There are so many times when you are not able to open up your windows or doors. You have to find a good way to make this happen.



Windows

A window can be a pain for any reason. They will sometimes get stuck because they are expanding and contracting. If you look close enough they may be painted shut. These are common and can be fixed.

Painted joints.

You can get the paint out with a knife or other sharp object.

Paint builds up.

You can use a scraper or lacquer thinner to remove the paint.

Friction.

You may want to add some lubricant to the channels with some candle wax or powder. This can help to prevent the paint from sticking together. You can also cut back on the hold back with a wooden block or other tool to make the strip flatter.

Stuck.

You can tap on the window to give it a tug. You can also tap on the sides of the window to get them unstuck.

Friction.

If you have some time on your hands you might want to think about adding some friction channels to help reduce the loss of heat out through it.

You should stuff in some fiberglass insulation around the openings and cracks for keeping heat in and cold out. Start at the top portion and work your way down.

You can also replace the sashes. You can reinstall new parts to make your windows better and more accessible. There are many maintenance chores you can do to keep your windows in good shape and from staying unstuck.

Doors

Adding new hinges is also a great idea for doors. You can take out the old ones and add in the new. Sometimes you may even have to cut some off the doors to get them the perfect size for your home.

If you have loose hinges you need to replace them. You can usually do this on your own or you can hire someone to come in and take care of the problem for you. It is usually an easy fix and one that is not going to cost a lot.

Take off the stop because this may help. Close the door and then mark out a line where the door edges are. You can nail the stop at this mark. Changing the place of the strike plate is another good idea. If it is too far out you may want to put some cardboard in there to help raise it. Putty may also be something to think about in the spots that need filled. You can then use some sand paper to smooth the rough edges out.