Common Window Problems and How to Fix Them
Windows take a beating — especially in New England. Rain, snow, ice, temperature swings, and UV exposure all wear down wood, glass, and hardware over time. Here are the most common problems we see in Boston-area homes and how we fix them.
Rotten wood (sills, sashes, and frames)
Rot is the number one issue with wood windows. It starts when moisture gets into unpainted or cracked wood and creates the perfect conditions for fungal decay. Sills rot first because water pools on them. Left untreated, rot spreads from the sill into the sash and frame.
The fix depends on severity. Early-stage rot can be treated with epoxy consolidation — we remove the soft wood, saturate the area with liquid epoxy, then rebuild the shape with epoxy filler. Advanced rot requires cutting out the damaged section and splicing in new wood, matched to your original profile.
Foggy or cloudy glass
If you see condensation or haze between the glass panes, the sealed insulated glass unit (IGU) has failed. Moisture enters through the broken seal, and no amount of cleaning will fix it. The good news: you don't need a new window. We replace just the glass unit while keeping your existing sash and frame intact. This costs a fraction of full window replacement.
Windows that won't open, close, or stay up
In double-hung windows, this usually means broken sash cords, failed spring balances, or warped tracks. The sash cords connect to counterweights hidden inside the frame — when a cord breaks, the window won't stay open. We open the side pocket, replace the cord or chain, reconnect the weight, and restore smooth operation.
For casement and awning windows, the issue is usually a worn-out crank operator or hinge. These are straightforward hardware replacements.
Drafts and air leaks
Drafty windows aren't just uncomfortable — they cost you money. Common causes include worn weatherstripping, gaps between sash and frame, dried-out glazing compound, and wood that has shrunk with age. We address each cause specifically: install new weatherstripping, reglaze where needed, and adjust the sash fit.
Peeling paint and exposed wood
Paint isn't just cosmetic on wood windows — it's the primary moisture barrier. When paint peels, water soaks into bare wood, and rot begins. Regular scraping, priming, and painting extends window life by decades. We always finish our repairs with proper priming and painting to protect the wood going forward.
When to call a professional
If you can push a screwdriver into your sill and the wood feels soft, if your glass is cloudy between panes, if your window won't stay open, or if you feel a cold draft with the window closed — it's time for professional repair. Most of these problems only get worse and more expensive with time.
Contact Whole Window at (617) 982-1211 for a free estimate. We serve Boston, Newton, Brookline, Needham, Cambridge, and surrounding towns.