How to Open a Frozen Window in Your Home

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

There are so many variables that can come together and cause windows in your home to freeze shut. Dripping water, outdoor temperatures, indoor temperatures, humidity, excessive snow, leaks in the roof, deteriorated caulking or window stripping, and much more are just a few examples of potential influences that cause windows to freeze shut. Frozen windows are not only frustrating, they are a hazard to have in your home. And attempting to open a window that has frozen shut can potentially cause personal injuries,
as well as, structural damages to your home.

For these reasons and more, it is important to fix frozen windows using safe and proper techniques. Quickly address any window-sticking issues you have in your home before they can become larger problems down the line. Continue reading to learn how to open frozen house windows this winter.

What You’ll Need

When it comes to opening a window that has been frozen shut, it will not be your manual strength that makes it all happen. A frozen window can be near impossible to open with mere strength, no matter how much weight lifting a person has accomplished in a lifetime! In fact, attempting to do so can potentially cause serious bodily harm, like muscle strains and back injuries. Also, attempting to open a frozen window using the incorrect techniques and tools can cause costly structural damage to windows, drywall, framing, and more. So avoid these issues by following the recommended steps for fixing a frozen-shut window. Start by gathering the necessary supplies:

• Hair Dryer
• Clean Towels
• Small Broom or Handheld Cleaning Brush

How to Get Started

First, if your indoor temperature is set below 65 degrees, start by turning up the heat in your home. Allow the heat to set in for an hour or so, and then you can move forward with the next step. This will dry the air inside your home, as well as, decrease the condensation within the window.

Next, get bundled up because you have to go outside! If the frozen window is a second or third story window, skip this step. For 1st floor windows, go outside and brush off standing snow and ice from the outer areas of the window, frame, and seal. Use your handheld cleaning brush or a small broom. Also, check for dripping water or snow that is contacting the outside of the window and find a way to block it for the time being.

When finished, go back inside your house, and using your blow dryer on the hot setting, warm the inner perimeter of the window. This includes the entire frame, crevices, and seal. Simultaneously, use the clean towels on-hand to soak up any melting water. Continue this step for as long as it takes for the window to warm up and thaw (10-20 minutes).

Next, using the cushy part of your hand, push on the corners of the window frame (not the glass), gently applying pressure to all corners and edges in order to break loose any ice that may have formed inside the cracks. Now you are ready to try and open the window.

If it still won’t budge, repeat the blow drying and nudging process until it opens again.

Top Floor Windows

For windows on top story floors that have frozen shut, you can use the same process, minus going outside and brushing the snow away. If the blow dryer method will not work for top floor windows, call a professional window repair service for safe and prompt assistance.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Home Repair Indianapolis Indiana

Home Repairs and Restoration 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for window repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, has the resources necessary to service and repair all types of windows at the most competitive price in town. We offer residential and commercial window repair services, as well as, all home remodeling and renovation services, and more. Call 317-454-3612 for information about affordable home window repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Window Replacement and Window Repair

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

It is in your budget’s best interest to assess your window repair and replacement needs before making any impulsive purchasing decisions. This is because many property owners make the mistake of assuming their windows need replaced, when in fact, a simple repair could be the best solution. Often times, companies will force the idea of new windows on property owners, with the promise of boosted energy efficiency. Although it is true that new windows are more energy-efficient, it is also true that it takes several years to make back on this type of investment; which can cost upwards of a few thousand dollars or more.

When it comes time to replace windows, it is encouraged to have a professional handyman or window contractor provide inspections and determine which windows need replaced, and which can simply be repaired at a lower cost. Continue reading to learn more about window repair and window replacement, and perhaps find the answers you are looking for today.

Is Window Rot Reversible?

You or a professional can inspect each window for decay, mold, or deterioration. But only a professional, will be able to repair window rot, jammed sashes, and broken window parts. Not all rot can be fixed or removed, especially if it has been there for a long time. In this case, a new window will need to be installed. It is important to find moisture accumulation and water leaks under window frames early on, to prevent extensive window rot and mold growth.

How Can I Fix Jammed Window Sashes?

If you have a problematic window that seems to jam when you try to open or close it, try rubbing a white candle on the bottom and the sides of the window. This will allow the frame to slide effortlessly through the window channels. If window sashes are painted shut, simply use a sash saw to cut through the paint. One pass-through should do the trick.

Can Old Windows Still Be Energy Efficient?

Instead of buying new windows to improve your home’s energy efficiency, have your windows serviced by a handyman or window contractor. They can apply caulk and weather seal your windows to prevent air from escaping or moisture getting inside. Most often, the old caulk is removed and replaced with fresh caulk. Professionals usually insist on completing this kind of project when the humidity levels are low and the outdoor temperature is above 45 degrees. Also, installing screen and storm windows can increase a property’s insulation and is much cheaper than replacing windows entirely. Consult a professional Indianapolis window repair and replacement contractor for expert advice and suggestions regarding window replacement and window repair.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for superior window repair and window replacement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of qualified and experienced general contractors are eager to answer your questions about window repair and replacement, any time. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial remodeling services, all at the most competitive prices in town! Call 317-454-3612 for more information about window replacement and repair in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.