Windows and doors can be a major source of heat loss in houses. Windows may be loose or might be stuck shut when they have been painted or due to humidity or after being used for many years. Venetian blinds and shades might be used to try to address window problems, but the best idea is to hire a glazier who can help to replace a broken pane and advise you on well fitting windows that will save you money.
Here are some tools to use for opening a window that is stuck shut
Check the tracks in the window frame – If the window does not open properly, first check the tracks in the window frame just above sash as they might have become blocked with paint. Take a chisel and hammer to carefully chip out the extra paint from the window tracks. Make sure you remove any paint, taking care not to gouge the wood of the tracks. Smooth the tracks with sandpaper or a sanding block and then spray with silicone lubricant.
If you need to replace glass, measure the frame – It has to be a bit smaller than the opening to allow for expansion as well as contraction and to allow for the imperfections in the glass or frame. Make sure you measure across the opening, starting from the inside edge and then subtract 1/16 to 1/8 inch on each side. Choose double-strength glass cut to the exact dimensions and buy new glaziers' clips for use every 6 inch or so around the windowpane.
Seal the new window pane properly – You will have to add sealant to the outside edge and using a roll of glaziers’ cord, press it firmly into the glass-frame joint to seal the new window pane properly. Take the putty knife to smooth the sealant around the joint of the windowpane. Hold the putty knife at an angle to the lip of the frame so that the knife cuts the sealant compound off evenly. If the putty knife pulls or sticks in the glaziers' compound, dip the blade into linseed oil, and then shake off the excess. Use smooth and long strokes to keep the fixative evenly spread around the windowpane.
Remove extra glaziers compound – Remove any extra sealant from both the sides of the new frame and glass by using a glass scraper or a razor blade. Let the compound dry for at least three days.
Paint the new window fame carefully – You need to paint the new frame and sealant so that it matches with the rest of window frame. Paint slightly onto the glass and over the edge of the sealant to seal the windowpane completely. Make sure the paint is dry before you clean the glass.
If you need an urgent repair to your window glass contact our local emergency glaziers who will help you to get the work done quickly.
