Window problem
 

We just purchased a resale and I noticed I cannot open the windows. The lip (I think it's called? That bottom part u put your fingers under to lift?) Is so small I cannot get my fingers under it to lift up. Any suggestions?? I love fresh air and hate to bother hubby everytime I need a window opened but this is driving me crazy. How do single women manage? Can something be purchased to put on bottom of window?

Use a lever. Say a small block of wood and place a screw driver under the lip and the shaft of the screw driver on top of the block of wood and push down on the handle. May work in the middle of the window but you may have to do both ends at the same time. This might be a one time problem. Once you get it open clean the tracks and maybe use some wax to lubricate.

To open, I push up on the top part with my thumbs.

You could try placing the SIDES of your fingers under the lip, which also gives you more muscle in the push. Don't try to use your fingertips; you'd probably just break a nail if it suddenly released and went up easy.

Ask at Lowes, Ace, or Home Depot if they have little handles you could put on the windows that you open. I'm sure there is something out there.

Push up on the upper rail of the sash? You can't open the window at all?? Since it's a resale maybe the painters painted it shut? I've seen this happen too many times.
Steve

You do not mention the age of the house, but our 2013 vintage has windows that are very tight opening and closing. I am still able to open and close, so I have not done anything, but you could try a SILICONE based spray lubricant once you get the windows open. I would be careful to limit over-spray, but it usually cleans up easily. I have had good luck with this type of product in several other applications.

I used this method, placing the screwdriver on the lip at the bottom frame of the glass. Be careful and don’t push in as you levering it is out of the seal. Once out of the seal ( about 1/2 it should slide up with just you’re hands? I doubt it painted over, but if it is you need to break the seal with razor knife.

Will window companies just replace ONE WINDOW or won't they bother unless it is a whole house job? We have same problem with our bedroom window (it's really the ONLY one we regularly open and close other than to clean) and it is tough. I've tried 2 different silicone sprays (a wet one and a dry one) and it makes little difference. In fact when you close it, it always hangs up on the bottom trim molding but does (literally) snap in. It would be nice replace all windows but only that one is necessary and don't want to spend a lot of money on doing all of them. It's a late 2009 "2/2 Colony" style home if that matters. And yes, the "lift lip" is so narrow it's very difficult to grab.

I imagine you can find someone to replace a single window. I mean, what would happen if the wind blew a branch against your house and it broke just one window? No one would recommend you get all of them replaced.

check these out, may help with your problem CSKB Self-Stick Instant Cabinet Drawer Handle Helper-Window Handle Sticker-Window Opening Stick, Drawer Opening Stick Knobs, Cabinet Door Window Handle Auxiliary Handle Sticker 4 Pieces I found them on Amazon Prime. Also you can buy a larger handle with two suction cups, one on each end, that would provide a sturdy assist.

I called 6 contractors ~2 years ago for a major construction renovation. 2 never replied, 1 never showed up and 2 of the 3 that showed up threw a "price" at me while standing in my driveway that was absurd without even doing any computation and the final guy came in with a price 1/2 the last 2 complete with drawings, proposals etc etc and got the job at $20K+. Basically my point was, these guys have enough business and really don't want to bother with "small stuff." And of the above 6, 4 of them were "major" contractors in this area. Some day things will change around here and it will become a buyers market and they will be out looking for work. If a tree broke a window it would likely be taped up for a LONG time unless insurance was paying the contractor then you know they would come running. ;)

The lip is so thin you just cant get a finger under it. Never saw a window like this. The home is 12 yrs old. We went to Lowes, home depot and Ace hardware. So far we havent found anything? The windows I want to open I cannot reach the top to try that way. One over kitchen sink. Other two in bathrooms

When you bought your home and had a house inspection they were supposed to check to make sure all windows were operable. When I had a window problem I called warranty dept in TV and they said T&D originally installed my windows and gave me their # to call. I did and they came and fixed it (not for free but they fixed one solo window).

The OP has a problem because the lip is very narrow and does not have the strength, that she used to have, to open the window and doesn't want to call her hubby every time to open the window.

I have the same problem. There is nothing wrong with the window except the lip is too small and hard to lift.

Well she could get those handle things that were mentioned previously. Suction cup handles that would go on the glass, not the lip. I have to use a step-stool to open the windows in the kitchen because they're behind the sink,which has around 8 inches of counter space behind it, and I'm too short to reach back that far!

You should definitely call Villages Warranty. I needed 3 window screens replaced. Warranty gave me the the name of the company. When I called, the window company knew the correct sizes from my description of which window in which room; they ordered the screens, came out to install them and only charged $10 a screen. They fit better than new. Great, great service.

Yes exactly. you nailed it. I imagine this whole village has these type windows but the women I asked do not open windows. I'm looking for solutions. thank u

Several replies have mentioned to push on the top rail of the bottom sash. That gives you more purchase and better angle for more leverage. Also most of our windows are vinyl so they don't get painted. Make sure both window locks are unlocked. Most windows are tilt in for cleaning but they have to be opened a little before you can tilt them in. If you can get them opened and tilted in that is a good time to clean and lightly lubricate the edges of the sash and the channel they ride in . Invite some of your new neighbors over for coffee and I'm sure one of them will help you since they probably have the same windows.

re: Windows
 

Good morning,
About your window problem...funny you should mention this? The windows for the most part installed in homes of The Villages are basically poorly constructed. I contacted the window manufacturer of my windows who, may I add, is out of business. In the AM if the weather changes overnight, I see lots of moisture on the inside of the window proving that the window seals are a joke. About the opening and closing....the spring adjustments on either sides of the window perimeter are another joke. Very cheaply made to say the least!

