Timber or wood windows can be a very handsome and classic choice for a home, and they coordinate well with wood trim and other such features. However, timber sash windows can warp over time or suffer other damage more easily than vinyl or any type of plastic. The good news is that it's often easy to repair these windows, either on your own or with the services of a professional repairperson. Note a few tips for timber sash window repairs so you can tackle the job on your own or know what to expect by way of repairs.

1. Heaviness

Windows work with weights that are usually attached by a cord behind the window frame. When you push the window up, the weights counterbalance this to keep it in place and also provide tension when you close the window so it doesn't just slam shut. If the cords have lost tension, the window may be very sticky as the weights don't want to move. There is usually a small access panel in the window frame that you can pop open and access the cords; these can be replaced so they work as they should. When you remove the window from the frame, you may see the weights attached to the window frame itself. Check the cord for lost tension and if it seems slack, it needs to be replaced.

2. Sticking

If windows stick but don't feel heavy, this might be because the wood has warped slightly. When this happens, it cannot easily slide up and down the tracks of the frame. Sanding the window sash can make it fit better in the frame. You can remove the window from the frame and use a level to check all four sides, and note which area may need to be sanded. Be sure to sand the entire side so it's even and use your level to check it before replacing the window.

3. Splintering

Splintering is not uncommon for timber sash windows. You can chip up a splintered area with a chisel and then fill the hole with wood putty. After the putty has dried, sand it down completely along with the area around the hole and then re-stain or repaint the area so it all matches. 

If the hole created with the chipping of the splintered area is too big to fill in with putty, you may need to replace this part of the window itself. You can take the window out of the frame and pull away the one section, then replace it with a matching timber piece. Paint or stain the new piece so that it matches the wood of the window.

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