Sorry in advance if this is a stupid question. I just bought an apartment that has several sets of windows. Each set has has one large stationary window with a thinner window on each side that open into the apartment. The problem is that the windows that open in have a latch attached on the top and bottom which prevent them from opening more than a few inches. There is not enough room for me to even clean the outside of the windows (I am on the tenth floor). I thought about just unscrewing the latches, but the screws are strange and won't accomodate my standard screwdriver. Does anyone have any idea whether these latches can (or should) be removed? If they can be removed, any ideas as to how to get them out? Thanks!

 

There's no such thing as a stupid question -- just one's that go unasked.

You are probably looking at security screws -- designed so that they can't be removed. It's a safety thing -- they don't want you falling while trying to clean the windows.

The cleaning of the exterior side of the windows is the responsibility of the building owner when they are 10 floors above grade.