Windows fail to close for a handful of predictable reasons.
Warping and swelling. Mediterranean heat and humidity play havoc with wooden frames. Wood absorbs moisture and expands slightly, pushing the frame out of square. Aluminium and PVC frames are more stable, but they can still warp if the building has settled or if the frame has been knocked. Even a millimetre of movement is enough to stop a latch from engaging.
Debris in the tracks. Sand, dust and salt spray (especially near the coast) accumulate in the frame channels. This grit prevents the sash from sliding freely or the frame from seating properly. It's the simplest problem to fix and the easiest to overlook.
Broken or worn latch mechanism. The lock or handle that holds the window closed may be damaged, corroded or simply worn out. If the latch doesn't catch, or if it catches but the window is still loose, the mechanism needs replacing.
Frame or hinge damage. If the window has been slammed shut, dropped, or hit (common in holiday homes that change hands quickly), the hinges may be bent or the frame itself may be cracked. This is more serious and needs a professional assessment.
Building settlement. Over time, especially in older properties or those near the coast where salt-air corrosion undermines foundations, buildings shift slightly. This can throw window frames out of alignment.
Weatherstripping tape. Available at any hardware shop (ferretería) for a few euros, this self-adhesive foam tape creates an airtight seal. Measure and cut pieces for all four sides of the frame. Peel and stick them to the inside frame edge, pressing firmly. This keeps wind and rain out without damaging the window.
Heavy-duty duct tape. If weatherstripping isn't available, use strong duct tape (cinta americana) instead. It's less elegant but equally effective at blocking gaps. Apply it around the entire perimeter of the closed window.
Seal with plastic sheeting and tape. For a more thorough temporary seal, you can tape clear plastic sheet (the kind used for dust protection during building work) over the entire window using duct tape or low-tack painter's tape. This is overkill for a minor gap, but it works if the window is badly misaligned.
Prop and support the frame. If the window sits loose in its opening, you can use wooden wedges or rolled towels to support the frame from the outside and reduce movement. This won't seal it, but it will stop it rattling and flexing in the wind.
Block the sill from inside. If water is likely to seep in around the sill, place old towels on the inside windowsill and along the wall below to catch and absorb any drips. Position a bucket underneath if the leak is likely to be heavy.
Do not attempt to dismantle the window, remove hinges, or adjust the frame yourself. These fixes are temporary only. You need a professional to address the root cause.
Stop and call a locksmith or handyman if any of these apply:
- The window is cracked or the glass has come loose. A cracked pane will shatter in high winds. Don't attempt temporary repairs—seal it from outside if safe, and call immediately.
- The frame is visibly cracked or splintered. This indicates structural damage. Tape won't help, and forcing the window closed risks further breakage.
- The hinges are bent or broken. You cannot fix this without specialised tools. Trying will damage the hinges and frame further.
- The window won't budge at all, even gently. Something is preventing it from moving. Forcing it will break glass or mechanisms. Call for help.
- You see gaps wider than 5 mm around the frame. This suggests frame movement or settlement. It needs professional assessment before the storm arrives.
- The sill is soft, spongy or discoloured. This indicates rot or water damage inside the frame. The structure is compromised. Call a professional before sealing it up.
- The window is at height (first floor or above) and you're unsteady. Don't lean out to apply tape or assess damage. Work from inside, or wait for a professional.
When a locksmith or handyman arrives, they'll start by opening the window fully (if it will move) and examining the frame, hinges, latch and tracks under proper light. They'll likely use a spirit level to check if the frame is square within the opening.
If the problem is debris, they'll vacuum and clean the tracks thoroughly. If the problem is a worn latch or broken hinge, they'll replace the faulty part—usually a 20–30 minute job. If the frame has warped, they may be able to plane or sand the edge slightly to restore closure, or they may recommend frame replacement if the damage is severe.
If the problem is building settlement (the window sits at an angle), the professional will assess whether the issue is confined to this one window or affects multiple windows and doors. Widespread misalignment suggests a structural issue that needs surveying, not just a locksmith's fix.
Before they leave, they'll test the window repeatedly to ensure it closes smoothly and the latch engages firmly. They'll give you a receipt and, if they've replaced parts, they may provide a brief written note about what was done. Keep this for your records and for insurance purposes if you've claimed for damage.
Keep the tracks clean. Wipe out the frame tracks with a dry cloth every month, especially after windy or sandy weather. A quick vacuum once a season prevents debris build-up.
Check window closures regularly. Test each window monthly to make sure it closes smoothly and the latch catches firmly. Catching a problem early prevents emergency repairs.
Maintain wooden frames. If you have wooden window frames, check the sealant (caulk) around the edges annually. Reapply where it's cracked or peeling. This protects the wood from moisture.
Monitor for signs of movement. If you notice that a window (or door) is sitting slightly differently in its frame, or if you see new cracks around the frame, have it assessed by a professional. Don't wait for a storm.
Protect windows in holiday homes. If your Mediterranean property is closed for months, ask a trusted neighbour or property manager to check windows and doors monthly. Salt air and temperature swings can cause problems that go unnoticed.
A window that won't close properly during storm season isn't something to fix "when you get round to it". Water getting into your walls costs far more to repair than fixing the window itself. Seal it now with tape, call a locksmith or handyman today, and you'll sleep better tonight. Find a qualified locksmith in your area who can visit within 24 hours.
