How Do You Quietly Open A Window?

As they get old, windows frequently start making noises as they open and close. It could be caused by a number of problems, including a requirement for lubricant on the window track, a window that has come off the track, or a simple cleaning. When a baby is napping nearby, even the slightest noise can cause a disturbance.

There are several ways to open a window quietly. The easiest way is to close the curtains before opening the window. If you have no curtains, then you can cover the window with a towel. Another option is to put something under the door handle to prevent noise from being heard.

However, if you have a large gap between the bottom of the window and the floor, you may notice that the noise travels through the air rather than directly into the room.

The Most Popular Window Types

There are several different types of operable windows, including sliding, folding, pivoting, revolving, and tilt/turning. For our purposes, we’ll only discuss the most common ones.

All of these windows require some sort of mechanism to operate. Such as crank window can be opened by applying light force on the cranking mechanism. Some mechanisms are noisy, others are quiet. Let’s look at the various mechanisms and find out which ones are the least disruptive.

Window Sliders

There are many types of window sliders available today. Some are made of wood, others are made of plastic, and still, others are made of vinyl. Each material has its pros and cons. Wood is generally considered to be the least expensive option, but it does require regular maintenance.

Regardless of the material used, all sliders should be able to slide smoothly without any squeaks or rattles. If you notice any noises coming from your slider, talk to your installer about it. He may have overlooked something during installation.

Clerestory Windows

There are several types of windows, including single- and double-paned casement windows, sliding windows, and clerestories. Clerestories are windows that run along the ceiling, providing light without being intrusive. These windows are generally made of glass, although sometimes they are made of plastic or fiberglass.

With clerestories, there are two potential problems. First, the mechanism that opens the window may not work properly. Second, the window itself may not close completely, leaving gaps between the panes. Either way, you’ll probably hear a scraping sound as the window moves.

You can fix the problem by replacing the hinge or the latch. You can also replace the window if it’s old enough. Otherwise, you’ll just have to live with the noise.

Awning And Hopping Windows

You may not think of hoppers and awnings as being noisy, but they actually do make quite a bit of noise when opening and closing. Fortunately, there are ways to keep them quiet.

First, make sure that the metal joints connecting the panels to the frame are tight. Tighten the screws that hold the stays in place. Also, tighten the screws that connect the handles to the frame. These screws should be tightened evenly across the entire length of the handles.

Second, lubricate the hinges with WD40 or similar oil. Lubricating the hinges helps reduce friction between the hinge and the frame. Friction causes the hinges to wear out faster.

Third, clean the hinges regularly. Dirt collects at the base of the hinges and creates rust. Rust makes the hinges harder to operate and increases the chances of squeaks. Clean the hinges using a wire brush and warm water.

Finally, replace any worn parts. Over time, the hinges will start to loosen and squeak. Replace them with new parts to avoid annoying sources of noise.

How To Quietly Open A Window From The Inside

There are several ways to open a window quietly without causing any noise at all. You can either close the blinds or curtains, cover the windows with towels, or simply leave the windows closed. However, if you really want to keep the unwanted noise down, there are a couple of options available to you.

Organize Or Take Down The Drapes Or Blinds

You’ve probably heard the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that certainly applies here. You should remove any items that could cause damage if they hit the window when you’re opening it.

Sliding the curtains aside and securing them in place is a great way to prevent them from swinging back against the window when you open it. Lift the blinds and get their cords or wands out of the way.

If there’s a breeze blowing through your house, those decorative elements may snap against your windows. So leave the curtains or blinds hung against the window instead of letting them hang down against the glass.

If you find yourself struggling to keep your house warm during winter months, you might consider installing a draft stopper. These devices work by creating a seal between the inside and outside of your home. They stop cold drafts from coming into your house, keeping your home warmer and quieter at night.

Open The Window

There are two main types of window locks: crank handles and lever handles. Crank handles are usually made of metal and require a key to unlock. Lever handles are typically made of wood and require a keyhole to unlock.

Crank handles are loud and annoying, but they work well enough. Unfortunately, they tend to wear down over time, making them harder to operate. Lever handles are quieter, but they are also easier to break.

To avoid breaking your window, try using WD-40 spray instead of oil. WD-40 works great at keeping cranks clean and quiet. Just remember to keep spraying until the handle feels smooth and slick.

Handle Carefully

You may not think that you should handle your windows carefully, but if you don’t, you might end up breaking them. You definitely don’t want to break your windows, especially if you live in a house where there are children.

To avoid damaging your windows, you’ll need two hands to open them. Start by using both hands to hold the window frame evenly spaced out. Then, move closer to the window until you feel the weight shift. Once you’ve adjusted the way you’re holding it, gently lower the window down. Keep the window slightly elevated to prevent the hinge from squeaking.

Secure And Lubricate All Moving Parts

You may not realize it, but there are many moving parts inside windows. You probably wouldn’t think twice about lubricating the handles on your front door, but you’d definitely want to do the same for the windows in your house.

You’ll want to secure the panes of glass. If you have a casement window, you’ll want to remove the panels and loosen the hinges. If you have a slider, you’ll want to slide the panels out of the way. Once you have access to the pane, you’ll want to lubricate the rails and the track where the pane slides along.

Take A Deep Breath Of Relief

You may not realize it, but you probably spend most of your life trying to keep quiet. Whether it’s keeping your voice low or avoiding making any unnecessary noises, we tend to try our hardest to minimize the sounds coming from our mouths.

However, sometimes, it’s impossible to completely eliminate sound. Even though you may think you’re being very careful, you might still wake up your entire house.