So I can't think of anywhere else to ask this. Most people who are handy mechanics also generally know a thing or two about building processes and general fixit/repairs so I figure this is the best place I might be able to get a result.

I live in an old warehouse that has been converted to apartments. I have two ~15ft tall windows in my place. One of them won't stay up and the other one won't go up.

The one in the bedroom is easily opened but is so heavy and has no resistance to being shut that it slams shut the second you aren't holding it up and with a window that big it's scary. Probably gonna get the apt people to fix that.

The one I think I might be able to do something about is the one that will only open a lil ways. A stupid drunk guy tried to force the window open when it was shut and that was the last time I remember it being opened. Before that I had no issues with it and after he used it I havent been able to open it. I noticed that a gap has appeared on either side of the window itself. I can push the window at the bottom to close the gap on one side but hen it just opens up on the other.

On the side with the gap i can clearly see a metal rod going into a slot.

Is there anything I can do without getting the apt people to have to come fix it just so i can get my window open?

EDIT:: The window does open to about a 1 inch gap so it's moving ~1.5 inches




there's an old pic of the apt before i moved in so you can see what kind of window im talking about

[Edited on March 20, 2010 at 5:13 PM. Reason : bold]

3/20/2010 5:08:56 PM

probably need new tension rods

[Edited on March 20, 2010 at 5:17 PM. Reason : at least in the one that won't stay up]

3/20/2010 5:15:28 PM

yeah the guy said that's what needed to be done.... the deal is tho that one never worked... the one that I have issue with DID work till drunk guy decided he wanted to pee off the second floor instead of waiting for the bathroom.....

*sigh*

3/20/2010 5:37:16 PM

so the windows are fairly new?

if it didn't work even when it was brand new, then the tension rods probably weren't installed properly.

[Edited on March 20, 2010 at 5:42 PM. Reason : sdv]

3/20/2010 5:41:40 PM

oh no not new.... just when i moved into the apartment they were new to me....

I mean to say I'm not even sure the previous tenet tried to open that window or complain or anything because as long as I've been in here it hasnt worked and I did speak to the maintenance people about that one when I first found out and they know that the other one worked fine.

I don't wanna get in trouble for a rowdy guest and I want my window open.

Oh and i put machine oil down the slot hoping to lose it some and didnt accomplish anything but it also didnt run out the bottom like i expected it to...

[Edited on March 20, 2010 at 5:47 PM. Reason : just because i expected that to work doesnt mean it was gonna]

3/20/2010 5:45:41 PM

"get in trouble"? at worst you'll have to pay for it to be fixed, which is unlikely unless your apt managers are douches.

3/20/2010 5:51:57 PM

I guess it's kinda a personal thing like I broke it and i wanna fix it? If i can't i understand and don't mind getting the guy to do it but... I'm feeling guilty....

I mean they dont even have permission to polyurethane the floors here because the historic society won't let them.

3/20/2010 5:58:35 PM

Where are you, Richmond?

3/22/2010 12:21:02 PM

It's a shame the guy peeing out the window didnt use the window that shuts quickly when not held. Could have future proofed the source of your problem.

3/22/2010 4:03:40 PM

^LMAO i wish boy do i wish

3/22/2010 6:44:19 PM