opening old windows that have been painted shut

[ChrisConnor]

Hi,

I have recently bought a 1920's house that needs a lot of work externally. The previous occupants have clearly painted all the external wood window frames without opening them first. By the look of it they have done this multiple times.

Bearing in mind that the frames are (on first glance) in good condition and because of their old home style i want to keep them! I assume that the previous occupants painted the frames closed because they could not open them.

So, once paint is removed - how do i get them open without a large amount of force?

Thanks

Chris

 

[Zampa]

There are a few way but first......

DONT BANG THE CENTRE OF THE GLASS WITH YOUR HAND!

Seen it done so many times and people eneded up with cut writsts etc.

You need to check if the windows have not been screwed or nailed up anyway first...(popular once as a anti burgler option or if the sashe's had broken)

If they havnt, use a piece of wood and a hammer and knock around the edges of the frame.

This is better than banging a screwdriver in and trying to prize them open as this may damage the window.

Are windows sash or wooden casement ?

If they are sah you may have problems becasue sometimes through poor painting they will stick in the sash runners...in which case the beadings will have to be removed.....

We need an easy way of posting pics on here..it will make diagnosis far more easy.

 

[ChrisConnor]

They are Casement windows with leaded lights. Definitely original 1920's...

I quite like the wooden block idea - spreads the force but could still shatter the old glass.

Any other ideas - i will try them all....

 

[slippyr4]

you might be able to free them by stripping the offending paint with a hot air gun. obviously that'll require repainting them afterwards, but you were probably planning on doing that anyway.

 

[Zampa]

Shattering the glass may always be a porblem..especially as they are quite old, however, as they are leaded lights the lean cames may detract the blow a little.

You can certainly give them a little more stick than a single glazed window.

Work on the hinges before you do any banging......take a old chisel or screw driver to them and scrape away all of the paint, making sure you get in as far as possible, gummed up hinges ad to the window not being able to open, plusif they are clovered in paint and have seized up then you may damage them by opening the window t far......keep an eye on them when/if you opening the window.