Sticking and painted-shut sash windows
Windows that have not opened in years, freed, eased and re-hung so they glide again — £100 + VAT per window.
A sash that will not move has usually been painted shut, has swollen, or has a broken cord. We cut the paint seal, take the sashes out, ease the runs, wax them and re-hang the window so it opens with one hand. £100 + VAT per window.
What we do
- Paint seal cut cleanly rather than the sash forced
- Sashes removed, runs and beads eased back to the right clearance
- Pulleys freed and cords checked while the window is open
- Runs waxed so the sash glides instead of binding
- Window tested top and bottom, and left opening properly
Frequently asked questions
Why has my sash window stopped opening?
Four common reasons: it has been painted shut, the timber has swollen with damp, the beads have been nailed too tight, or a cord has broken so the sash is jammed in the frame. All four are fixable without replacing the window.
How much does it cost to free a painted-shut window?
£100 + VAT per window. If a cord has gone as well, that is £250 + VAT and we do both in the same visit.
Will you damage the paintwork?
We cut the paint seal with a knife rather than forcing the sash, then ease the runs and touch in where needed. On a window that has been shut for years some touching up is unavoidable, and we will tell you that before starting.
Can you make an upstairs window open for fire escape?
Yes, and it is worth doing. A sash painted shut in a bedroom is a genuine safety problem, which is why we treat these as priority jobs.
Other sash window services
Sash window repairs near you
Freed, eased, re-hung
