OLD houses, stuck windows...

[SherylsShado]

  Anyone have any experience with OLD houses and stuck windows?  I've lived in this OLD house for a few years, part of its charm is that it is OLD and part of the headache is...that it is OLD.  Most of the windows had been painted shut accidentally by the previous owner right before I moved in.  There's only a few windows that can be opened because I don't trust my cat not to fall out of the window screen and all.  The ONE window that I can open and not worry...I opened on a nice breezy summer day and now I can't get it to go back down.  I've used WD-40 several times, let it sit 15 minutes and re-try...nothing.  I tried banging it back down with a hammer...nothing.  The window sills are OLD, I don't see how a window can be taken out unless it's broken out.  The sill has a "cord/rope" on each side that helps raise & lower the window...window won't budge.  (The sliding glass over the screen goes up & down, it's the wooden sill with the window that won't budge.)  Ideas?

[JessieKateRose]

I guess you should pay to get them replaced. If you're worried about the cost, maybe only replace like two? Then you could have two to open and close when you wanted.

[sigmapi1501]

Lived in an old apartment in Chicago. Windows were wood.  Use a little (NOT TOO MUCH) paint thinner.  And the window should open and close just fine.

[tantricia44]

Call a Handy man/person.

[Storm61115]

Call a Handy man/person.

 or have ur relatives try to fix it. they might want a few bucks but it'll be worth it.

[Oryon20]

If the opportunity arises, suggest to the new owner he/she should strongly consider replacing the windows before the end of the year.  Replacing windows before the end of the year qualify for a 30% tax credit up to $1500 for the cost of the windows, as long as they meet certain energy guidlines (U-Value and SHGC values).  Most decent windows SHOULD meet these.  This might be enticing to him/her, and you can also hint that it would increase the value of their property as well.

[slbaseman1029]

the new houses these days, old ones are more interesting! -Sylver B.

[moonangel]

Maybe you could have stuff fixed and deduct it from your rent.  when yoyu pay the lesser rent give him the bill also to explain costs.

[thetotalfool]

The least humid day is when it's easiest to un-jam.  But the paint is probably the problem.  Properly painted window frames are fairly easy to take apart, but all the seams on your window are probably covered.