Sash window won't open? Stuck and painted-shut sashes freed
Whether it’s stuck closed, stuck open or painted shut, years of paint, swollen timber or a jammed bead are usually to blame. It can almost always be freed without damage, and left opening smoothly again.
Common causes
- Painted shut: layers of paint bridging the sash and the beads
- Swollen timber after damp weather
- A parting or staff bead that has moved or been fixed too tight
- A sash that has dropped because of a broken cord
What we do
- Cut through the paint seal cleanly, without splitting the timber
- Ease the sash and beads so it runs freely
- Replace any broken cords and rebalance the sash
- Lubricate the pulley wheels
Send a photo of the window and your town, and you'll get a fixed price before anything is booked.
Common questions
My sash window is stuck open. Can you fix that?
Yes. A sash stuck open is usually caught on paint or a bead, or has dropped because of a broken cord. It’s freed and rebalanced so it closes and locks again.
Can I force it open myself?
It's best not to. Hammering the frame or levering against the sash can crack the glass or split old timber, which turns a quick job into a bigger one.
My sash opens but sticks halfway. Is that the same job?
Usually, yes. Sticking is often caused by paint build-up, a tight bead or a sash that is out of balance, and all of those are fixed the same way.
Will the window need repainting afterwards?
Painting isn't part of the service, but any bare or repaired timber is primed and sealed so it's protected and ready for your decorator.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the number of windows and what is causing the problem. Send a photo for a free, fixed quote.
Not sure what your windows need?
Send a couple of photos and your town. We'll get back to you on what's wrong and what it will cost.