Structural settling of the house may be causing the window framing to pinch the windows.
Or the window sashes themselves may be bowing due to age.
Fortunately, this major fix is usually unnecessary.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
It’s not necessary to go through the entire procedure unless necessary.
In particular, dirt can build up on the side tracks.
This simple step alone may restore your windows to efficient operation.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Remove Paint
Inspect thewindowtracks for dried paint.
Windows tracks are not meant to be painted, but they often are.
If the previous paint job was sloppy, it may have left paint drips in the wooden tracks.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Older paint may crack and peel, increasing the friction in the tracks.
In some cases, this may have been done intentionally, to prevent users from opening the windows.
Force the end of the tool into the crack.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Start at the top and then execute the tool downward.
With the shop vacuum running, hold the vacuum’s nozzle near the cutting tool.
A light coat is all it takes.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Open and wrap up the window several times to distribute the wax and lubricate the surfaces.
Cleaning the tracks and applying the wax once each year will keep your windows operating smoothly.
Never use oil products on either wooden or vinyl windows.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Repeat this routine maintenance once each year.
Dry lubricants are an alternative to silicone.
Containing graphite, dry lubricants have no oils or liquids that can attract dust and debris.
WD-40
Dry white lubricant is available, too.
This will match the color of most vinyl window channels.
What Is a Window Sash?
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Thewindow sashis the part of the window that moves up and down.
Most often, this is because the cords that link the pocket weights and the window sash have broken.
The solution is to remove the window sash and repair or remove the broken sash cords.
When to Call a Professional
Fixing a window that slides with difficulty is a simple do-it-yourself project.
Forcing the window may break the sash or the window frame.
There may be mechanisms within the window or the frame that require help from a professional window technician.
