Why Does My Window Handle Move But The Window Won’t Open?

You’ve tried repeatedly to open your window, but no matter how many times you move the handle, it remains closed. 

Is your window just sealed forever now? You’re not exactly new to windows, after all. 

Don’t panic, the window or lock is most likely broken. Often the spindle within the handle isn’t communicating with the roller cam or the shot bolt of the uPVC window handle moves but window won’t open. 

But there is still some hope. Here are a few methods to open a stubborn window that First Home Improvements frequently encounters. 

We’re here to let you know that you have alternatives. Simply try these few solutions, and your window should reopen.

3 reasons that could cause your window not to open?

Almost any uPVC window can develop problems causing the window not to open, and in most circumstances, the problem is simple to repair. The major reasons for this issue are listed below:

The gasket could be stuck to the frame

The rubber weather gasket that prevents draughts in certain older PVC windows can occasionally dissolve slightly, causing the sash and frame to bind together. 

This may occur if the window is kept closed for an extended amount of time in a warm climate. 

Use a credit card or a flat, dull knife to repair this. To separate the frame and sash, just slip the knife or card between them. 

Do not just push the window open using force, doing so will only rip the gasket apart and let a draught into your window.

There may be a build-up of dust and grit on the hinges

The most frequent issue with windows is with the hinges. 

If you live close to a busy road and keep your window open, even a little, for extended periods, dust and grit will accumulate on the hinges, giving the impression that your window is completely stuck. 

Simply apply some oil or grease to the hinges to correct this, and your window will resume functioning normally after a short time. 

Your hinge may be broken in some circumstances. 

You will need to install a new set of hinges if this is the case.

The spindle inside your handle could be worn down and is not turning the uPVC window lock mechanism

When the spindle within your handle wears out and the uPVC window lock is jammed, your spindle is probably worn out if you try to open your window and it remains locked despite turning the handle. 

Take a handle off another window and try it on the broken window to be sure this is the cause. It won’t cost much to buy a new handle if it turns out to be simply the handle that is the issue. 

Making sure that the new handle is in the same place as the one you remove is the only thing you need to look out for when you attach a new handle.

How do you open a window with a broken latch or lock?

As far as home remedies go, you don’t have too many options other than brute force, which can be dangerous to you and potentially harmful to your window. 

If you are unsure, we advise that you contact a uPVC window professional like First Home Improvements for further assistance, replacement locks are not expensive and are certainly cheaper than replacing an entirely broken window. 

If you are a DIY-geek, your options are:

Pull the roller cam

The roller cam is required to lock the window. When activated, this little mushroom-shaped bulb secures the shoot bolt, which then locks the window.

You’re likely dealing with a handle that has separated from its spindle, rendering it incapable of moving the roller cam. 

You can take off the handle, but instead of doing so, use a few tools to get to the roller cam and manually unlock the lock.

Try removing the handle

Having trouble pulling the roller cam? Not to worry as you can try taking the handle off yourself. Although usually simpler, it isn’t always a choice. 

The nails are usually buried beneath a cap that is positioned on the handle itself, and the handles are virtually always screwed on. 

These are frequently difficult to remove because of the putty that holds them in place.

Both a uPVC turn window and a casement uPVC window lock mechanism may be fixed using the techniques mentioned above. 

Good uPVC windows often function for years without giving you any difficulty, but when anything does go wrong, fixing it shouldn’t be too expensive. 

Casement uPVC windows are fairly common today, and the components for them are widely accessible.

How can you prevent your uPVC windows from not opening again?

You may take a number of actions to stop your uPVC windows from becoming stuck again. 

Keep a constant check on your uPVC windows at all times so that if anything seems off or if they get stiff or stuck, you can act before they are fully broken. 

Here are some guidelines you can use to ensure that your uPVC windows stay functional.

Cleaning: uPVC door and window seals should be cleaned regularly.

Inspections: Keep your uPVC window sills neat, clean, and clutter-free so you can check for damage on a regular basis, the best thing for faulty windows is to address the problem early.

Lubrication: Use either graphite powder or a little machine oil to lubricate the key or the uPVC window lock that’s jammed. Try to avoid the use of WD40 or a 3-in-1 oil as they can harm the lock and the uPVC window lock mechanism.

Call a professional: call First Home Improvements to assist you to get your uPVC windows operating and leave you with the confidence that your home is safe if the uPVC window becomes difficult to operate.

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First Home Improvements, one of the most reputable double-glazing and uPVC window providers in the UK, can provide you with first-rate service to assist you with all of your replacement uPVC and double-glazed windows to fit your unique requirements. Please contact us or visit our website for additional details.