If you’ve found yourself thinking my vinyl windows are hard to open and close, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for vinyl windows to develop operational issues. Dirt, humidity, and worn-out parts are usually the culprits. In this guide, we’ll explain what causes this and how to fix it.
Key Takeaways
- Common causes of hard-to-open vinyl windows include dust and debris buildup, humidity, wear and tear, frame warping, structural settling, and paint accumulation.
- If you can’t open and close your double-hung windows, you may be dealing with a spring issue. If it’s a casement window, there may be a problem with the crank mechanism or the window may have the sash-sag issue. Sliding windows may be difficult to open and close because of misaligned rollers or bent tracks.
- Routine cleaning and lubricating of window tracks and hardware using a vacuum cleaner, a damp cloth, and silicone-based lubricant can make vinyl windows easy to open and close. Sometimes you may need to replace certain hardware components or the entire window, depending on what affects its operation.
Why Are Vinyl Windows Hard to Open and Close?
Usually, vinyl windows are hard to open and close because of:
- Debris and dirt buildup
- Worn-out or damaged hardware
- Paint buildup (if you’ve ever painted your vinyl windows)
- Warping
- Weatherstripping and caulking issues
- Shifting foundation
Keep reading to learn more about each cause and how to fix it.
Debris and Dirt Buildup
The most common cause of vinyl windows not opening or closing smoothly is debris and dirt buildup along the tracks and around the hardware. Dirt gets trapped between various components, so the window can’t operate optimally.
How to fix this? Schedule an in-depth window cleaning and maintenance session. Vacuum the dirt and debris from all window parts and clean the tracks (if any) using a cleaning solution. Lubricate the hardware (the locking mechanism, the latches, the track and roller system, and any other hardware components) using a silicone-based lubricant. If it doesn’t work, the hardware is probably damaged and needs to be replaced.
Loose Screws or Worn-Out or Damaged Hardware
If maintained improperly or if the windows are quite old, the hardware will show signs of wear and tear. The components can break, malfunction, and become susceptible to rust or corrosion.
How to fix this? First, check for any stripped or loose screws and tighten them up or replace them to see if this fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, check for worn-out components. Thirdly, check if your window is still under warranty and if it covers such repairs. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to deal with it yourself – either by buying and replacing the components yourself or hiring a window repair expert.
Paint Buildup
If you’ve been repainting your vinyl windows over the years, those paint layers can accumulate around the window frame. This is more common if the old paint has not been removed completely or the window was not cleaned thoroughly afterwards. In the case of a double-hung window, for example, the paint may enter and dry between the sash and the jamb stops and parting stops, preventing the sash from operating smoothly.
How to fix this? You may have to remove all paint layers using a utility knife and clean the window in-depth.
Warping
Vinyl windows are prone to warping, especially in regions with excessive heat and extreme temperature fluctuations. Vinyl windows shrink when it’s cold and expand when it’s hot. This literally means that the frame shifts, which can lead to numerous issues, including operational problems.
How to fix this? Unfortunately, the only way to fix warped vinyl windows is to replace them – ideally, with better windows made from a hybrid material that won’t lead to the same issues. Magic’s Hybrid Fusion Frame, for example, resists perfectly in extreme weather conditions because it consists of vinyl reinforced with aluminum and steel, thus being exponentially more durable than vinyl-only frames.
Weatherstripping and Caulking Issues
Over the years, weatherstripping and caulking can peel and flake. Pieces of it can get trapped on window tracks or block window locks, hinges, and other components.
How to fix this? Check if the window warranty covers weatherstripping and caulking replacement – if it does, contact your window manufacturer to see if they can replace it. If they’re not under warranty, replace them yourself or contact a professional. In some cases, failing to replace the weatherstripping can lead to other issues with the window frame. You’ll have to assess the bigger picture and probably replace the entire window.
Shifting Foundation
Movements or shifts in the foundation aren’t as uncommon as you may think, especially if the house is quite old. When this happens, windows become misaligned, so they don’t open and close smoothly. You may also notice cracks in the window frame or the glass.
How to fix this? In this case, fixing your windows won’t be enough. You’ll have to hire a professional to assess what causes your house’s foundation to shift and fix that issue. Only then can you look for replacement windows.
Now that we’ve covered the most common causes that make your vinyl windows difficult to open and close, let’s see if there are issues specific to each window type.
Double Hung Windows that Are Difficult to Open and Close
Double-hung windows may be difficult to open and close due to a problem with the window spring, also called window balance. This is a piece of hardware hidden on the inside part of the window jamb. It basically supports the sash and makes window opening and closing possible. A double-hung window has two balance springs on each lateral side. If these springs are damaged or become too stiff to operate as needed, you won’t be able to open the window easily.
