How can I open my windows?

Question

They have wood trim, I can't take them out. If I could get them open enough I figure I could sand them. But how to get them open?

Answer 1

if you have a rubber hammer maybe you can hammer all over the windows edges that will loosen them up

Answer 2

Answer presumes that you have at least one sash which should be able to be lifted up to open...as opposed to casement, awning, etc configuration.

Sounds as if the window has been painted while shut and the paint has dried with the effect of gluing the sash so that it cannot be lifted. If this is the case, determine whether the problem paint is on the interior or exterior. In either case, with a rubber mallet (ideally) or hammer tap a six inch putty knife into and all along the junction of the sash and the window frame in order to break the bond of the dried paint. Generously rub a bar of bath soap along the sides of the frame against which the sash will slide when opened. Then, as suggested by another answerer, tap a pry bar between the sash and the sill on the exterior and lever the sash open. Lift and close the sash several times to distribute the friction reducing soap film.

Answer 3

spray CRC or equivalent on the window glides & slide windows up & down. This does not harm the paintwork & dissolves after a short while. Once dry, the windows will move up & down easily.
This CRC is a water repellent.. that stuff that one sometimes carry in their car so when their ignition wires gets wet.. this stuff(water repellent) is sprayed onto the wires so the car will start immediately.

Remember you can also use a candle for this. Take a normal household candle and rub it where the window is sticking.

Find that when a window is very hard to open blow hot air out of a hairdryer for a while to dry the frame out. Pushing hard could break the window so be careful...

Answer 4

They are probably stuck because of paint in between the windows and the frame. Take a utility knife and try cutting through the paint in this joint, or take a wood chisel or chisel-type putty knife and a hammer and break through the paint in this joint. If it looks like you have broken this paint seal and it still won't open, you have to go outside and use a flat pry bar to force it up, but don't use so much force that you break the window. If it doesn't respond with placement in the center of the window, alternate placing it on both sides of the window sash.

Answer 5

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/openwindowtips

Once open, apply wax to help them slide, or a graphite lubricant.

Answer 6

will they slide up?