Windows in an old house

Repairs with home windows boil down into two basic groups: 1) fixing problems with window frames and sash, and 2) replacing or repairing window glass. In this article, we look at window frame and sash problems. For information on window glass repairs, please see How to Replace or Repair Window Glass.

Just to be clear, window sash is the part of a window that holds the glass. Windows may have either fixed or operable sash, as discussed in the article Window Buying Guide. Both types can have problems but, of course, operable windows may have additional issues with their mechanisms. Operable windows usually work reliably for years, but, with time, their workings can become balky.

Windows made from metal or composites have fewer problems created by weather than wood windows, because wood is prone to rot with prolonged exposure to dampness and can crack with exposure to sun.