-based lubricant along the sides of the tracks.
   • Move the window up and down several times to ensure even distribution of the lubricant.
3. Check Springs and Locks:
   • If the window still sticks, check the spring mechanism. If the spring is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
   • Ensure the lock mechanism is functioning properly. Lubricate the lock if it’s stiff.

For Awning or Hopper Windows

These windows open outward or downward, and the hinges or operator can become stiff over time.

1. Clean and Lubricate the Hinges:
   • Open the window fully and wipe away any dirt or dust from the hinges.
   • Spray silicone-based lubricant on the hinges, wiping away any excess to prevent drips.
   • Open and close the window several times to allow the lubricant to distribute evenly.
2. Inspect the Operator:
   • If the hinges are not the problem, check the operator. If the operator is stiff or broken, it may need to be replaced.

When To Consider a Window Replacement

Problems opening a window could also be a symptom of damage to the window itself. The springs or counterbalance may have failed, leaving the window hard to open or unable to stay in position while open. Such windows can make it hard to exit in a fire, or they can close abruptly, causing injuries, and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Warped, bent, or swollen, water-damaged frames and sashes could also cause the problem, which is especially common with wood or aluminum windows. Upgrading to a modern vinyl or fiberglass window can virtually eliminate warping or water damage problems while improving your comfort, cutting energy costs, and reducing maintenance requirements.

Turn to our team at Zen Windows when you need to replace your old, damaged, or difficult-to-operate widows. We offer high-quality, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows and fiberglass replacement windows, both of which are durable, low-maintenance alternatives to wood or aluminum windows.

The Homeowner’s Complete Guide to Window Materials

We demand a lot from our home’s windows. They not only usher in fresh air and natural light but also help keep out the wet and cold. And we expect them to function well for decades. For centuries, windows were only made from wood. Today, consumers have many options to choose from, including aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl.

Here’s a look at the differences between these four materials, along with the pros and cons of how they perform.

Wood Windows

Wood is a traditional material choice for windows. Attractive and durable, they offer excellent insulation. But they also require regular maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best.

Disadvantages to wood windows include:

• Paint and stain touchups and weather barrier coatings are often needed to protect wood from warping and rotting due to natural elements exposure.
• They’re also not the best choice for homes located near a coastline, as the salt air can cause pitting and staining.
• Termites love wood windows, which makes it doubly important to keep up on maintenance.

Wood windows are also the most expensive option, but they don’t rust and can last a lifetime — as long as you’re willing and able to maintain them.

Aluminum Windows

When they hear “aluminum windows,” most people think back to the cheap, flimsy models of the 1960s to 1980s. Today’s aluminum windows are a lot stronger and can last a long time if properly maintained. They’re less expensive than wood but cost more compared to vinyl.

One of the top-selling points of aluminum windows is their low maintenance. A major downside is they’re not as energy-efficient as other windows, as aluminum conducts heat more than any other building material. That can be a problem if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures in the winter.

While aluminum isn’t prone to warping, it can eventually corrode, especially if installed in coastal area homes. Corrosion-resistant paint can lessen the risk of decay.

Fiberglass Windows

Lighter and stiffer than wood and as low-maintenance as vinyl, fiberglass replacement windows are unaffected by temperature fluctuations. They’re available in custom sizes, have durable UV-blocking coatings, and a wide color selection. Built to last, they come with similar options and offer similar energy efficiency ratings as most vinyl windows. However, fiberglass windows do typically carry a higher price tag than vinyl models. But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, fiberglass windows are a great choice.

Vinyl Windows

When you’re looking for attractive, durable, and low-maintenance replacement windows, you don’t need to search further than vinyl. Made from an incredibly strong plastic material called PVC, vinyl doesn’t rust, corrode, or separate.

Advantages of vinyl windows include:

• They come in an abundance of sizes, styles, and exterior colors and can be manufactured to mimic a classic wood look.
• Vinyl frame corners and sashes are airtight, which keeps your utility bills low and your home comfortable all year long.
• They’re practically maintenance-free. You don’t need to touch them up with paint or stain, and you can easily clean them with just a little soap and water.

Vinyl windows also deliver the biggest bang for your buck. Properly installed, they’re designed to last and offer excellent energy efficiency, particularly if you choose our double-pane windows with high-performance low-E coatings.

Which Window Material Is Best for Your Home?

When choosing a replacement window material, it helps to make a list of which features matter most to you, always keeping in mind the level of upkeep and maintenance you’ll need to do.

All Zen Windows locations offer vinyl windows, and some offer fiberglass windows as well. We offer these materials because we believe they offer the best balance of form and function. We’d be happy to tell you more about these durable, efficient materials; contact your closest location to find out more! Our team is ready to answer any questions you might have about window materials and options.

How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows

Winter is right around the corner, and if your home has older windows, that often means chilly drafts, cold spots, and condensation problems. More importantly, it means higher heating costs and a less comfortable home for your family. If you are considering replacement windows to address these issues, here are a few tips that can help you choose the most efficient windows for your needs.

Select the Best Glass for Your Climate

The type of glass in your windows can have a huge impact on their energy efficiency. When possible, choose dual- or triple-pane glass. These windows have more than one pane of glass with an air pocket between them, creating an insulating layer that is far more effective as a buffer against the cold than a single pane of glass. Filling that space with an inert gas like argon increases the insulating effect even more, keeping your home comfortable for longer with less energy. Low-E glass is another way to increase the efficiency of your windows. It reduces the amount of infrared radiation that can pass through your windows, which keeps your home cooler in the summer.

To maximize your energy savings, look for windows with a low U-factor, which represents the amount of heat that can be physically conducted through the window. In hot climates, choose a window with a low solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, which indicates how much heat you can expect to gain from the sun. In cool climates where passive heating is desired during the winter, look for windows with a high SHGC.

Choosing the Best Window Frames

Wood window frames offer decent insulation, but they can easily warp, twist, and rot with exposure to the elements, and they need constant repainting and upkeep to avoid damage. Aluminum windows conduct heat easily into and out of your home. For the best efficiency, consider vinyl or fiberglass windows. Both offer great thermal performance and air sealing, plus they are low maintenance. Choose windows with insulated frames and quality warm-edge seals for the best efficiency, and choose fusion-welded frames for the best seal and greatest durability.

Selecting the Most Efficient Window Styles

If you want to keep out drafts, windows that do not open, like picture windows, are a great choice, but many homeowners enjoy a bit of a breeze and some fresh air during nice weather. For the most efficient operable windows, choose casement windows, awning windows, or hopper windows, as their seals are reliably simple and effective. Double-hung windows are more complex and require several seals to block air infiltration, as they only have one operable sash to seal.

Other Tips to Increase the Efficiency of Your Windows

Adding heavy curtains or drapes to your windows can help to seal out drafts and prevent heat loss during the winter. Simply close them at night to keep the heat contained, then open them during sunny days to take advantage of free solar heating. Inspect weatherstripping on doors and windows often and replace it as necessary to keep out drafts.

Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows From Zen Windows

Are you ready to upgrade your windows? Choose energy-efficient vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows from our team at Zen Windows. We offer a range of frame and glass options to maximize the performance of the windows for your climate, and we make the buying process as easy as possible with fast, free quotes, a hassle-free sales process,[DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”financing”] great financing options with no money down,[/DisplayIfSet][DisplayIfSet group=”Additional_Pages” setting=”warranties”] and a lifetime warranty on all our replacement windows[/DisplayIfSet].

Call Zen Windows today or contact us online to request your free, no-obligation window replacement quote from your closest Zen Windows distributor.