window painted shut
#1
12-12-03, 12:26 PM
window painted shut
Does anyone have a suggestion for getting a window open that has been painted shut? Our efforts have only resulted in chipping the paint. This is a very old wood window.
Besides the fact that we'd like to be able to open it to let air in when the weather is nice, we want to get it open now to install some weather stripping, because cold air is just pouring out of it.
Thank you.
Besides the fact that we'd like to be able to open it to let air in when the weather is nice, we want to get it open now to install some weather stripping, because cold air is just pouring out of it.
Thank you.
#2
12-12-03, 12:52 PM
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Northeastern NC On The Albemarle Sound
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Use a thin putty knife between the sash and the frame to cut the paint. Push it in around the window until it's free.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
#3
12-13-03, 03:01 AM
A thin putty knife, like Mike said, or a razor knife. Yes, the paint is going to chip.
Weatherstripping will help, some. But don't expect it to be a miracle cure. It will SLOW the air leakage, but you'll probably never STOP it. And the heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer through a single pane of glass is always going to be there. And it will always be reflected on your utility bill.
If your utility company is offering incentives like rebates for REPLACING your windows, and/or if you would like to cut 20% or more off of your utility bills, (plus eliminate all of the maintenance involved with a wood window!), ..
Weatherstripping will help, some. But don't expect it to be a miracle cure. It will SLOW the air leakage, but you'll probably never STOP it. And the heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer through a single pane of glass is always going to be there. And it will always be reflected on your utility bill.
If your utility company is offering incentives like rebates for REPLACING your windows, and/or if you would like to cut 20% or more off of your utility bills, (plus eliminate all of the maintenance involved with a wood window!), ..
#4
12-13-03, 06:36 AM
Member
Ask This Old House did a segment about paint stuck windows. It involved careful prying with putty knives, etc. If you contacted their web site, you might be able to get more info.
#5
12-13-03, 03:49 PM
Unless there is some historical reason for not doing otherwise (like George or Abe slept there), wood single or double hung windows that are 60, 90, or 200 years old have long since past their point of being servicable -- my opinion will ALWAYS be to replace them!! Keeping them is costing you a fortune on your utility bill.
