Opening a stuck uPVC double glazed window

[NiceCupOfTea]

Ever since we moved in, one of our windows hasn't opened. Oldish uPVC windows, maybe 15-20 years. The key works in the lock and the handle moves, but the window won't budge. It doesn't seem stuck more at the top or the bottom, and I have put a fair amount of weight behind it, but I am worried about damaging the frame or the wall!

Any advice? I was thinking about a rubber mallet but I don't have one - perhaps a few taps with a hammer/wooden mallet on a block of wood?

[Balmoral Green]

When you open and close the handle, it sounds like it isn't operating the multi point locking system. At that age, it is probably a cam & roller system with the rollers on the opening casement locking into pronged H or double H type fittings in the frame. It might also have a mortice where the handle is, and then shoot bolts into the corners of the frame, top & bottom for a side hung, left & right for a top hung. Have a look at a window that does open to see what system is fitted.







I really haven't got a clue how you would open that, forcing it is not the answer though, try taking the handle off and see what you can see.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Sunday 22 February 13:52

[freecar]

I had a similar thing with a friends double glazing in her flat.

They were just stuck (she thought they were screwed shut) judicious bashing around the edges of the frame with a hammer did the trick.

If the mechanism has broken inside I would call a double glazing specialist as they will dismantle the glass out of the window so a repair can be done.

[jeff m]

Remove a peice of internal trim and look if some idiot has used the wrong expanding insulation and warped the sides.

Silicon lubricant spray, pry bar.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Thanks guys.

Had a look at an opening window and it just has one sliding bolt in the middle of the window next to the handle.

Taking off the handle it was clear why it wasn't working - the 4 sided bar was missing! Pinched one from another window and it became obvious why it had been removed - the star shaped sockety bit in the window that operates the sliding bolt was shattered and in about 4 pieces (although in place).

It's clearly cheap & old double glazing!

So, would a double glazing co be able to fix it by removing a pane or something? The mechanism doesn't seem to be accessible from anywhere...

[stormin]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Thanks guys.

Had a look at an opening window and it just has one sliding bolt in the middle of the window next to the handle.

Taking off the handle it was clear why it wasn't working - the 4 sided bar was missing! Pinched one from another window and it became obvious why it had been removed - the star shaped sockety bit in the window that operates the sliding bolt was shattered and in about 4 pieces (although in place).

It's clearly cheap & old double glazing!

So, would a double glazing co be able to fix it by removing a pane or something? The mechanism doesn't seem to be accessible from anywhere...

Technically they would, but I think you'd be better off getting the whole thing replaced.

[NiceCupOfTea]

What, the pane including that frame, or the entire window unit?

Sorry, that's not very clear - the main bit of the window is not opening, with a top opening and a lower portion opening at one end - it is the lower window that doesn't work. Would we need to replace the whole lot or just the lower window?

[V12Les]

Whip the glass out (filler knife round the beading) then you may have enough play to raise the frame and push out. As its old and cheap it shouldn't be multi point locking.

[stormin]

^^ Wot he said, if it's kn&ckered anyway, you've got nothing to lose by trying to fix it first.

The beading is easy enough to get out and once the pane is out you can at least see if you can get to the locking mechanism, single or multiple type. If you can, give it a go and try and fix it. If you can't - put it all back together again and either live with it or source a replacement.

Good luck.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Definitely single point locking, but can't see back of mechanism through the glass so can't see what taking the pane out would acheive

[stormin]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Definitely single point locking, but can't see back of mechanism through the glass so can't see what taking the pane out would acheive

If it's double glazed - there will be a black bead of mastic like material going around the two panes of glass that make up the window panel. You won't be able to see whats under that.

If in doubt, get someone to have a look and get them to quote you for a new window, least if it is fixable they'll be able to say so directly.
Hope this helps.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Cheers stormin, will have a look when it's light

[V12Les]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Definitely single point locking, but can't see back of mechanism through the glass so can't see what taking the pane out would acheive

The glazing is part of the stucture of the frame. There will be packers at opposing corners of the glass, whip that out and the opener will have some play (up & down) to a degree, maybe enough to lift it out of the locking point.
HTH