Having windows that stick and won’t open or close properly can be incredibly frustrating. Not only is it annoying when you want to open or close them, but stuck windows also allow air leaks, bugs, and moisture into your home. Fortunately, there are several ways you can try to fix sticking windows yourself before calling in an expensive professional. With some basic tools and a little elbow grease, you can get your stubborn windows sliding smoothly again.
Clean the Tracks
One of the most common reasons windows stick is that their tracks get filled with dirt, grime, and debris over time. To fix this:
Supplies Needed
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- Soft brush or duster
- Bucket of soapy water
- Clean cloths or paper towels
Steps
- Vacuum out any loose dirt in the window tracks. Use the hose attachment to reach into the crevices on both sides. This will suck out dust, spider webs, dead bugs, and other debris.
- Mix up a bucket of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Dampen a soft cloth or brush with the soapy water.
- Clean along the top and side tracks to scrub away caked-on gunk. Wipe down the sills and bottom track too.
- Go over the tracks again with a dry cloth to remove any soapy residue.
Thoroughly cleaning the tracks removes built-up debris so the windows can slide easily again. Repeat as needed over time to prevent sticking issues.
Adjust or Tighten Hinges
Sometimes windows stick because the hinges have become loose or uneven over time. Adjusting the hinges can help realign the window so it moves smoothly.
Supplies Needed
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Pencil
- Tape measure
Steps
- Have someone help hold the window in place.
- Check if the window is level using a tape measure across the sides.
- If uneven, look for adjustment screws on the hinges. Use a screwdriver to turn these to raise or lower each side until window is level.
- Once level, gently tighten the hinge screws to secure in place. Be careful not to overtighten.
- Operate the window to test for smooth movement. Re-adjust as needed if still sticking.
Adjusting uneven hinges aligns the window frame properly in the tracks so it can slide easily. Just take care to not tighten the screws too much or the window could bind up.
Lubricate Rollers and Tracks
If cleaning didn’t help, lubricating the window rollers and tracks is the next step. This reduces friction so the window can’t stick.
Supplies Needed
- Silicone spray lubricant
- Old cloth
Steps
- Raise the window sash all the way up. Clean the tracks if dirty before lubricating.
- Apply a light coating of silicone lubricant on the track surfaces. Spray both sides.
- Close the window and lift back up halfway. Lubricate the exposed portion of track underneath.
- Open and close the window several times to spread the lubricant evenly.
- Put a cloth under the rollers at the bottom and spray lubricant directly onto them as you operate the window.
- Wipe away any drips or overspray with a cloth.
Lubricating worn rollers and dry track surfaces helps minimize friction so the window can slide freely. Reapply annually to maintain smooth operation.
Adjust or Replace Rollers
Damaged or incorrectly set rollers is another common sticking window culprit. Properly adjusting or replacing the rollers can fix the issue.
Supplies Needed
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Pencil
- Replacement roller kit (optional)
Steps
- Raise the window sash all the way up to access the bottom rollers.
- Examine the rollers for damage or excessive wear. Replace if needed.
- Check that each roller spins freely by spinning it with your finger.
- Make sure the rollers sit evenly in the track. Mark and adjust any that are crooked.
- Carefully bend the metal tabs holding rollers in place to re-center if needed.
- Lower the window and check for smooth operation. Adjust rollers again if still sticking.
Ensuring the rollers are in good condition and installed correctly prevents unnecessary friction and drag. This simple fix can get windows moving freely once more.
Check for Balance and Sash Alignment
Sometimes windows feel stuck because the sash gets out of balance or misaligned in the frame. Checking for proper alignment and balance can reveal if this is the cause.
Supplies Needed
- Tape measure
- Shim material (optional)
Steps
- Raise the lower sash all the way up. It should stay in place when released.
- If it drifts down, the sash is likely out of balance. Adjust the balance springs accordingly.
- Check around the perimeter of the sash for equal spacing in the frame. Use a tape measure.
- If spacing is uneven, shim the low side temporarily to realign the sash.
- Operate the window to see if sticking is reduced when sash is realigned.
- Make permanent adjustments or install new weatherstripping to maintain alignment.
Getting the sash back into proper position within the frame will help prevent unnecessary friction and rubbing.
Update Weatherstripping
Worn out or missing weatherstripping around the window sashes can also lead to sticking issues. Updating the weatherstripping seals air leaks for smoother operation.
Supplies Needed
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Window weatherstrip material
- Caulk (optional)
Steps
- Inspect the weatherstripping around the window sashes carefully. Look for gaps, cracks, or missing sections.
- Use a utility knife to gently pry up and remove any loose, worn, or damaged weatherstripping.