How to fix this? Replace the springs, which isn’t too difficult as long as you follow all the steps and are extra careful.
Moreover, double-hung windows may come out of the shoes, which are operating mechanisms responsible for the window’s tilting feature. In this case, the sash may not move up and down properly.
How to fix this? Easy! You’ll have to remove the sash from the frame, use a flathead screwdriver, place it into the shoe, apply pressure, and turn it away from you until it releases the pressure. Keep the shoe about 8 inches up, and twist the screwdriver back towards yourself to set it into the upright position. Do the same for the other shoe.
Casement Windows that Are Difficult to Open and Close
The most common issues with casement windows that prevent them from opening and closing smoothly are:
- a broken crank handle
- a malfunctioning crank mechanism
- the sash-sag issue
How to fix a broken crank handle or crank mechanism? You’ll have to find a suitable crank handle or crank mechanism and replace it.
How to fix the sash-sag problem? Unfortunately, you cannot fix the sash-sag problem. It is very common in vinyl crank windows because the top and bottom of the sash do not move in tandem. Over time, the window warps, cracks, and sags. The only solution is to replace your windows, preferably choosing windows that aren’t prone to such issues to avoid repairing or replacing them anytime soon (spoiler alert – we have an excellent solution that comes with a 40-year warranty, so keep reading!).
Sliding Vinyl Windows that Are Difficult to Open and Close
Most of the time, vinyl sliding windows are hard to open and close because there’s dirt and debris in the tracks or if there are issues with the roller system. You can fix the first problem easily by vacuuming, cleaning, and lubricating the tracks.
How to fix misaligned rollers? In some cases, sliding window rollers can become misaligned. You’ll have to use the adjusting screws at the bottom of the window to check if the window is misaligned.
How to fix damaged rollers? If the rollers in a sliding window system are damaged, the sash can get stuck along the tracks. You’ll likely have to replace the rollers if cleaning them doesn’t solve the problem.
How to fix bent tracks? Sometimes, the sliding track of a vinyl window bends. This prevents the sash from sliding smoothly along it. Luckily, this can be easily solved using a pair of pliers (for inward-bent tracks) and a block of wood and a rubber mallet (for outward-bent tracks).
Tired of Window Repairs? Get Maintenance-Free Windows!
What if we told you that Magic has found the perfect solution to all these problems? A solution that lasts 40 years and frees you of all these daunting repairs! How’s this possible, you’re probably wondering, right? Thanks to our award-winning Parallex Hardware and the Zytel Track.
Our Parallex Hardware makes casement windows crank-less and hinge-less. What does this mean? No more broken crank handles and mechanisms, no more repairs, no more sash-sag issues! The top and bottom of our casement windows slide in tandem along a horizontal track because they are connected through a galvanized steel rod that runs through the sash.
Furthermore, all our products that slide on tracks feature the Zytel track developed by the DuPont company. It’s a composite material that sheds itself at a granular level. This means that when the shoes glide along the track, it creates a motion that allows the track to shed itself continuously. In simpler terms, our windows and doors need no lubrication or other maintenance whatsoever!
We almost forgot about the Hybrid Fusion Frame (just kidding! We already mentioned it above!) – a revolutionary frame material consisting of vinyl, aluminum, and steel. This unique combination makes our window frames the strongest, the most energy-efficient, and the thinnest in Ontario!
Ready to Install Your Dream Windows? Book a Free Consultation!
Are you ready to say goodbye to hard-to-open windows and loose or stripped screws? Hurry up and book a free consultation with Magic to get your windows evaluated! We can personalize your windows however you want – from the number of glass panes to shapes and colors!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make vinyl windows easier to open and close?
To make your vinyl windows easier to open and close, you have to find the root cause. The most common cause is accumulation of dirt and debris and lack of lubrication. In some cases, however, some components may be damaged and will have to be replaced.
What is the best lubricant for vinyl windows?
It’s best to use a silicone lubricant for vinyl windows. You can also use graphite-based lubricants.
How often should I clean and lubricate my vinyl windows?
You should clean your vinyl windows at least twice a year. Lubricating vinyl windows should be done when they become difficult to open or close.
Can I replace the weather stripping on my vinyl windows myself?
You can replace the weather stripping on your vinyl windows yourself. Ensure you remove the old weatherstripping and clean the surface thoroughly before applying the new layer.
What should I do if my double-hung windows are still hard to open after cleaning and lubricating them?
If cleaning and lubricating didn’t work, check the spring mechanism and the rollers and make sure the track is not bent.
When should I consider replacing my windows instead of repairing them?
Consider replacing your windows instead of repairing them if they have persistent issues despite multiple repairs or if the frame’s structural integrity is compromised. Book a free consultation with Magic for professional advice.