Lubricate Sticking Windows Before Replacement

Before proceeding with a San Jose, CA windows replacement for windows that are hard to open and shut – sticking windows – there are several things you can do to try to resolve the problem.  

Dirt, dust, and pollen build up over time in the tracks of windows, which is a common reason for sticking windows. You may be able to eliminate the problem by cleaning up the accumulated debris and lubricating the window tracks.  

The supplies you’ll need to clean are cleaning cloths, a towel, a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, vinegar or baby shampoo, a bucket of hot water (1/2 a gallon), and silicone-based lubricant.   

Lift the windows up as high as possible to access the tracks where the window sash slides open and shut. Use a dry cleaning cloth to get rid of loose dust and dirt. Using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, remove any remaining debris inside the tracks.  

Now you’ll make a cleaning solution to get rid of mold, heavy dirt buildup, and mildew. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baby shampoo or 3/4 cup vinegar into 1/2 a gallon of hot water. Saturate a cloth with the cleaning solution and scrub the tracks.  

After the window tracks are clean, wipe them down with a wet cloth (just water). Then use a towel to dry them.  

Once the window tracks are dry, spray the silicone-based lubricant onto a dry cloth and apply it to inside and outside of the tracks, the weatherstripping, and the jamb liner. Distribute the lubricant evenly by opening and shutting the windows a few times. Repeat the lubricant application process as needed until the windows move up and down smoothly.  

If you’ve repeated the lubrication process several times, and your windows are still sticking then it may be a sign of damage to the window itself. Windows have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years, so if your windows are older than that, a windows replacement is the next step you’ll need to consider.  

Windows get old. Materials used to manufacture windows can deteriorate, especially wood, which will warp and accumulate moisture as it ages. You will likely notice signs other than sticking windows. Cold air or hot air will be coming inside the windows. Condensation will be accumulating on the inside of the window glass. You will have a hard time maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, both in the summer and the winter. And your energy bills will be higher.  

Another common reason for sticking windows is that the window sash doesn’t sit squarely in the window frame. That comes from years of opening and closing the windows, and the wear and tear that produces on the window itself in the process.   

Windows replacements will restore the ease of opening and shutting your windows, because the new windows will sit squarely in the frame. After your windows replacement, you should still periodically clean the tracks using the cleaning method described here.  

Window replacements will increase your home’s curb appeal and add to the value of your home, as well as giving you a more energy-efficient home that will be reflected in lower energy bills all year long.    

For more information about San Jose, CA windows replacement, you can speak with our knowledgeable staff at California Custom Creations. You can call us at (408) 316-6293 to set up an appointment for a free in-home consultation.