- Take measurements and cut replacement weatherstripping to size as needed. Ensure a snug fit.
- Peel off backing and press new weatherstripping into place firmly. Fill gaps with caulk if needed.
- Operate the window to test for any sticking. Adjust weatherstrip as needed to improve sliding.
Fresh weatherstripping forms a tight seal that prevents air leaks and smoothes out the window operation. Replace deteriorated seals promptly to avoid sticking issues.
Check for Level and Plumb
If a window is noticeably out of level or plumb in the framing, it can bind against the tracks and stick. Re-leveling may be necessary for smooth operation.
Supplies Needed
- 4-5 foot level
- Wood shims
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Utility knife (optional)
Steps
- Use a long level vertically on each side of the window frame to check for plumb.
- Note any corners that are out of plumb and need shimming.
- Check the window sill for level using the level horizontally. Shim under the low side if needed.
- Insert tapered wood shims between the framing and window to adjust to plumb and level.
- Secure shims in place with screws through the window frame.
- Carefully trim excess shim length if necessary.
- Test window operation. Additional shimming may be needed.
Setting a window plumb and level in the framing prevents it from twisting and binding as it opens and closes. Take the time to get this right before re-installing trim.
Reglaze Sticking Windows
If the window sashes have become stuck to the frame with old, hardened glazing putty, reglazing can help. Removing the old glazing allows the sashes to move freely again.
Supplies Needed
- Putty knife
- Heat gun
- Glazing putty
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
Steps
- Heat old glazing putty with a heat gun to soften it. Scrape off gently with a putty knife.
- Remove all old putty around the perimeter of the bottom and sides of the lower sash.
- Carefully pry sash loose and remove any remaining old putty.
- Apply fresh glazing putty around the rabbeted joint between sash and frame. Smooth with putty knife.
- Allow glazing putty to fully cure. Then sand smooth.
- Test window operation. Sash should move freely without sticking.
- Reglaze upper sash if also sticking to frame. Let glazing cure completely before painting.
Scraping out rock-hard glazing allows sashes to slide freely and seals air leaks. Just be careful not to damage the wood.
How to Fix Windows That Stick: Common Questions
Fixing stuck windows yourself can seem daunting. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue properly:
How do I know if hinges need adjusting or replacement?
- Check for loose screws, misalignment, and lack of support. Try tightening screws first before replacing hinges.
What areas should be lubricated to fix sticking?
- Lubricate track surfaces, roller sleeves, and sash channels along jambs and header. Avoid hinge joints.
What if adjusting rollers doesn’t help?
- Damaged or worn rollers should be replaced. Ensure new rollers spin freely before installing.
What causes window sashes to get out of balance?
- Natural alignment changes, loose pivot bars, broken springs, or missing sash weights can throw off balance.
When do I need to re-glaze a window?
- If window panes are loose in sash, air leaks around glass, putty is cracked, or sash sticks to frame.
Can I replace just one broken window pane?
- It’s best to replace all panes to maintain an even appearance. Match glass type and thickness.
How long does glazing compound need to cure?
- Cure time is generally 3-7 days. Let putty fully harden before opening sash to prevent damage.
Will shimming a window affect trim or wall finishes?
- It might. Plan to repaint or touch up finishes after adjusting shim spacing.
What is the best weatherstripping material to use?
- For windows, flexible vinyl, rubber, felt, foam, and silicone seal materials work well. Avoid rigid strips.
Taking the time to properly troubleshoot and fix stuck windows leads to smooth operation, improved energy efficiency, and lower repair costs. Follow these tips to get windows sliding freely once again.
Conclusion
Dealing with sticking, stubborn windows can be a headache. But in many cases, the fixes are quite simple if you know where to look. Start by cleaning the tracks thoroughly to remove dirt buildup. Lubricating dry rollers and hinges is often effective too. For more stubborn sticking issues, adjusting hinges, replacing rollers, realigning sashes, updating weatherstripping, and reglazing window joints may be needed. Take the time to isolate the cause, and implement the right solution. With some basic DIY window maintenance, you can get back to opening and closing with ease.
Here is a summary of the key steps covered in this article:
- Clean window tracks and sills thoroughly
- Inspect and adjust loose hinges
- Lubricate rollers and track surfaces
- Check rollers for damage and alignment
- Confirm sashes are balanced and aligned evenly
- Replace worn or missing weatherstripping
- Check for plumb and level and shim window as needed
- Scrape out old glazing putty and reglaze where sticking
Following these tips will have your windows moving smoothly once again in no time. No need to put up with sticking and hard to operate windows!