i just moved in to this old house and i can't get the windows open how can i get them open?

Answer 1

Use a razor knife or putty knife to cut the paint in the joints that holds it shut. (It's like glue) Then use a putty knife to get under the window frame (from outside) to break it loose. You may need to tap it with a hammer. We had an old house a few years ago that had the same problem. I actually used a hatchet to get under the window frame & force it open a little at a time. (Any wedge shaped object should work.) Eventually, I forced it open enough to use a 2X4 to pry it open the rest of the way. Sometimes a bit of liquid soap or WD40 helps to lubricate it. Try to squirt some from the top along the edge of the window frame. It will run down inside the window sash & hopefully lubricate it enough to make it slide easier. Once it's open, clean it thoroughly then use wax or a bar of soap to lubricate the track or sash so it slides easier. You will have to open & close it a number of times to loosen it up. Good luck!

Answer 2

Try spraying w-d 40 around the outside of the windows and see it that works.

Answer 3

get some paint thinner and a scraper and try to scrape any paint off, as many older houses have had the windows painted too many times and it causes them to stick.

Answer 4

- Check that they aren't painted shut.

- If they are weighted or spring loaded, check that those mechanisms are working right

- If the jamb is warped, you might have to completely disassemble them to replace or plane down the tracks.

Answer 5

Also check to see if they were nailed shut.