How to Open a Stuck Window

Every time I go to an old house and see a window stuck in place permanently because the window and frame have been painted together, I think: What is it with some people? Do they not like fresh air?

I think much of it is an attitude that fresh air should come from air conditioners, and that open windows are inherently evil. Whatever. If you're reading this, you belong to the camp that says that fresh air is pretty cool. Now, there are a lot of reasons for stuck windows. One reason may be that the foundation has settled over the years, and the windows are "out of square" (or more correctly, "out of rectangle"!). Another reason is that the sash weights may have dropped off, making it harder to lift the sash. Another reason may be that the window tracks and sash have become swollen and cracked over the years, so it's a tighter fit. But you should pray that the reason for your stuck window is none of these causes, and that the true cause is a previous (misguided) homeowner who painted over window and frame, gluing the two together. Because it's very easy to unstick a window that has been painted shut.

Image Copyright Red Devil, Inc.; Courtesy Red Devil, Inc.