How to Open a Stuck Window

Opening a stuck window can be quite a challenge. Left uncared for bare wood windows will warp and expand locking a window in place. Add a few layers of paint and you can have a challenging time trying to open an old wooden window. But by following these simple steps you can safely open most stuck windows with a minimal amount of damage to the window and frame. In no time you will have that window working like new (or at least working!). These steps use few very few tools that most homeowners will have on hand.

Due to wood’s expansion as it draws moisture from the air it is best to try to open the windows on days with low humidity. A recently snowed on or rained on window will probably remain damp (and stuck!) for a few days. Before starting any attempt to open the window make certain there is no physical obstruction to the window in the sash channels above the window.

The first thing to tackle is the layers of paint on the window sealing it shut. If your window is not painted closed, skip down to the next paragraph. Use a utility / carpet knife or razor blade and carefully cut the paint around the groove where the window meets the sash. Some paint may have worked its way into the groove and you will need to work your knife or blade into the groove for a half an inch or so to be assured of cutting the paint loose.

Now that you have the window cut loose from the paint try to open the window. If it still will not open try to wiggle the window front to back or side to side. If the window wiggles in any direction continue to wiggle it to try to loosen the window. At any time that you think you have made some progress go ahead and see if the window will open. If you still haven’t made any progress lay a block of wood against the window frame and gently (gently!) tap the block of wood with a hammer in an effort to free the window.

Now that you have done all you can do to free the window it is time to put some serious pressure on the window. Using two sturdy putty knives or two large flat head screwdrivers, work the knives or screwdrivers under the window near the corners (so that the upward pressure goes into the wooden frame, not the glass. You may need to use small pieces of wood to pry against to not damage the window sill. Using pressure on each side of the window begin to pry it upward. If the window wiggles in any direction it would help to have an assistant wiggle the window while you try to pry it open.

Even the window still hasn’t opened you have a problem (you didn’t need me to tell you that did you?). The window will need to be physically taken apart to correct the problem. This can be a difficult do it yourself project to not damage the window frame, you may want to consult a professional at this point.

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