The document is a series of cautionary tales and warnings about what can happen when wood windows and sashes are not properly maintained. It warns that weathered wood and peeling paint are signs of neglect and that water, sloppy painting, unmaintained hardware, failed glazing putty, and dry rot are "not your friend" and can lead to deterioration and the need for replacement if the windows are not properly cared for and maintained. It stresses the importance of regular maintenance to prevent wood windows from "going bad."

1. Who Knows the Story Of the Farmer’s Daughter?
When Good Sash Go Bad….
A tale of sadness and heartbreak
about a good girl who, despite her
traditional upbringing from a
good family with solid, homespun
roots gets mixed up with the
wrong element and somehow
ends up in a life gone horribly
wrong….
A tale of sadness and heartbreak
about a sash that, despite quality
craftsmanship from an age gone
by falls victim to the ravages of the
wrong elements and is destined to
a life on the scrap heap unless
someone can save it!
But There’s Another Cautionary Tale
Even More Sad Than This One…!
A Tale of Despair!A Tale of Betrayal!A Tale of Heartbreak!

2. When Good Sash Go Bad!
Source: Cover of National Paint and Varnish Association pamphlet “How to Win Your War Against Water”, 1951.
There’s
usually a
Bad Boy
around!

3. When Good Sash Go Bad….
• Weathered wood can look nice
but appearances can be deceiving.
• Peeling paint is a sign you’re way
overdue for proper maintenance.
Remember: Water (on your sash)
is NOT your friend!

4. When Good Sash Go Bad….
• Don’t paint the jambs and parting
bead on Double Hung Sash!
• Paint at the check rail will eventually
need to be re-painted. Don’t ignore
this detail!
• Kiss the glass!
• Use a pro!
Remember: Paint is good but
sloppy painting is NOT your friend!

5. When Good Sash Go Bad….
• Chains and ropes need periodic
replacement.
• Tight latches shouldn’t be forced.
• Don’t nick up your pulleys.
• Weights are not optional.
Remember: Hardware is mechanical.
Unmaintained, hardware is NOT
your friend!

6. When Good Sash Go Bad….
• Putty takes weeks to skin
over before priming and a
full year to harden and cure
fully.
• Properly maintained, it will
last for 100 years or more.
Remember: Failed glazing putty is
NOT your friend!

7. When Good Sash Go Bad….
• Just because you don’t see
moisture doesn’t mean
you’re not having rot occur.
• Rot is a symptom– treat the
cause.
Remember: Dry rot is still rot and is
NOT your friend!