How to fix a wooden window that won't shut?

Question

I live in an old 80+ year old house and one of the windows in a wooden frame will no longer close. Looking online the answer seems to be to remove a replace the window. Since I am renting and my landlord won't pay for a new one is there a quick fix for this? Winter is here and my roommate is racking up the heating bill by always cranking the heat because her room is cold.

Thanks!

Answer 1

It sounds like it is swollen because of humidity. If you can get it out, sand down the edges so it's a little looser. If you can't get it out, your landlord should come over and take care of it. If he won't. you are stuck with filling that hole. Use some duct tape and cardboard. Another good filler is the foam rubber from an old couch cushion. Cruise the alley behind the furniture store.

Answer 2

If you are 'sure' that these windows were 'made to open' and are only 'painted shut' then you need to get some 'paint remover' and take all of that old paint 'off' until the windows can 'open and close freely' ... and then take 'one more layer' of paint off and repaint everything ... but leave the windows 'open' a bit while the new paint is 'drying' so they don't get 'painted shut' again.

Answer 3

check the hinges first. Alot of the time hinges sieze and then "spread". Works for me most of the time