With the onset of cold weather, many are faced with the problem of how to open a frozen window, air the house, and not compromise the integrity of the structure? The causes of freezing the window can be different and the best option to protect yourself from such trouble is to regularly carry out preventive maintenance. What are the ways for this and how to cope with a frozen window from the inside – you will learn in our article.
Causes of window freezing
The main cause of freezing is associated with the formation of condensation if the humidity in the room is too high. This happens in the following way: when the moisture enters the window jamb and collides with the cold outside air, it becomes an icy crust. This is why you encounter resistance when you try to open a frozen window.
In some cases, freezing the window is an unavoidable circumstance, so the best way to prevent the problem is to lubricate the mating surfaces of the window with silicone. This material itself is very slippery and there is practically nothing that sticks to it. We will tell you how to use it further.
Preparing to open a frozen window
Before you begin to open the window, you should prepare the following items in advance:
- rags;
- silicone spray;
- hairdryer.
Try to open the window gently. To do this, put a little pressure on the handle. If it won’t budge, wait for a warmer day or use a split system to heat the house from the inside. You’ll need to increase the temperature to 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the thermostat on for about an hour.
If that doesn’t work and the window still won’t open, use a hairdryer. Direct hot air around the entire perimeter of the window. This procedure will take 10-20 minutes, so you should have patience.
The second step is to clean the contaminants
For the silicone spray to work properly, you must first clean all surfaces. Using a rag, wipe all joints, frames, and fixtures. Remove any ice, dirt or dust. Do not forget to run a damp cloth around the entire perimeter of the seal.
After that, it is necessary to immediately dry all surfaces with a hair dryer to prevent the formation of the ice crust. A dry, clean cloth may also be used for this purpose. Make sure that all joints and junctions between the window and the frame are clean and free of damp areas.
Applying Silicone Spray
There are many types of silicone sprays on the market. You can buy them in construction supermarkets and specialized online stores. If you do not know which one to choose, consult with professionals. You should pay attention to the manufacturer, the drying speed, and the absence of harmful substances in the composition. When the spray is purchased, you can proceed to the window treatment procedure.
After the surface has been cleaned of dirt and moisture, take some silicone spray and spray it on a clean rag. Take care not to get the product on the floor, it’s hard to get rid of. In addition, the area where it is sprayed will become very slippery. Go over the sides and underside of the window jamb with the silicone rag. Check the window to see how the window works. Open and close it several times.
If the window opens and closes normally, then you have done everything correctly and achieved the desired effect. In case the construction is jamming, open the window and spray a little silicone spray directly onto the window jambs on the sides and bottom. Just take care not to overdo it. Re-check the operation of the window. At this point, it should definitely open and close well.
Some helpful tips
If you are unable to treat window jambs with silicone spray at this time, and you need to open the window now without causing damage, use the following tips:
- Heat your home with a thermostat or other heat appliance. Leave it on for 1-1.5 hours. The temperature should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This simple procedure will not only keep your home warm but also dry it out. This way there will be much less condensation on your windows, which is the main reason they freeze.
- Clean snow off windows and frames from the street side regularly. This may require a long brush or portable ladder if the openings are high enough. When cleaning, be sure to make sure that water does not get from the roof to the frame. If it does, try eliminating the source yourself. For example, gently knock icicles off the roof from which water drips when it melts. If you cannot get rid of the source of the problem yourself, contact a professional.
- If you need to open a window urgently, use a hairdryer. This device is a great way to get rid of the ice that prevents the window from opening freely. Route hot air around the entire perimeter of the frame and joints. Have a clean rag handy so that you can get rid of the melted ice crust immediately.
- Try opening the window with physical effort. To do this, place your palms on the corners of the window frame and gently push it upward. Such movements should help free the seals from the ice. If the window still does not open, you should use a hairdryer and repeat the steps.
All of these tips can be used simultaneously if the window is severely frozen. If you have already once encountered a similar problem, the best solution is to treat the joint surfaces with silicone spray. Take the time to do this and you will forget for a long time about frozen windows that cannot be opened when needed.
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to apply the spray yourself, get help from a trusted professional. But we are sure, following our recommendations, you can get rid of the problem yourself. The main thing is to be patient and you will succeed!
