Fixing the Sticky Window & Door

By: Ray Walberg

If you're like me, I'm sure at some time you've tried to open your door or a window only to have it stick. The first time you just ignore the problem. Many times after a year or so, you find yourself telling your guests, "turn the knob the other way or it will stick". We all have a tendency to put things off as long as they still work somewhat. Windows and doors can stick for a number of reasons. Sometimes wood expands and contracts, parts may have been painted over two parts may be get fused together. Once you determine the cause, you can fix it yourself.

After a recent installation of a bay window, I found that the contractor had painted the windows closed. If paint is the culprit, you can scrape or cut it out with a putty knife or window zipper. Hold it flat against the sash, push it into the joint, and draw the zipper along the surface. If there is year's accumulation of paint, remove the excess paint with a paint scraper. Make sure you get all the parts that have excess paint, opening and closing the window throughout the process. You may have to remove the window to scrape paint off the sash. If this doesn't work, you may have to strip the paint down to the bare wood and repaint them. A commercial painter remover will do the job well. Make sure the paint is thoroughly dry before you reinstall the window or you'll have the same problem.

If the problem is too much friction, you can use candle wax or talcum powder to lubricate the channels of the sash. If weather-stripping is in the sash channels, flatten the weather strip with a hammer and block of wood.

If you can't seem to find what's causing the problem, you may have to just jar it loose a little with a rubber mallet or the palm of your hand. Gently tap the sides of the sash. You may want to install new friction channels. You'll need to remove the sashes, weights and pulleys before you begin. Push some fiberglass insulation in the openings of the weigh cavities, starting at the top and working down. Put in the ends of the top strip to make new friction channels. A sharp chisel and hammer works well for this. Replace the sashes in the window frame between the two new channels. You can then reinstall the interior stops the way you would if they were new. You may have to increase or decrease the tension on the window.

Doors usually stick for similar reasons except for the additional problems hinges may cause. Occasionally the door will rub against the jam, in which case, you need to shim the hinges out. If the rubbing is on a side where there are no hinges, you may need to readjust the door. Remove the door and use a plane to shave some of the door until it fits. Other simple problems such as loose screws or hinges can be easily fixed by tightening them.

Installing Replacement Windows

Installing replacement windows in old homes is a great way for homeowners to save money on their energy bills. The old style single-pane windows are just that...a pain! They waste energy and require a lot of maintenance to look after them.

New windows are so much easier to maintain. Installing replacement windows in old homes usually involves replacing old wooden windows for the newer vinyl style. New types of windows are much more energy efficient and are usually almost maintenance free. In addition, they will operate without much difficulty for many years.

Installing replacement windows will usually not take very long if you have the right tools and the expertise. You can find replacement windows in many different shapes and styles. The most common material is vinyl. However, some uncommon materials used include wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Some windows include combinations of different materials such as an aluminum exterior and wood-grained vinyl on the interior.

Before you begin installing replacement windows, make sure you are getting a quality product. A good quality window will undergo a variety of tests by independent certification organizations. All the materials that are used must be of a high quality. Each manufactured window must follow the strict guidelines so that the window lasts for many years.

Installing replacement windows should involve the installation of Energy Star windows. If the window has the Energy Star label then it has passed a test to ensure that it meets the minimum standards needed for an energy efficient window. If you are not replacing your old windows with new ones that will save on your energy bill then that is not a wise investment.

If you plan on installing replacement windows yourself then it may be advisable to test the procedure on a small window in an inconspicuous area of the house. Like any home improvement job, measure all your measurements two or three times to ensure accuracy. Follow all the instructions and if you have any problems put the old window back in if you can and then hire a professional.

If you did not have any problem installing your first replacement window then go ahead and try some more. One of the most important steps in the installation process is to make sure that your window fits squarely into the frame.

If you have any questions about replacement windows or fiberglass windows, Give Prestige Window & Door a call: 303-647-5439

About Prestige Window & Door

Prestige Window & Door was founded with a single purpose - to provide Denver homeowners with a better choice in a replacement window & door company. To do this, we knew that we had to offer better quality windows at fair prices, and back them with a higher level of service.

That's why we developed our commitment to you:

• 
  To offer QUALITY, LONG-LASTING FIBERGLASS WINDOWS that will serve you up to 600% LONGER than vinyl windows
• To sell them to you at a fair price
• To provide them in a variety of finishes, including REAL WOOD interior veneer
• To back them with our Prestige Level Sales & Service

Better windows, better value - all delivered in our no-pressure sales enivornment.

Prestige Windows & Door is a local company that exists to provide a clearly superior option in the Colorado window market.

• Here is what you can expect when you choose Prestige Window & Door:
• To be dealt with honestly in a no-pressure sales environment
• To be treated with integrity at all phases of the process
• To receive a quality product that will meet your needs
• To be completely satisfied with your new windows, sales, installation and service

Over the last 3 decades working in all phases of the Denver window industry, we've seen the good and bad of window sales and service. With Prestige Window & Door, our value promise is simple - you'll get quality, long-lasting windows at a fair price. We'll demonstrate them to you in a no pressure sales environment and back them with personal service that is far superior to other providers.

If so, it's time to think about replacing your windows, give Prestige Window & Door a call. They can help you design a solution using high-quality, long-lasting fiberglass windows for less money than you might think. Click here to schedule your no-pressure, no-obligation in-home consultation today!