Interesting and complex answers for a simple problem. Install these or have a handyman do it. If I wasn't out of town I would do it for you.
See the pictures in the ratings on where to install. Robot Check. Robot Check. I give up on Amazon they are called prime line products F-2766. Search for that

I have thought about your problem, and possible solutions. Send me a PM, I will share my email address and maybe you can send a photo of the window. I think I could fabricate an adapter to give you a wider lip to lift the window, but I need more info. VT

Use a vise grip. Place soft thin layer of cloth or tape between the teeth of vice grip so you don't mar the window finish or replace the windows.
Good luck!

Window opening
 

I am a clean window person and do mine often. I wouldn’t pry on the bottom, it could damage the window or the frame. The silicone spay is a good thing once you get it open . I have used the following method successfully. I take a little soapy water and spray mixture on the outside of the window sill along the bottom from the outside of the house, through the screen. Spray bottle or squirt gun. The water soap mixture will eventually work its way inside the bottom sill. It may take a few applications and a few days persistence. It still may need two people on the inside to lift up. As with anything mechanical in a home it should be exercised occasionally to ensure ease of operation. Another example is the push on pull off water shut offs. They also should be exercised occasionally.

I would not even think about replacing your windows. As others have suggested, open the window using the TOP rail to push up on. Once that window is open CLEAN the tracks, then spray silicone lubricant on the tracks, be careful not to use too much. Let me know if you need a hand, N/C.

You probably need new balancers installed on those windows.
Call home warranty for recommendations.
Or call Romac Windows.
They should work easily.

I’ve had that problem with a few windows. If you can’t open via the bottom lip nor the upper part, I’ve used a piece of a 2x4 and used that like a crow bar in the middle of the lower lip part. Works for me.

Balancers, or weights were last used 60 or 70 years ago. They are now sold as antiques. Safe to say that won't work in this case.

Yes I find these windows difficult to open as well! I just leave my bedroom open once we got it up! But, how do you get the screens out of these windows??? Would like to replace. 2004 Amarillo. Have black tabs but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

Try pushing the window open by placing your fingers at the top of the glass pane and where the frame meet. Once window is open wipe the track clean and spray both sides with silicone.

The windows in our 2006 built house use spiral wound spring counter balances. When these fail you are trying to lift the full window weight (40 pounds?) without any handles to grab. Contact the warranty department and verify who made the windows (ROMAC?) and they can repair them.

PERFECT SOLUTION! :clap2:

Should have them Tuesday. It LOOKS like they are mounted to the face of the frame below the glass. My only concern is if it might pull out of the frame when lifting. Not sure if the frame is solid or hollow material. There are a couple other styles by same vendor. Also wonder if you need 2 per window since they are only 3" wide.

EDIT: BIG STICKER ON WINDOW SILL reads: DO NOT DRILL HOLES INTO SILL OF WINDOW Think it's safe?

Update
 

I just called warranty. They referred me to Romac. Called them. They cannot come till end of January. I just cannot believe they even put in windows that a woman cant open. Will keep u posted. Other women must have this type too. Literally no lip to open. No strength to open from top and do not want to constantly climb ladders

While waiting for a couple different versions of these to arrive tomorrow I noticed that putting them on the BOTTOM of the window (where one would normally lift from) won't work too well because of the vinyl piece the window sits down into. It completely covers the bottom of the window where these would be attached. Cutting that piece is possible but not really sure it's a good idea. They can be attached to the TOP part of the window though which seems to have plenty of room but might not help those who are vertically challenged like my wife who is barely 5' tall. :)

Now now! Not ALL women can't and there are also some men who likely can't. :D Women always want equality with men so they can't make "lady windows" or they will be be considered sexist windows. They are a real "pane" though (pun intended); :1rotfl:

Cute pun intended but seriously who in their right mind has or wants windows like these. ? Impossible to open. Just hope Romacs solution isnt spending a fortune to correct

Actually a $3-$6 window lift and 2 screws and maybe a couple beers or soft-drinks to someone to attach them if one can't themselves will solve the problem. Unfortunately there is nothing ROMAC can do other than lubricate them (which will wear off quickly and on ours makes little difference) or tighten the spiral springs which I did and it didn't help. There is a special tool for that for about $6. They certainly won't replace them. I agree though, they are a pane, I mean pain (sorry :) ). I have arthritis in my hands and opening them are a (sexist comment follows) b*tch. I'll let you know how the lift handles works, I should have them today. The only other option are replacement windows.

Balancers are still very much in use. 99% of the windows in our homes (made by CWS) use them. Each one has a stamp on them indicating the tension and model. I've replaced dozens of them for customers. These balancers break (the spring usually goes), resulting in windows being difficult to open, or windows that wont stay open. I also recommend replacing both Sash End Caps (or cams) while you're at it. The balancers are roughly 10-15 a piece (you need two) and the sash end caps are $1 each (you'll also need two).

Are you referring to the spiral spring balancers that come in various tensions and hook onto the pivot lock shoes? The "balancers" the other poster was referring to I believe were the old fashioned weights that used to be inside the wood sash on chains. Yes, the spiral balancers are in 99% of the windows around here.

@Heartnsoul

Anyway, I solved my "hard to lift" he-man windows and turned them into lady windows for $3.18 for a pair from (of course) Amazon. Took 10 minutes (including bathroom break) and worked like a champ. Couldn't mount them on the bottom because the available sash area sits into a channel and is completely covered but my vertically challenged wife (5' 0") could reach the top with no problem. No more broken nails for her and no arthritis problems for me trying to grab the 1/8" available lifting surface on the bottom. This plus a bit of silicon spray and it is 100x improved.

Link to: Amazon Window Lift (1 pair)

Yes, it now has both screws installed.

Edit: I used the 2 of them on the one sash.

https://i.ibb.co/SQqPq4T/2019-12-24-14-01-25.jpg