What to Do When Windows are Difficult to Open

Before looking at replacement windows in San Jose, CA for windows in your home that are difficult to open and close, there are several things that you can do to try to get the window to function more normally. However, once windows become difficult to open and close, these possible solutions may buy you a little more time, but windows replacement should be at the top of your home renovation list.

Dirt, dust, and pollen accumulate in the tracks of windows as time passes. This is a very common reason why windows may be difficult to open and close. The problem may be cleared up simply by cleaning the dirt buildup off the window tracks and then lubricating them.

To thoroughly clean the tracks of the window, you need cleaning cloths, a towel, a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, vinegar, a 1/2 gallon of hot water, and a silicone-based lubricant.

Raise your windows as high as they go so you have easy access to the tracks where the window sash slides up and down. With a dry cleaning cloth, remove any loose dust and dirt from the tracks. For any debris left on the tracks, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove it.

Next you need to make your cleaning solution. This will remove really heavy dirt buildup, and mildew and mold, if they are present. Combine 3/4 cup vinegar with 1/2 a gallon of hot water in a bucket. Dampen a cloth with the cleaning solution and scrub the tracks well.

After you’ve thoroughly cleaned the window tracks, wipe them cloth moistened with water. Dry the window tracks with a towel.

Use silicone-based lubricant poured or sprayed onto a dry cloth to wipe the tracks, the weatherstripping, and the jamb liner. Raise and lower the window a few times to evenly distribute the lubricant. Repeat applying the lubricant application until the windows opens easily.

If your windows are still difficult to open after this, it may be that the window itself is damaged. Windows typically last about fifteen to twenty years, so if your windows are older than that, a windows replacement is your next step.

As windows age, the materials they are manufactured with can degrade. This is especially true for wood, which warps and accumulates moisture with time. Not only will windows be more difficult to open and close, but you will notice cold air and hot air will be coming in through the windows. It will be difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home no matter what time of year it is, and you will be paying higher power bills.

Windows replacements will solve all of these problems, including the potential problem of the window not sitting squarely in the frame. However, after your windows replacement, you should still periodically clean the window tracks employing the cleaning method described here to keep them operating smoothly.

Window replacements will boost your home’s curb appeal and they will add to the value of your home. But most importantly windows replacement will make your home more energy efficient, which will mean you will pay less for energy all year long.

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