Fixing Casement Windows That Stick Closed or Open

I happen to be a big fan of casement windows both for practical and design reasons. That being said, fixing casement windows that stick closed or open is something you will have to do sooner or later.

Let’s start off with the basics. What are casement windows? They are windows that sit on a vertical hinge on one side. You can then crank the windows open or closed with the window rotating on that hinge. If you are having problems picturing this, imagine a window that opens like a door.


The casement window has a distinct design flaw. Well, it isn’t so much a flaw as a practical problem. Anything with moving parts needs to be used frequently or things begin to decay. Casement windows tend to go through long periods where they are not opened. This may be due to weather [cold winter months] or placement in a room where there isn’t much traffic. Whatever the reason, the windows can become stuck in place.

Fortunately, fixing a sticking casement window isn’t a huge problem. The first step is to get a lubricant and apply it to the crank. The crank usually unscrews from the window, so you can get the lubricant into the nooks and crannies. WD-40 or some spray should work fine. Make sure to apply it as you slowly work the window all the way open and back closed.



If you are unlucky, the window may be sticking because the weather stripping is decaying and bonding with the frame. In such a situation, you need to slowly crank the window open while jostling the frame a bit. The idea is to use a moderate amount of pressure to slowly pry the weather stripping off the frame. Once opened, you need to replace the weather stripping. Make sure to clean and apply a lubricant to the inside frame to prevent further sticking.

Fixing casements windows that stick closed isn’t a particularly difficult proposition, but it is one you really want to avoid doing time and again. To avoid problems, inspect and lubricate them annually.

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