5 common window problems with simple solutions
Are you experiencing problems with your windows? Don't despair just yet – there may be a simple fix. Learn about 5 of the most common in our guide.
One of the pleasures of working in the window business is that you don't need to sell the concept, just the product. After all, no one needs convincing that windows are a fundamental part of your home or that a good-quality window is better than a bad-quality window.
Still, you'd be surprised at how many homeowners and renters neglect their windows. Most of us are on top of washing, ironing and cleaning, but windows? Someone will probably come around with a squeegee eventually.
This means many homes fall prey to common window problems – problems that typically get solved by ringing a maintenance worker.
We're not passing any judgment here. Life is quite complicated enough without adding "become a dab hand at window maintenance" to your daily agenda. Nevertheless, these problems can be frustrating, especially if you're unclear about what the source is.
The good news is that most of these common problems have simple solutions. Armed with these, you're likely to tear out less of your hair in the future.
First up: draughts.
1. How to get rid of a draught
Are you feeling a chill in winter that seems to be coming from the window? Or are your windows fogging up? It's probably down to an issue with the seal.
This is the rubber strip that's placed either between the frame and the wall or between the frame and the glass itself.
Getting rid of a draught isn't just about comfort, of course. It's also about thermal efficiency, which is important both environmentally and financially. At the end of the day, you don't want to be overspending on energy because of a problem that has an easy fix.
If there are gaps around the frame, block out the cold air with caulk or silicone sealant. If the gaps are between the window and the wall, you should look into weather-stripping – another material that's used to create a seal.
In both cases, it can be a DIY job or you can hire a
window repair specialist. Job done.
2. How to fix stiff windows
If you can't open or close your window without a fight, you've probably got a problem with the hardware.
It could be that the hinges are stiff. An easy way to diagnose this is by tightening and loosening the hinges' screws and seeing if that makes a difference.
It could be that the window is snagging on the frame. Check that the runner is free from obstacles and give it a spray down with a lubricant.
Or it could be that the frame has warped. If so, it needs sanding down to allow for easy opening and closing.
Still not sure? It might be time to
call an expert.
Window hardware is a surprisingly complex field thanks to the multitude of different windows on the market. A sash window, for instance, has different hardware from a casement window.
Unless you want to take a crash course in window repair, your best bet is to call in a specialist. They'll be able to quickly identify the problem and offer solutions. But simply knowing that hardware is the problem already gives you a head start.
3. How to clean mouldy frames
If your window frames are mouldy, chances are that you've got condensation. This is a perfect breeding ground for mould to spread.
As with all household mould, there's a long-term solution and a short-term solution. If you've got dinner guests and need to spruce up the window, or if you've started to notice that you're breathing in the mould, you can get a powerful spray and give it a good scrub.
If, however, you want to make the problem go away for good, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier. This sucks the moisture out of the air and prevents mould from proliferating.
There are other steps you can take to minimise mould. Perhaps the simplest is to open the window or windows in the room where you're drying clothes, cooking or showering.
Mould is nasty stuff – bad for your health as well as your home's aesthetic. Don't let it spread!
4. How to deal with discolouration
This is an issue that tends to affect older uPVC windows. If your window is turning off-white or yellowish, it could be because of prolonged exposure to sunlight, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, or exposure to cigarette smoke. Either way, you need to get a gentle cleaning solution and
rub the problem away.
5. How to repair rotten or cracked window frames
Wooden window frames can rot – and, in the long run, this can make them difficult to operate.
If the rot is really bad, you should get a specialist in. But if it's relatively minor, you can nip it in the bud by removing the rotten wood and replacing it with wood filler.
Wood filler can also cover cracks. As with rot, however, home remedies only work with minor problems.
Final thoughts
Window maintenance isn't a priority for most people. But a faulty window is worth avoiding for all sorts of reasons – not just your personal comfort but also your bank balance and even your health.
In all of these scenarios, you have two options. You can tackle the problem yourself with home remedies – or you can
get a professional in. The path you take will depend on the severity of the problem as well as your own skills.
It's also worth remembering that prevention is better than cure. If you regularly
clean your windows and check them for any issues, you're less likely to be faced with problems down the line that require specialist help and a hefty bill.
However you choose to approach the upkeep of your windows, we hope this guide will help you to identify any problems and fix them with ease.
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