Windows wear out and break down. It is a fact of life. But some start to show signs of wear faster than others. Most windows will open and close with very little effort. The smooth action is more than simple convenience. It also means egress windows will operate as an exit if there is a fire or other emergency. What happens when a window starts getting stuck? It could be the result of several different things and you might not have to get replacement windows in Seattle, WA right away. Here are a few things you can do if you have sticky windows in your home.
1. Clean and Lubricate the Hardware
Sometimes the buildup of dirt and grim will impeded the operation or cause windows to get stuck. So the first thing to do with any sticky window is to vacuum out the dust, remove any obstructions with a plastic putty knife, and clean the window with mild detergent, water, and a soft cloth. Then rinse and dry the area before applying a silicone lubricant. But do not spray the lubricant directly onto the track or hinges. Instead, spray the lubricant onto a dry cloth and rub it onto the track or hinges. This will limit overspray and keep the lubricant where it belongs. Then open and close the window a few times to ensure a smoother operation. Doing this once a month will often keep the windows working much longer.
2. Check for a Paint Seal
Have you done any remodeling recently? And did that renovation project involve painting? Painting wood or fiberglass frames are a great way to update a space. But it might also mean you accidentally painted your window shut. If the paint has dried you will have to break the seal with a putty knife. Then you might have to sand and repaint a couple of areas, making sure not to repeat the mistake. A quick touchup should do the trick and allow your windows to open and close freely.
3. Look for Issues with the Foundation
Does it kind of look like your windows are no longer level? If so, it could be because of warping, which will cause problems with window operation. Or, the problem might be more serious, and you may have an issue with your foundation settling in an awkward way that puts tension on the frame. Either way, this is a problem you should address as soon as possible before the issue becomes much worse.
4. Hire a Window Expert
Not sure what is going on with your sticky windows? It might be a mechanical issue, or something wrong with the balance system inside the frame. If this is the case, it can’t hurt to hire someone to come and check things out. They might be able to make repairs, replace faulty parts, or offer other suggestions on ways to rectify the problem.
5. Invest in New Windows
In many cases, sticky windows are just old windows that have outlived their usefulness. If windows are more than 10 years old it might be time to invest in replacement windows in Seattle, WA. Contact our experts for a consultation and we can help you find the best windows for your project.
