Why are my windows hard to open and close?

Opening windows are a popular choice for many families, especially when the weather is nice outside. When your windows are hard to open or close, it can be extremely frustrating. There are a number of reasons why windows may be hard to open and close, depending on the type of window.

Difficulty Opening and Closing Single or Double Hung Windows

Single or double hung windows are often difficult to open and close if dirt, dust, and debris have collected over time. The debris, dirt, and dust built up over time cause increased friction. To solve this problem, start by cleaning the window frames by spraying them with a solvent-free, non-silicone lubricant. Open and close the window multiple times to ensure the spray settles in. 

If that doesn’t work, the spring on your single or double hung windows may be too tight. Adjusting the spring is an option that should help the single or double hung window to open and close correctly again. The last resort would be to replace the spring. Reach out to your local window repair company or your window manufacturer for replacement parts.

Challenges Opening and Closing Sliding Windows 

If you have sliding windows that are challenging to open and close, the roller system is likely the culprit. Start by cleaning the roller system and track with a mix of soap and water. Most of the time, this should solve the issue. 

The next option is to lubricate the roller system. Cleaning the roller system with a solvent-free, non-silicone lubricant may help your sliding windows open and close again. 

If both of those options don’t work, replacing the rollers would be the next best option. Contact your local window repair company or your window manufacturer to obtain replacement parts.

Struggles Opening and Closing Awning and Casement Windows

The more complex style of windows, awning and casement windows, have a few more potential options for points of difficulty. We recommend first checking the sash. The instruction manual for your windows will have instructions on how to remove the sash from your casement or awning window. Check the sash for loose or stripped screws – if discovered, that was most likely the point of failure. 

Next, if you don’t find any issues with the sash, lubricate the hinges of your casement or awning window with a silicone or dry Teflon spray tube. Be sure to open and close the window numerous times to permit the lubrication of the hinges. 

If neither of those options solve the problem, it is probably a broken operator. Ask your local window repair company or your window manufacturer for quotes for a repair.  

The Solution: Roof Right

If you are struggling to open and close your windows, and the above tips don’t solve the problem, reach out to Roof Right, a Maryland energy-efficient windows company. Roof Right offers single hung, double-hung, casement, awning, bow, bay, garden, sliding and specialty shaped windows. Roof Right is a fully licensed and insured A+ Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau in Carroll County, Maryland. 

About Roof Right

At Roof Right we have realized customer service and trust are poorly lacking in the roofing industry. That is why our roofing company takes pride in our exceptional service which includes showing up when we say we will, providing a thorough 17-point inspection, listening to you so we can make a quick and thorough diagnosis of your roofing problem, and cleaning up after ourselves as we work. In addition to offering residential roofing services and roof repairs in Maryland. Roof Right is proud to offer the following services:

Roofing & Gutter Maintenance – Your roof, just like your car, should get routine inspections. Your roof gets more abuse from the elements than any other part of your home and preventative maintenance is a key element to a longer service life. Protect your home with the Roof Right Shield Program. Every year, our expert roofers will climb up on your roof and into your attic to ensure that your roof is providing you with the maximum protection for your home. Learn more about roofing & gutter maintenance. 

Skylights & Solatubes – Brighten your home with natural sunlight with skylights & solatubes installed by the team at Roof Right! Sunlight in your home can transform a dark room into one that is bright and full of natural light. It can also highlight textures, and bring out the vibrant colors of your furniture. And that is a beautiful thing! Skylights allow you to light your home for free during the day using natural sunlight. That means you can spend less on electricity and more on you! Roof Right offers a complete system of skylight products for any kind of roof. Learn more about skylights & solatubes.

Gutters – Installing a new seamless gutter system is one of the most critical aspects of all home repairs. Improving the drainage around the home can have a significant impact on the stability of the foundation and the life of your home. Roof Right installs gutters and gutter guards that will efficiently channel water away from your home. Learn more about gutters. 

Siding – Looking to add curb appeal along with improving your homes energy efficiency? No paint. No stain. No hassles. Vinyl siding delivers strength, durability, and beauty of real wood with a variety of design options and multiple color options. Based on an average size home, repainting can cost thousands of dollars every few years. Vinyl siding never needs painting, caulking or patching because, unlike wood, it won’t crack, peel, rot or split. Roof Right carries siding from the best manufacturers in the industry, including Mastic, CertainTeed, James Hardie. Learn more about siding. 

Windows – Reduce your energy bills & increase the curb appeal of your home with energy efficient windows installed by Roof Right!  There are hundreds of vinyl window brands on the market today – but they are not all created equal. Many ordinary vinyl windows are designed only for low cost, not for value. We install top-of-the-line, energy efficient windows for long-lasting great looks. We carry a wide selection of energy efficient products from trusted manufacturers. Learn more about windows. 

Doors – Roof Right and ProVia® are dedicated to making entry doors the professional way. ProVia entry doors are energy efficient, built to quality standards and gives you many choices to entry-level doors that are sold through box stores. Roof Right installers have attended entry systems and storm door training with ProVia®. We have software that will allow you to build your new entry door on our computer so you can see the many different options and price ranges available. ProVia® builds their doors with care in every detail. They don’t cut corners and pay attention to the smallest details. The replacement doors can be customized to your individual taste and style. They are an industry leader in building residential doors. Learn more about doors. 

Decks & Patios –  We can help you design a deck for your home that can bring you many years of enjoyment and improve your home’s value. Let us guide you through the design and construction of your dream deck. From designing the deck for your needs and budget, to getting all the necessary permits, we will make the construction process as pleasant as possible. Choose Roof Right to build a custom deck that will increase your living space and become your favorite relaxation and entertaining spot. Learn more about decks & patios.