Symptoms
- Won't budge in freezing weather
- Visible frost or ice along the seam
- Was fine before a hard freeze
- Frees up once temperatures rise
Likely causes
- CommonIce forming in the sash-to-frame gapMelted snow, condensation, or rain that refreezes can glue the sash shut.
- CommonFrozen weatherstripping stuck to the frameRubber or foam seals can stick to a frozen surface temporarily.
- PossibleFrost buildup inside the trackCold, humid air can deposit frost that locks the sash in place.
What to do
- Avoid forcing the window, which can crack the glass or frame while it's brittle from cold.
- Use a hair dryer on a low setting, held several inches away, to gently warm the frame and seam.
- Alternatively, warm the room and let ambient heat slowly thaw the ice over an hour or more.
- Once you feel slight give, work the sash gently rather than yanking it.
- Dry the track and seam thoroughly once free to prevent immediate refreezing.
- Check for a source of the moisture, such as a draft bringing in humid air or condensation dripping into the track, and address it.
- If this happens every winter, add or upgrade weatherstripping before the next cold snap.
Tools and parts
- Hair dryer
When to call a pro
This rarely needs a professional; call a window repair pro only if the sash or glass cracked while frozen or during a forced attempt to open it.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.