Windows stuck closed

[Rickie]

We bought a 2012 Heritage Glen WBF316RETS a few months ago and recently had a front to back inspection done at a local dealer. One of our complaints is that the windows were stuck closed and we were concerned about using force to open them. The dealership did not fix them so we are now looking for suggestions on how to free up the windows. Any help would be appreciated.

[valleyduo]

Have you checked to make sure someone hasn't spray foamed the window frames? The full expansion stuff wreaks havoc on doors and windows.

[5picker]

What kind of windows?
Frameless that crank open?
Framed windows that slide up/down? (some sideways)

[Bill and Gail]

Had this happen to the sliding window on my 2016 Sunseeker. I cleaned out the track, and sprayed the track with silicon, trying to also get some under the sliding part. Watch you don't spray the walls and counters. Used a steady pressure (not on the glass), no force, and it finally opened. You may need to have someone hold the lock open. I now lube the track about every 3 months. Hope this gives you some ideas, just remember, you're working with glass and a fairly delicate frame and latch.

[hack522]

Had a similar issue with my Roo dinette window. Had to use silicone to lubricate the locks and inside rails. Found the seal was extremely tight as well upon closing. I didn't mess with that as I wanted to be sure the window sealed when closed.

[Herk7769]

Yes, Vaseline or silicon lubricant will prevent this in the future.

I would try a string soaked in Vaseline and work it from a corner slowly until the entire window is free.

[Rickie]

Thanks all. They crank out and that mechanism appears free. It's like the window is stuck to the rubber seal. I'm afraid to push harder for fear the rubber seal will tear. Might have to though.

[Rickie]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

Yes, Vaseline or silicon lubricant will prevent this in the future.

I would try a string soaked in Vaseline and work it from a corner slowly until the entire window is free.

That sounds like a good idea. Like dental floss for windows....

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Rickie

Thanks all. They crank out and that mechanism appears free. It's like the window is stuck to the rubber seal. I'm afraid to push harder for fear the rubber seal will tear. Might have to though.

Do not try to crank it open. All that pressure in one spot will crack the glass for sure.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Rickie

That sounds like a good idea. Like dental floss for windows....

I saw that technique used to cut a broken car window loose.

[TitanMike]

Any door or window that has a rubber seal on it should get regular "maintenance". Clean the window surface where it hits the seal and rub some silicone lube on the rubber. Silicone spray on a rag and wiping down all the seals will keep them from sticking after sitting in the hot sun and also keep the moisture from freezing in winter, again sticking the window or door closed.

A good idea to do this with Tow Vehicle doors and windows too, especially when going into freezing weather.

[5picker]

We had luck on our last unit that had crank out windows getting one open that was stuck by me going out and pulling on the lower end of both sides of the glass, while the DW gently cranked the handle.

As mentioned, the use of a rubber conditioner is a must, especially on frameless windows.

[DKRITTER]

First off Vaseline is petroleum based and will over time ruin the rubber seals. Silicone is a much better solution.


Our tilt outs stick from time to time. I open it enough to put some pressure on it, I'll go outside and put a little pressure on it and that usually breaks it free.

[onetonford]

On the one and only crank out window I have is on the back of the RV what happened to mine is when they sealed the frame they got some sealant on the spot where the window closes into and it tends to be tacky and when you try to crank the window open unless somebody goes outside to gently open it while I crank it open. after that it works fine for awhile but when it sits closed for along time it will do it again. Other wise I just don't use it. So I really haven't tried to fix it.

[cavie]

WD 40 and a screwdriver. Put some pressure on the window with the crank. Go outside with a screwdriver and wd 40. Pryout a corner and spray. Move about 6" and spray all the way to the other side.

[Rickie]

Thanks for all the ideas.

[Herk7769]

Silicone lubricant (grease) is probably a better long term solution than Vaseline or WD-40 both of which are petroleum based.

You are more likely to have the Vaseline on hand in your medical kit for an immediate fix though.