Why Are Windows Difficult to Open and Close?

Windows in the Southern Nevada area often become harder to open and close. This can be due to the harsh heat and sun, or even years and years of dust build up. It can also be due to worn hardware, damaged components, or problems with the frame. If your window is having these issues, the worst thing you could do is forcefully open or close it, which may cause more problems to pop up with them. Luckily for you, there are solutions to window issues. Things like dirt and debris being in the tracks, to your frame being out of alignment.

Dirt and Debris Can Make Windows Stick

Dust and debris can build up over time in your window tracks. This dirt can create excess friction, which causes your window to stick a lot more. In the Southern Nevada desert, this is particularly relevant because… well… you’re in a desert. Dust and debris can get into your home no matter what you do, especially in this area. An easy fix to this is inspecting your home windows for dust build up if you notice it sticking. If there is visible dust build up, clean it up and test the window. If this doesn’t fix it, your window hardware could possibly be worn. (Framework)

Worn Hardware Can Make Windows Hard to Operate

Hardware is essential to movement of your window. This hardware includes things like locks, handles, hinges, cranks, rollers and more. These components, over time, can become worn. In the Southern Nevada area, this hardware can get worn a lot faster than other areas simply due to the environment around your windows. A stiff handle or crank can be a sign that something needs attention, and you should avoid forcing these pieces of equipment to move if they can’t. If for some reason, worn hardware isn’t your issue, it could be beneficial to inspect your weatherstripping or seals. (Framework)

Weatherstripping or Seals May Interfere With Operation

Weatherstripping is what its name implies, it keeps the weather out of your home. Most parts of your home have this, windows, doors, garage doors, anything that can open to the outside world likely has weatherstripping. Damaged or improperly installed weatherstripping seals can interfere with everyday window operation. Take a look around your window and check these seals, if they’re cracked, torn, separated, or completely deteriorated, fixing/replacing them could potentially fix a lot of issues you had with that window, not just opening and closing. As always, do not force a window open or closed with damaged weatherstripping, instead call a professional, like your local Window World, to inspect and fix the issue. (BSRHA)

Frame Out of Alignment

The structure of your window plays a major role in its opening and closing. A frame that isn’t square can restrict the movement of your window. Generally, older windows are the ones to suffer from this. Older windows can also come with other signs that the frame needs work, like swelling, deterioration, misalignment, gaps, and much more. If cleaning your frame doesn’t fix your window and it still doesn’t like to open or close, and you’ve already checked off all the issues, then you may need to get a frame replacement done. (UHS)

When to Call a Professional

If you’re not noticing any of these issues, or just don’t have the time, here’s some other things you can look out for. If you’re noticing your window requiring significantly more force to operate or it just gets stuck in general, call a professional. If your window wont stay open or wont close completely, call a professional. If you notice some of your hardware completely broken, call a professional. If your window frame is distorted, not square, broken, deteriorated, or just overall appears damaged, call a professional. And last but not least, if repeatedly cleaning your window tracks out to solve any sticking, doesn’t work, call a professional. (Oregan)

Southern Nevada is a great place to live, but a not so great place for windows. Make sure to keep up with your regular window maintenance to prolong the life of your windows. Cleaning the tracks and regular inspections are a good way to secure a longer window lifespan, because no one wants to spend thousands of dollars on a repair that you don’t want. And if you ever have any questions, make sure to contact your local Window World today!