How to Open Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Windows?

Sliding windows are one of the most widespread types of windows in homes. These windows can also have a lock. However, homeowners can sometimes forget or lose their keys and can not enter the house.

Therefore, windows can become a point of entry in this case if you know how to open it from the outside. If you don’t know how to open it, contact Lockout Service in Chicago to help you.

This article will help you to open locked vertical and horizontal sliding windows. We will provide complete detail on how to open it from the inside (for cleaning) and the outside in this article.

Vertical Sliding Windows

Vertical Sliding Windows slide upwards and downwards to close or open as per your specific requirements. Most vertical sliding windows have two panels that are installed vertically in the window frame. You cannot move the top panel because it is fixed in the window frame. The bottom frame can slide up and down. However, in some vertical sliding windows, both the panels can open and these are also called Double Hung Sash Window.

Open Vertical Sliding Windows from inside

Most windows use a Camlock. The Camlock has a latch that you can use to lock and unlock by sliding it.

Slide the latch of the lock to the unlock position
There is a check rail at the bottom of the window. Hold it and move it towards the top of the window.
The rail will open the bottom panel of the window
If you have a double-hung sash window, there will be a second rail where both the panels meet.
The second rail will open the top panel by moving it in the opposite direction (top to bottom) than the first panel.
Some windows can have catches that you can unlock with a key. After unlocking the catch, there is a lever that rotates in the opening position.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

Horizontal Sliding Windows work just like Vertical Sliding Windows. The only difference is that they slide left or right. There are two types of horizontal sliding windows. The single slider only has one panel that will move, and the other is fixed to the window frame. The double slider has two panels that will move.

Open Horizontal Sliding Windows from Inside

Unlock the cam lock by sliding the latch to unlock position (right to the left)
If the window is a double slider, you can also open the second panel in the same way by moving the latch in the opposite direction (left to right)
If the panels of your window have a tilt-in feature, then you can rotate them inwards.
Some windows can have a lock that unlocks by a key
Please make sure the window is unlocked before attempting to open it or tilt it.

How to Open Vertical & Horizontal Sliding Windows from Outside

Tools Required

Pry Bar or crowbar
Thin razor saw or hacksaw blade. If you do not have them, you can use anything long and thin that can enter the hole
Drill Machine with tiny drills

Open Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Windows from Outside

Opening a vertical and horizontal sliding window from outside can be frustrating and not that easy. It becomes more difficult if you are unfamiliar with the window.

Firstly, check if the window is locked or unlocked
If the window is unlocked, apply some force in pulling the window upwards (vertical sliding window) or backward (horizontal sliding window)
If it still doesn’t happen, you will have to take the help of a pry bar.
Slip the pry bar between the window ledge or windowsill and the window panel.
Shake the pry bar but not with too much pressure as the window can break by applying too much pressure.
If the window is locked, you will need an ultra-thin razor saw or a thin hacksaw blade
Enter the razor saw in the window near the latch
Try to reach the lever with the razor saw and rotate it in the unlock position
Slide the panel upwards (vertical sliding window) or pull it backward (horizontal sliding window) to open it.
If there is no place to enter the razor saw, you can use a tiny drill.
Drill the hole near the lock, and then enter the razor saw through the hole to rotate the lever
The last option is to break the lock, but make sure to attempt it if you have no other choice.

Conclusion

Opening sliding windows is accessible from the inside. You do not need special tools to open them, and it will not take much time. However, it is different in the case if you are outside. It would be best if you have the tools mentioned above, or you will not be able to get in. Residential Locksmith in Chicago advises not to attempt this if you do not have the right tools as you can cause damage to the window. In the long run, calling a locksmith will save you money.