uPVC window stuck & can't opren

DanielDeronda

I've got uPVC double glazing throughout my property but over time, one of them has been impossible to open.

How can I get it open (want to air the flat rach day) or will it need replacing, if so what would that cost?

It's not urgent but I'm renovating the whole flat.

david29dpo

Get then open? brute force?
How much to replace? how are we supposed to know??????? without size, shape, how many, area, etc etc etc etc????????? 

sammyjammy

I have a bathroom window like this, I just keep it open all the time, if it gets shut by a guest I have to  get the number in to push it open, I am not strong enough.

TELLIT01

If it hasn't been opened for a long time, the rubber seal can stick to the frame making it very difficult to open.  Alternatively it could be the lock itself which has failed.  If it's just stuck then applying pressure from the inside should eventually free it.

FreeBear

TELLIT01 said:

If it hasn't been opened for a long time, the rubber seal can stick to the frame making it very difficult to open.  Alternatively it could be the lock itself which has failed.  If it's just stuck then applying pressure from the inside should eventually free it.

Worst case - No lintel above the window, and the brickwork is collapsing on to the frame. uPVC is not structural, and any unnatural loading will distort the frame. If this is the case, a lintel will need to be installed (could get expensive if scaffolding is required).

ciderboy2009

Try Googling for a window doctor for your location.  We had one come out who got the window open and fixed the underlying problem for under £100 including parts.

LightFlare

sammyjammy said:

I have a bathroom window like this, I just keep it open all the time, if it gets shut by a guest I have to  get the number in to push it open, I am not strong enough.

cant resist - would that be the number 1 or 2 ?

ic

I agree with the above comments - sounds like either the rubber gaskets are simply sticking and just need a good shove, or weight from above is squeezing the frame shut.  Can you share a picture of the window, square on?  Can you see any deformity in the frame, does anything look out of square?

TELLIT01

FreeBear said:

TELLIT01 said:

If it hasn't been opened for a long time, the rubber seal can stick to the frame making it very difficult to open.  Alternatively it could be the lock itself which has failed.  If it's just stuck then applying pressure from the inside should eventually free it.

Worst case - No lintel above the window, and the brickwork is collapsing on to the frame. uPVC is not structural, and any unnatural loading will distort the frame. If this is the case, a lintel will need to be installed (could get expensive if scaffolding is required).

Worst case possibly, but sadly not that uncommon.  Many properties built in the 60's & 70's didn't have lintels above windows.  The timber window frame was capable of supporting the brickwork above.  As @FreeBearsay, uPVC is not structural.  Looking on Streetview at many of the houses where my mother lived used to show quite spectacular bowing of the brickwork above ground floor windows.

FreeBear

TELLIT01 said:

FreeBear said:

TELLIT01 said:

If it hasn't been opened for a long time, the rubber seal can stick to the frame making it very difficult to open.  Alternatively it could be the lock itself which has failed.  If it's just stuck then applying pressure from the inside should eventually free it.

Worst case - No lintel above the window, and the brickwork is collapsing on to the frame. uPVC is not structural, and any unnatural loading will distort the frame. If this is the case, a lintel will need to be installed (could get expensive if scaffolding is required).

Worst case possibly, but sadly not that uncommon.  Many properties built in the 60's & 70's didn't have lintels above windows.

The problem affects properties built in the 1920s & 30s too. FENSA have issued briefings several times, but the message hasn't gotten through to some installers - Pass by a house (built 1920s) each day that Anglian had replaced the front door & side window on. They were back a week or two later and repointed the soldier course. Render above the opening is now cracking as the outer leaf slowly drops.

DanielDeronda

It's the left sided window on a bay in my living room